I Really Don't Think BBA's are Such a Hot Idea

Well said for sure.  Agents with strong self confidence don't have the need to "corner" a buyer with a buyer agency agreement.

Thanks for the reblog, JA!  I feel as if I have "arrived" in SWS!  ;-)

Good morning Jennifer,

Great post..I mised this one so thanks for the re-blog..you are right..she knocked this one out of the park!

Hi Jennifer, I have to say I disagree with you about using the BBA, although I totally agree with your reasons for not using it!  I do use it, especially with first-time buyers, because it provides a terrific educational opportunity.  Before we're done with the BBA, we have also covered agency, inspections, buyer's advisories, and a bunch of other stuff that without the structure imposed by the BBA often gets overlooked.

My clients respond well to the way I present the material.  Although the contract has an expiration date, I am always willing to cancel early if a client requests it.  None have.

I view the BBA as an added service rather than a burden or "cornering" a buyer.  My clients see it that way too.

Hmmm-Interesting way to look at not using a Buyer's Representation agreement.  I, however, insist on using one when we get down to the nitty gritty of buying a home.  I don't really insist on one beforehand, (until we establish a relationship). 

I use this form to educate my clients on representation and the benefits of having it.  You see, if they don't know, they just might be prone to cheating, and not because they are mean and unfaithful, but because, well, they don't know.  If they happen to go house hunting by themselves one day at let's say an open house, find one they love and talk to the agent there, all that agent has to ask is if they are "contractually obligated" with another agent.  If they are not, then they are "open game".  The very last thing I want to hear from my clients is that, well, this agent says that they will give you credit for working with us or some such thing that causes me to lose my clients.  Having a representation agreement prevents some of this. 

Of course I always tell my clients that if I am not providing the service I said I would, then by all means, they may end the agreement.

Besides....my broker requires one :).  Great reblog!

Jennifer - While I'm not a Realtor or real estate agent, if I were, I'm certain I would make the BBA a part of my presentation - very much like Sally does.  I understand that a lot of Realtors and real estate agents have an issue with this because they feel like they're trying to "corner".  Personally, I find that mentality to be probably a much bigger obstacle to them establishing a relationship with a client than having them sign a BBA.

It takes a pro to build a great relationship with their clients and to educate them on the true meaning and purpose of a BBA and it's mutual benefits.  If you want to equate it to getting married, well you can't get married without a license, in other words, a piece of paper.  If you want to equate it to a spouse cheating, well we all know that's no guarantee.  It's not the piece of paper that's the problem but the ones engaged in the agreement.

Personally, I'm a relationship kind of gal and didn't let one bad marriage turn me off from the practice (currently on #2 and 15yrs strong - so far).  I like pieces of paper and as far as BBA's go, it's a mutually beneficial agreement between the agent and the client and is just as much for their protection as it is for the agent.  Quite simply, it's a part of the process and if you haven't educated the buyer on the process then they you've done them a disservice.  JMHO

I can see both sides no doubt.  I always wonder how many times agents actually pursue someone who buys with someone else even though they have a agency agreement?  I know it happens but I don't think it is all that often.

I feel the same way as you do.  If a buyer feels you are bringing value, working for them, and know your stuff they will be loyal.  Has worked for me for a long time.

AMEN! 

One thing I preach to the Newbies that come to our board each month: Life is too short to work with people you dont like.  This ranks right up there with that!

You will never feel more empowered than the day you fire your first client.. sooo hard to do the first time, but once you do ---- Ahhhhhh, Relief!

Brenda brings up a good point.  Educating folks so they don't inadvertently leave you behind is huge!  I explain the agreement and why it is beneficial to the client,  I don't push it at all and leave it up to them.  Usually they are happy to sign up, and if they aren't, then I use my own judgement as to whether I think we will click or not.  So far this has worked well for me.

Missed this one so thanks for the reblog Jen. This agent gives a different perspective on the Buyer's Agency.  I like it! But there's a point that you have to have someone sign something because not all people GET IT!.