Here's a little story I tell new agents in the business.   Many years ago, during a pretty good market, I listed a "cream puff" home.  It was the kind of listing you love to have; perfect condition, well staged, and priced to sell.  A few days after I listed the little gem, I received two offers and advised both agents to come in with their "highest and best".  And they did.

Both "highest and best" offers were identical in every way.  Every single way.

One of the agents was a favorite of mine to co-broke with. Carole worked hard to get her buyer the best deal, but was very professional, cooperative and accommodating.  The other agent, Diane, was unpleasant, demanding, and combative when negotiating. Taking my advice, and with no other differences in the offers, the seller accepted Carole's contract knowing the transaction would go smoothly.  Carole has built an excellent reputation. Her buyer won because of it.

I tell that little story now because of something that happened today.  I have a condo listing located on a newer road.  It isn't listed on most GPS systems nor was it listed on our MLS mapping system.  I paid particular attention to make sure the written directions were very accurate but forgot to move the pin on the mapping.  I made a mistake.

I use HomeFeedback.com to obtain feedback on my showings. It is mailed directly to the seller.  Mark showed my condo listing yesterday and here was his feedback (his spelling, not mine):

The listing agent was either to lazy or incompetant to place the location properly in the MLS, so the buyer had a hard time finding the property.

After my blood pressure resumed normal levels (see photo), I responded: 

Mark,

(I have copied your Broker on this email.  If I was your Broker, I would want to know how you were conducting business.)

I can assure you I am neither lazy nor incompetent.  Sachem Drive does not appear on many GIS systems nor does it appear on the mapping system for MLXchange.  For that reason I was careful to give very specific directions on the listing itself.

I of course, should have placed the map point at least closer to the real location and thank you for pointing out my error.  I try to help my fellow agents when I see a mistake but do it in a professional and helpful manner.  Calling another agent lazy and/or incompetent is very unprofessional and probably grounds for a complaint since the feedback can go directly to the seller.

You'll find you will get a lot farther in this business if you treat your peers with a little more respect. 

Linda

His response:
Feel free to cc anyone you wish. Maybe you should cc your Seller too, so they can see how you run your business and their listing.

I don't normally use my blog to rant.  But he did give me permission. He's a young guy.  I'm guessing he's new in the business. 

What kind of reputation do you think he is building?

All names changed to protect the stupid.