Reaching Across the TableIs a new day dawning in real estate?  I'm currently in various stages of four transactions and am finding a new level of professionalism that had slipped by the wayside a few years ago.

Three of the properties are my listings and each of the buyer agents are on top of the documents and time schedules even when we have had a few technology issues no one is losing their cool.  My listing in Westridge is under contract with another local Active Rain blogger Peggy James and it has been like old friends working together even though we still haven't meet face to face.  While I was out of town Peggy kept her clients calm while I dealt with multiple three way phone calls to my clients to come to agreement on contract terms.

A few miles down the road another RE/MAX Allegiance agent and I have had the hardest time getting our fax and emails to talk to each other.  In this case I am working with the buyers and despite it all we just call, laugh and go to plan B.  He hand delivered the condo documents to the buyer and since her husband is deployed the sellers are accommodating schedule changes to make sure she is comfortable with signing all of the documents herself.

My new construction listings always have a level of complexity.  Scheduling all of the finishing work can be a chore and I have two under contract now with different requirements.    It never fails that contractors find an issue that they weren't expecting when they go to install the buyer's custom finishes.  Again the buyer's agent has worked with his client's to help them understand the electrician has to be there before the painter and the painter can't finish until the flooring is installed and on and on and on.

A few years ago it seemed like every time I picked up the phone an agent was yelling about something and the world was coming to an end.  Today I'm happy to answer my phone and hopefully the other agents are also happy to hear from me too.  Hopefully this is a change that will continue into the future.  Professionalism in our current market goes a long way to smoothing over the bumps that are sure to happen in every transaction.

                No Hassle-No Pressure-Just Straight Talk About The Northern Virginia Real Estate Market

If you are interested in learning more about the Northern Virginia Real Estate market including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group, Inc a call at 703-346-2213. 

Military Relocation Specialist serving military families relocating to and from the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, Quantico MCB and all of the Military District of Washington installations. 

Check out www.varealestatetalk.com and www.cjrealtygroup.com for more information.
CJ Realty Group Woodbridge VA 

Licensed in Virginia



 

 

 
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55 Comments on Reaching Across the Table-Listing Agents & Buyer’s Agents Working Together

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

FEB
07
2009
204,720 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Isn't is nice to work with Pros?  With the recent thinning of the heard, hopefully we are down to the pros now!
9:17pm • #36

Cindy, I think the market is flushing out a lot of the jerks.  I'm also noticing much more professional colleagues.
9:24pm • #37
425,063 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Cindy - now that you mentioned it... yes, I think it was been more pleasant lately. It is also extremely helpful when other agents know you and that you get things done and are easy to work with. We have lately found this especially in multiple offer situations :) - ~Rita
9:51pm • #38

Thanks for your thoughts....how right you are about the importance of professionalism, particularly in these challenging times.  Sounds like you take your job seriously!

At least for me, it seems that I work with the best.....and then the other extreme.

In this day & age of MULTIPLE available means for communicating (cell phones, v/m, e-mail, Blackberry's, etc.), I am continually amazed at the number of agents out there who place little or no importance on timely responses.

Bottom line....our clients are the ones who pay the price!
Edith Schreiber - www.HomesofDallasTexas.com
9:55pm • #39

Cindy- SO great to hear!  This is what our business should be all about!
10:02pm • #40
Hit Router

Cindy,

I am experiencing the exact same thing.  I think it is a combination of unexperienced agents leaving the business and the rest grateful for the business they have...

good luck
10:05pm • #41
FEB
08
2009
103,426 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

That's so refreshing!  Hopefully soon, all will realize this isn't a combat sport!  I've been fortunate enough to spend my career in a small town where bad behavior is usually rewarded by lunch with a seasoned veteran.  It's one invitation you don't want to get from what I hear!
12:50am • #42

Congrats on your steady flow of positive, smooth, and professionally-handled transactions!
1:50am • #43

Congrats on your steady flow of positive, smooth, and professionally-handled transactions!
1:50am • #44

As a lender, I have felt like referee for few years now.  I have noticed a change in the professionalism of all parties as of late.  I believe the people that were causing the proplems have been forced out of the business.  Whether it is by bad behavior or market conditions they are going.  The cream will always rise to the top.     
2:02am • #45

Excellent point to be stressed, Cindy. I find the longer I work in this field (5+ years now) the more business I get from (and give to) other agents with whom I've had smooth transactions in the past. When people ask about where business comes from and I say "mostly referrals" they don't realize that many of those referrals are from local agents, which is a huge bonus to any REALTORs business.
5:52am • #46
156,508 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog

So true! Every conversation I have with another agent these days is supportive, friendly and upbeat. I had an agent apologize the other day because she coudn't reach her client who had been rushed to the hospital and she was sorry it was inconvenient for my client! Is this the return to civility and "it ain't all about me" that seems to have gone by the wayside while the market was hot? I hope so!
7:46am • #47
1,098,667 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

This professionalism makes real estate so much easier.
8:48am • #48
627,300 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

This is happening all over.  Maybe the Un...professional's have left the building.  Sure is easier to work with buyers, sellers and realtors when all cooperate.
10:18am • #49
690,810 Points 84 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Cindy - That is awesome !  Professionalism goes a long way in building relationships, not just with clients, but with other realtors as well.  Thanks for sharing that.  Is a great reminder for all of us !
11:01am • #50
389,734 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

This is so good to hear...I think alot of 'wanna be Realtors' dropped in '08, and we should see many more drop this year.  It's time to get back to the basics of being professional, first and foremost.  2 good agents working together for one end goal is always such a great experience!  Hope it continues for you!  The last couple of deals I have had have been positive as well, come to think of it....hummm.
11:29am • #51
254,360 Points 58 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Cindy,

This is a sign of the times, I think everyone is being more curtious cause they realize we are under the gun. If we, as realtors, wanna stay afloat we need to be better than ever, and this is a sign of the good realtor's shining through. Great story and keep up the effort!

-Lisa
1:27pm • #52

Maybe not quite the level of professionalism that I am hoping for, but many agents seem to be a bit (or even a lot) nicer now that the market has changed. Funny, huh?

 

Oh and great post.
5:38pm • #53
FEB
09
2009

I have recently gone through a short sale closing that encountered just about every problem you can get. Every day brought a new problem or delay that left the seller and/or buyer agitated and/or upset and guess who bore the brunt of it? It was a very difficult situation and put a huge strain on both me and the buyer's agent but we managed it all better by being supportive towards each other. As we were in daily contact with each other and both aiming for the same goal (get it closed!) we developed quite a rapport so maybe it's the fact that we're all having to work harder in difficult times that's creating a bond. Whatever the reason, I know that working together made a very stressful period more manageable.......and successful.
7:12am • #54
227,631 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I think one good thing about a market slowdown is that it leaves only the true professionals in the business. I am as busy as ever and enjoying my job more than ever. Thanks for the good news!
9:55pm • #55

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Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Woodbridge, VA

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Address: 12804 Marblestone Drive, Woodbridge, VA, 22192

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