Special offer

Pleasantly surprised to be dealing with a good agent

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Austin Texas Homes, LLC 453249

I hate to say this, but I guess I've grown accustomed to mediocrity in our business.  Below average is often the norm.  It seems like most tranactions that I've handled over the past year or two have been with agents that seem less-than-interested in making a good impression, or even in making the deal work.

The past couple of weeks, I've been very pleasantly surprised to be dealing with a broker who is, simply put, easy to get along with and pleasant. Why is that a surprise, rather than business as usual?

I've been to a good number of real estate conventions and gatherings over the years, and the people I meet almost always seem amicable enough, friendly and outgoing.  There's really no reason to think that they would be difficult when conducting business, but for some reason, these friendly folks turn serious and inflexible when there are sales to be made.

Dealing with this particular broker (whom I may name later, once the deal is funded) has been a breath of fresh air.  He is invariably upbeat yet laidback, which is probably partially just his personality and partly from his own experience as a business owner dealing with hundreds of transactions over the years.  We work well together, and it barely even seems like work.

One of the biggest differences can be expressed in one word: COMMUNICATION

When I call him, he is available or quick to respond.  I give the same courtesy to him.  Thankfully, I haven't felt he need to screen his calls, because he doesn't belabor every point, and he's not rude in expressing them. I would actually recommend that his clients use him again.

Along with this good agent/broker I've been fortunate to have terrific, motivated clients on both sides of the deal.  No drama.  No weird personalities. No odd requests at the last minute.

Kinda feels like 2006 again.

Posted by

 

If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary website at www.austintexashomes.com.  Thanks!

Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Jason, first, you have the dubious destinction of being the first post I have featured in the Bananatude group! You were my first and I won't soon forget...

I know those agents, the ones when your buyer wants to see one of their listings and you kneel down and say a prayer that the buyers hate the house....

Or when one of those agents calls to show your listing and you find yourself torn.... because you know if they bring in the offer you life will be a living hell.

There really is no reason for bad behavior, none at all.

drum roll please, I hope I get this right.....

 

Featured in the group "Bananatude"

bananatude

 

Feb 03, 2011 10:41 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

I did the same the other day. . this agent was perfect!

Then I  realized I was doing both sides! :)

Feb 03, 2011 10:59 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Jason I had this same experience this past week - and honest to goodness professional agent that was so pleasant to work with - just like the 'old' days of the 90's and up. Communication and working together - what a concept.  Congrats on being Andrea's First Tude Feature - How cool is that!

Feb 03, 2011 11:33 PM
Kathryn Maguire
GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA
Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

Isn't that the best feeling?  A no-drama transaction!  If only it were the norm but I fear that we still have a culling of the herd that needs to occur before we weed out the less-than-stellar agents.

Feb 04, 2011 12:09 AM
Larry Story ALC
Total Care Realty - Greensboro, NC
Beneath it all is the Land, Covering all of NC

Jason,

Glad you have gotten to have that rare "smooth" transaction.  Of course that does not mean there are not any hiccups but that everyone is pulling together, communicating and working to the same end goal to get the home closed.  Like you to many times the other side is combative and not a help in making that transaction work.

Feb 04, 2011 12:18 AM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Jason...

Unfortunately, this days it is the exception rather than the norm. That's what makes it so special!

Featured in the Group "Whacked!!!"

Feb 04, 2011 12:27 AM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

One of the first things I express to agents is that it's important that we have strong communication between us as the transaction progresses. Sometimes it works out that way, sometimes it doesn't. Glad to hear that you're dealing with an agent who gets it. Woudn't it be nice if they all went this smoothly?

Feb 04, 2011 12:55 AM
Peggy Chirico
Prudential CT Realty - Manchester, CT
REALTOR® 860-748-8900, Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate

I have worked with some amazing agents (as well as some stinkers) but I always remember the great ones and can't wait to work with them again.  What more must be said? I wish more people realized this.

Feb 04, 2011 01:17 AM
Diane McDermott
Realtor®, GRI, Landis e2 Real Estate, LLC - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte NC Real Estate Market

Jason, It is sad that it's not this way all the time, (respectful) communication really is the foundation for a great working relationship.  I've been fortunate lately myself with cooperating agents - hope that trend continues!  I've also thought that I'd actually recommend them as an agent which is one of the greatest compliments I think we can earn from our colleagues - it says a lot!

Feb 04, 2011 01:37 AM
Gail Robinson
William Raveis Real Estate - Southport, CT
CRS, GRI, e-PRO Fairfield County, CT

Jason - Believe it or not I've just had my first very good experience with an REO agent.  She's professional, focused, knowledgable, and communicates well and often.  What a breath of fresh air. 

Feb 04, 2011 01:54 AM
Steve, Joel & Steve A. Chain
Chain Real Estate Investments & Mortgage, Steve & Joel Chain - Cottonwood, CA

Jason,

You topic represents a value that I'm not sure a lot of professionals share.  Reputation among peers can't be over emphasized. Working well with others... works well.

Best,

Steve

Feb 04, 2011 02:11 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

It is a shame but true that when we run into a good agent it is the exception rather than the norm. Of course we all presume others think of us as a good agent when dealing with us, maybe not, but we can hope.

Feb 04, 2011 02:47 AM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

Jason, how kind of you to hightlight this <agent>!  All the best for a smooth closing... 

Feb 04, 2011 03:51 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Jason, it is great that you had a good experience, lately I have been blessed last four closings they were all smooth and had professional agents on the other side. I find that yes Communication is the key. Now with Texting, Voice mail, e-mail there is no excuse not to have good communication.

Feb 04, 2011 08:52 AM
Kim Dean
www.GoSimplyTexas.com - McKinney, TX
Simply Texas Real Estate - Broker/Owner

Jason - you summed it up perfectly - 2006 did seem like a much more pleasant time! I always make sure to mail a personal note to the other agent after closing if I enjoyed working with them. I think it can go a long way...and then I always look forward to future transactions.

Feb 04, 2011 02:49 PM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Jason: I can concur...  SO many great social agents can be horrors when you have a deal with them... inflexible, unbeding, not reachable.... It is so ncie when you place a bid to hear the other agent say ' I look forward to working with you -  again..."  Best, Gay

Feb 05, 2011 02:51 AM
Maria Morton
Platinum Realty - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate 816-560-3758

Wow, a good agent to co-op with, and two good clients - this is a dream come true!

Feb 05, 2011 09:28 AM
Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty
Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty - Mount Dora, FL
Homes for Sale Mount Dora Realtor

Jason,

Good agents are like GOLD in this business, better yet platinum!

I referred a seller to an AR member who looked good based on what they put on their BLOGS and personal website.

Short story.  They got the home under contract in about thirty days and that seller is now under contract to buy a home here in sunny FL.

That agent got the job done....

Feb 05, 2011 01:27 PM
John Cannata
214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX
Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Its always great to work with someone that is professional and communicates ongoing. Congrats on the fantastic transaction and business relationship.

Feb 08, 2011 05:35 PM
Alan Kirkpatrick
Austin Texas Homes - Round Rock, TX
Alan in Austin

Always makes it easier when you get a good agent. Have a great week.

Apr 15, 2011 07:38 AM