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Undercover Agent...

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty-California Coast Property Group

So this weekend we had stunning weather at the beach here in Oxnard, CA and I decided it was time to hit the streets, check out a few open houses, and check out the "competition" and how they sit open houses in an area that I live in.

This area is dominated by two agents who shall remain nameless as one is an Active Rain member, and the other, is the reason for my blogging this.

I walked into agent number 1's listing and was blown away by the model-like quality even though the property was built years ago. Almost every upgrade that we in the industry consider a plus had been featured and it was love at first sight. I wanted it for myself!

OpenHouseDrum roll please....Not only was it over-priced by a mere 250k, the listing agent sitting the open house was there with her husband who had just used the community pool, soaking wet, towel being used to dry his hair and the agent's mom sitting right across from her on a visit. This property had been on the market for well over 450 days and counting.

When I entered the property the agent didn't introduce herself, didn't get up from her seat, didn't ask me to sign in as a guest, and  pretty much gave me a nod to"have at it", in other words, tour it myself. There was a pre-printed information sheet for me to leave with, in black and white.  The whole experience left me begging the question "Who's mentoring these people or are they so established that they think they can kick back now and not service their listings?" Do we no longer have a fiduciary duty to our sellers to work tirelessly on their behalf to procure buyers when we list their homes?

Look, I'll be the first to admit I can be opinionated, but over-priced or not, this agent agreed to take the listing. I sincerely believe that it's their responsibility to their seller to market and treat this listing like all others...or maybe this is merely her MO.

Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

I am sitting here laughing at the great picture of the poor agent and their attention to their job.

Aug 16, 2010 06:44 PM
Juli Vosmik
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Hmmmmmmmm, or maybe it's a friend or relative who's letting her use it as a "listing" to get potential buyers? 

I at least hope the husband wasn't wearing a speedo.   LOL

Aug 16, 2010 07:06 PM
Sheila Rasak
Keller Williams Realty-California Coast Property Group - Camarillo, CA

Tim,

Poor attention to her JOB to say the least. I forget to mention that she did introduce her mother...now that should sell an over priced listing!

Juli,

Umm, hubby (who's also an agent) wasn't wearing a speedo, that's where I would have lost it in the laughter "pool" and would have lost it.  BUT... I just remembered the listing agent's attire: Bright pink velvet sweatsuit studded in rhinestones. 

I think I'll wear my PJs to work today and see if my Broker cares.

Enjoy your day and your jobs; I know I will mine!

Aug 17, 2010 01:52 AM
Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

Sheila - ROTFLMAO!!!  "Bright pink velvet sweatsuit studded in rhinestones."  OY VEY!!!  That was an image I could have done without.  It's times like that where I wonder how some agents manage to stay in business.

Aug 25, 2010 06:11 AM
Kim Dolan
BEACH VIEW REAL ESTATE - Oxnard, CA

Well what about the agent that puts all her open house signs up and then leave a note attached to the door saying she will be back soon...  She is off showing property to some buyers she just met at the open house...  The Sellers do not live in town... I am sure they would not be happy...

Sep 20, 2010 03:14 PM