When I receive property calls, I am absolutely amazed by how afraid people are to talk with me. (If you met me, it would really amaze you because I am all of 5'2", and generally a very nice person!) They call wanting "just the facts," and may or may not want a showing on the property. It is funny to me that they would rather be a customer to any listing agent off of a sign than to be the client of one Realtor. Why is that?
When I deal with a customer, I owe that person honesty and fair dealing-that's all. I like to think that I go above and beyond to give them great service, and to try to establish a relationship of trust. That's just how I am. When I deal with a client, however, things are different. I owe a fiduciary duty to my clients. They are entitled to accountability, confidentiality, obedience, loyalty, and disclosure. My clients have the benefits and the protection of that relationship.
I also go out of my way to do much more work for my clients. One of my buyer customers will get facts about the property from MLS when I meet them at a property. My buyer clients, however, will get a market analysis of the area and all public information from the auditor (including estimated square footage, market sales, auditor's appraisal, etc.). I will also put in a phone call to the listing agent of the property to see if there is some other piece of information that will be helpful. On top of all of that, they are protected by a buyer services guarantee. If I do not perform the services that are promised to them, they are free to go somewhere else.
My sellers are automatically my clients because they are bound by the listing agreement between us and protected by a seller services guarantee. I owe them the same fiduciary duty and I go above and beyond for them in actively marketing their property and reporting to them.
No matter what, Realtors are required to deal honestly and fairly with everyone, but why be just a customer when you can have so much more?
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