It's been an interesting couple of weeks. I've been getting multiple phone calls from home buyers finding my real estate websites and contacting me for more information on homes that they are interested in.

That's great! Except for, most of these home buyers are doing research for their part time real estate agents. The phone call goes something like this:

Scenario #1

Home Buyer: Hi, I wanted to get more information on 1234 Main Street. I saw it on your website and wanted to see if you can show it to me.

Me: That's great. I would love to help. May I ask you, are you currently working with a real estate agent?

Home Buyer: mmm... yes... but, my real estate agent doesn't have time to show me the home. He or she is very busy. Can you please schedule an appointment for me.

Scenario #2

Home Buyer: I was driving through an area and saw a house that I liked. There's a sign for XYZ company, but they're not returning phone calls. I googled the address and your site came up. Can you please give me more information.

Me: Same answer - see above.

Home Buyer: Yes... I'm working with an agent, but your site is so informative and you seem so nice. You wouldn't mind giving me more information about this house, would you?

Scenario #3

Home Buyer: I would like to get more information on a Pasadena home that you have on your website. I called my real estate agent and he said that he didn't have access to the MLS, can you pull this up for him.

Me: SHOCKED... trying to think fast of an answer that will not offend.

Scenario #4:

Home Buyer: Hi, I'm calling to see if you have any short sales in Pasadena, Temple City or Arcadia.

Me: Sure... there are many homes available that are in the "short sale" process. Are you currently working with an agent.

Home Buyer: Well... I'm actually a lender looking for my client.

Me: Okay, no problem. Is your client working with a real estate agent?

Lender on behalf of Home Buyer: Silence... well... I'm doing all the pre work for my client. Just collecting information.

Me: That's great. But, isn't your client working with a real estate agent to help him buy a home?

Lender on behalf of Home Buyer: You see... once we find a home, I will represent him.

Me: Do you have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)? All the information on short sales is there.

Lender on behalf of buyer: silence and hang up

Okay, so I'm getting a little frustrated here.

Let me set the record straight. Real estate agents work on commission.

Minimum real estate agent responsibilities:

We explain the home buying process.
We ensure our clients are pre-approved and understand what they can and can not afford.
We find the right homes for our home buyers.
We negotiate the best price and terms.
We oversee all transactional details during the escrow process.
We close escrow.
Home buyer is happy and we get paid.

The best real estate agents will only work with 3 to 4 buyers at one time. Their time is limited because their focus and attention is devoted to their clients.

If you are a home buyer working with a real estate agent that is unable or unwilling to provide you with the attention that you deserve - switch agents. But, please, I beg you, do not call me and ask for information and cut into my time with my clients. It's simply disrespectful.

If you are a lender who is trying to make some extra money on the side dabbling in selling real estate. Let me tell you. It's not easy. If you're not equipped and trained and experienced to do it correctly, just don't. Save yourself and your clients the trouble. Refer your home buyers to a great real estate agent.

And, if you are a part time real estate agent that does not have the time for your clients because you have another full time job or do not have the money to invest in the MLS and other needed tools, well... you know what NOT to do...

This post was originally posted at http://www.irina4realestate.com/a-new-breed-of-real-estate-agents/