Never underestimate the power of a well liked buyer's agent, especially when it comes to complex transactions such as a Sacramento short sale. If the listing agent respects the buyer's agent and that agent has worked hard to build and maintain an excellent reputation within the real estate community, those factors influence whether the buyer's offer will be accepted.
Of course, agents who are REALTORs are not allowed to bad mouth each other -- it's against the Code of Ethics. But don't for a minute believe that other agents don't talk amongst themselves. Word gets around. Agents who sash-say into offer situations making demands, barking orders, refusing to comply with the listing agent's requests, ignoring protocol and making themselves a general nuisance to be around very well could be sabotaging their buyer's offers.
I learned a long time ago -- before Gidget was a nun and could fly -- that it pays to be nice to people. It's such a simple concept. An agent can be right as rain but if that agent throws around his or her weight to try to force an issue, that agent will lose in the long run. And by extension, so will that agent's buyer.
Sometimes agents forget that this is a people business. It doesn't matter whether your agent is working on a short sale offer for you or the home is owned by a regular seller who is not in distress, if your buyer's agent is difficult, your offer may not stand a chance.
My responsibility as a Sacramento short sale agent is to represent my clients honestly and ethically. I genuinely want what is best for them. When I represent a buyer, my objective is to get my buyer's offer accepted. I don't let personalities get in the way. When I represent a short sale seller, my objective is to find that seller a buyer who will perform and whose offer is highest.
Before all else fails, why not follow what your mother probably told you -- you'll get much further with honey than with vinegar.
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Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout Sacramento. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you.
The Short Sale Savior,by Elizabeth Weintraub, available through bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.
Sacramento Short Sale Agent, Elizabeth Weintraub, has the answers to your Sacramento short sale questions.
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