Another awesome post from Greg Nino, agent extraordinnaire in Houston Texas. I am reblogging this post because I recently encountered a similar experience with one of my clients and felt getting this information out there could help other buyers who don't understand the role of their buyer's agent.
Thanks Greg!
Via
Greg Nino Houston Texas (RE/MAX West Houston Professionals):
A buyer who has an agent should use them 100% not 50% or when it's convenient. If your agent isn't willing or able to be available on a frequent basis then maybe you should fire that agent. I would.
All to often buyers will call me directly when they have an agent. Here are some of their mistakes:
1. They think if they call me that I'll give them "inside scoop" about the seller, the price or other information that might help provide them some opinion. None of this will happen, not with me.
2. They call acting like they don't have an agent, when they do. This is a poor decision. I am MORE than happy to show my listing to ANYONE as my duty is TO SELLL the home, so please don't be dishonest or sneaky about it. I am HAPPY to be clear and honest to potential buyers, and I would love to be treated the same way. :)
3. Buyer's some time think that "they'll do all the footwork" then let their agent do the paperwork. Another horrible decision. FIRE YOUR AGENT & find a new one. Agents are not meant to be paper pushers or robots.
Recently a "to be tenant" called giving me her ~sob story~ about her financial background with hopes to win me over on a personal level. She said "she didn't have an agent." I began speaking to the seller, negotiating the deal and so forth. I even asked if she had an agent & she said.. "no." When it came time to write up the paperwork she said. "I'll have my agent call you." She LIED. The agent eventually called and said they had been working together the WHOLE time. I explained this to the seller and guess what? She was disqualified for being both deceitful and untrustworthy. My client didn't want to "deal with her." I don't blame him.
********************
Your Buyer's Agent should be worth their weight in GOLD & not an ounce less. If your agent is substandard then expect to achieve substandard results. If you don't TRUST your agent 100% then you've got the wrong Realtor.
It is in YOUR best interest to NEVER call the listing agent about negotiations. If you want a price, sure. Have a question about property details? Fine. Not a good idea to ask.... "how much will the sellers come down."
Buyer's Agents work for Buyers. Don't "let" them earn their money - MAKE THEM.
;)
;)
That is a great post JoAnna and certainly worth the repost.