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Loyalty is a two way street

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590

I have a client called me today and we were talking about looking at houses.  She is actually not in position to buy, I am helping her to improve her credit, give her some directions.  She will need quite a bit of time before she can buy.  But this story is not about her, is about her friend.

I have shown her friend a house last year, I will call her Ann here.  Ann was referred to me from this client, Ann didn't tell me she was working with an agent on and off until I met her at the house.  She apologized and I let it go.  That was then.

When my client called me today and we brought Ann up, she told me Ann fired 2 agents last year while looking for a house, she got fed up and continued the lease of her apartment.  Ann is still planning to buy this year, and my client told me Ann is so fed up with agents, whichever house she likes, she will call the agent on the sign and let the listing agent writes it up.  I told my client that's what Ann's problem is.  She has no loyalty at all.  This is what I told my client................

Loyalty is mutual, a buyer wants us to jump hoops to help them no matter what, then they called different agents when they want to.  An agent is not going to be loyal to you if you don't show loyalty in return.  Our time is often wasted on customers like that who do not respect our time and will not commit to one agent only.  Then they complain about the agent who does not want to help them.  An agent will not commit to help you when they know you don't show any commitment to them in return.  It is not rocket science, it is not hard to understand this at all.

I don't mind spending hours, days, weeks, months, even an year to help someone to get ready to buy, but, I am not going to help someone who I know they won't do anything to help themselves, and show no commitment to me.

Loyalty is a two way street.

photo courtesy : flckr.com  indichick

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Serving Marion, West Memphis, Crawfordsville, Hughes, Horseshoe Lake, and surrounding areas.  If you are planning to sell or buy, please feel free to give me a call, find out if I am the right agent for you.

 

 

 

Rita Fong, REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate Today

1813 Highway 77  Marion, Ark. 72364

cell:901-488-9590

office:870-735-4663

fax:870-735-4668

http://www.ritafong.remaxarkansas.com

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Comments (139)

Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Chris, we can only try, if it is not a good match, just let it go and move on to the next customer, that's what I do.

Feb 10, 2011 04:28 AM
Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

You are very right.  The problem with disloyal clients is that they think all the issues with their failure to find or buyer a house is always the agents fault.  It may be sometimes but in my experience, it rarely is.

Feb 10, 2011 04:32 AM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Brent, it is a business transaction.  I don't mind a customer interviews agents at the beginning, but I have problem with those who use agents for their benefits and knowing they won't use them as their agent.  When a client is loyal to us, that's how they keep coming back to use our service again and again, also gives us referrals.  Real estate is a business that builds on relationship to me. It is not just selling a product, it is how an agent establishes a trust and commitment with their clients.  I don't have any problem letting someone goes if he/she doesn't think we are not good match to do business.  It is frustrating, but we can't let it bothers us.

Feb 10, 2011 04:38 AM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Bryan, when a buyer keeps talking with different agents, they already lost track who told them what.  They eventually will find someone to blame.  My goal is to do my job to the highest level I can reach and no regrets if some disloyal customers want to walk away, it maybe a blessing after all. ;)

Feb 10, 2011 04:40 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Rita, I so agree that loyalty ought to be mutual, but some people are so headstrong they just want to do things THEIR way and it is best not to even start to work with them cause they will dump you in a minute.

Feb 10, 2011 04:46 AM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Gary, I agreed!  I learned from experience that not everyone I come across is a client, no matter a buyer or seller. If we can't be on the same page, the best is to work with someone else. 

Feb 10, 2011 06:46 AM
Craig Hatcher
Georgia Residential Realty, LLC - Atlanta, GA

You've hit it on the nail. You deserve loyalty just like respect!

Feb 10, 2011 06:54 AM
Kerry Jenkins
Prime Properties - Crestline, CA

I have been pretty lucky and have had some great loyal clients.  There are those few that I'll show a house to and then never hear from again, but that's fine. There must have  been a reason for it...

Feb 10, 2011 07:00 AM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Craig, we all deserve to have loyalty and respect in return when we treat our clients that way.

Feb 10, 2011 07:17 AM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Amy, my clients treat me with respect and loyalty, too.  I learned to cut loose on those who are not and move on quickly.

Feb 10, 2011 07:23 AM
eRealty Houston Real Estate
Buy, or Sell Homes in Corpus Christi - Corpus Christi, TX
Brokerage
You a right, that is why that first buyer meeting is so important. You have to let them know what your expectations are for them and what they can expect from you.
Feb 10, 2011 01:14 PM
J. Philip Faranda
Howard Hanna Rand Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY
Associate Broker / Office Manager

Rita- you rock. 

Feb 10, 2011 04:05 PM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

eHomes, it is.  It is always better to make it clear up front.

Feb 10, 2011 06:13 PM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

J.P. lol.

Feb 10, 2011 06:13 PM
Nathan Tutas
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Davenport, FL
Your Central Florida Real Estate Expert

I completely agree with you when speaking of US buyers. I work in a market where many of my buyers are from other countries. They can't be expected to know how the business works here so I cut them some slack. Good post though.

Feb 10, 2011 09:55 PM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale
Nathan, it may be understandable. I am from another culture, I always know what loyalty means, I never treated my agent like that before I was a real estate agent. It is strictly from person to person.
Feb 11, 2011 02:36 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Hey Rita,

first of all, congrats on the feature, and second, you hit the nail on the head.  Loyalty goes both ways. Great story to share :)

Feb 12, 2011 12:45 PM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Laura, thank you!!

Feb 12, 2011 01:20 PM
Mike Wong
Keller Williams Realty Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
Realtor: Commercial, Residential, Leasing, Invest

Rita that is so right. I often have to explain to my prospects the time and energy I invest into their transactions to determine if they will appreciate the work I do, or if they are going to burn out another agent.

Feb 23, 2011 10:23 AM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Mike, I have clients who I don't have to say anything at all, but some needs some explanations.  They are just like kids.

Feb 23, 2011 02:24 PM