Top 10 things every Realtor should know ... Newbie or not!

So why am I posting this here?

Because sometimes I think it really should be taught in Realtor 101, (or at least by your broker) but since it is not, here is my list of TOP 10 NO-NO's every Realtor(R) should KNOW KNOW:

1. Don't give your client the lock box code (EVER)!  Do we really have to say this?
2. Make sure you account for ALL funds in a timely manner as required by state law.
3. Know the contract inside and out!  At least know the basics and have your broker review EVERYTHING (if you are new) don't submit SLOPPY work, especially on a contract, this is a CONTRACT, and the last thing you want is litigation and an attorney ripping this 'fili-in-the blank' document to pieces because it has so many mistakes on it.
4. Pay attention to deadlines. There are deadlines for escrow deposits, lender committment, survey, termite, etc.   Make sure you know when those dates are and mark your calendar the day before.
5. Make sure others know where you are.  In this day and age, don't get in the car with complete strangers, espeically if you have a bad, funny, off, not-quite-right feeling.  This is your intuition telling you, "No" or warning you something is wrong!
6. Make sure your client is approved (not just pre-qualified) BEFORE you show them 20 houses!
7. Return your calls in a timely manner.
8. Pay attention to the details.  Many times this is EVERYTHING... your clients count on your for this.
9. Get a Home Inspection.  Make sure you insist that clients get a home inspection or sign a waiver to show that you tried to get them to do a home inspection.
10. Treat your client like they are mom.  You should treat your client as you would a very cherished member of your family, mom, dad, grandparent, sibbling, niece, or your own child.  Don't let them buy something that you would not sell to a near and dear family member, tell them anything you would tell a family member, and if you would not buy the home because the home inspection was aweful, tell them that!  They will respect you in the end, and remember you forever!

Inspired by Broker Bryant's - recent post (can't we all just get along) just kidding!  My comment was so lenghtly, I felt the need to repost it here and create a blog post about it.

Agreed!  I am all for everything 100% on this post, except # 6.

Not to be rude, but my take is this, if I have time GREAT I will help, but if not, isn't that what they pay their broker a % of their commission for? 

I got an offer so badly written about a week ago, I was so aggravated (at the day in general) and meeting deadlines etc, then I get this god-awful "where the F** did you get your contract training" from a agent with a brokers company that has a reputation for extremely SLOPPY WORK.

I was so appauled at how this agent could send this over, then I asked "With all due respect, I was there once, but Are you new?" adamant that she was not, I said, "there are a lot of things on here the really conflict with each other, you really should get with your broker, have him or her review it, and send me an offer that makes sense".  

I don't have time to babysit another agent, I am always cordial, and I go above and beyond to help others, but I just can't tell you how to fill out a contract, and go over the basics".

Have your broker do this, this is why you share your commission with them.

Katrina Madewell

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