But I Represent My Client Not Yours

Good Post. We can only represent one person at a time.

You know in the 'old days' the other agent always came to the table with a story. When fiduciary sides happened in full in IL, that stopped. There are still the people that seem to add way too much information to the negotiating like the 'old days'.  I've even been told that I negotiate 'strangely' because I just don't want to hear the background drama.  It's not my place & often times it puts their client at a disadvantage. Remember whom you work for plain & simple .....

Confucius say man (or woman) who walk in middle of road get hit by trucks going both ways. Stay on your side of the road and observe the rules.

As Harley said, “I can't find empathy in the real estate statute or law.”

I know of a few Agents who think that rules should bend for them and their clients. Blows my mind. They seem to have majorly misconstrued the meaning of the word "favor."

Very well said!  When you are a Seller's Agent, it is our job to represent the Seller...period!  It is a tough job at times, but it is part of being a realtor!

I will listen to the sob story, the agent is doing their job by explaining why they are making a particular offer or counter-offer.  If I have a specific reason for an offer, counter-offer or concessions asked for, I will explain why.  But once the story is out they have to understand our buyer's or seller's position - they had their say, they gave their explanation and hopefully seller and buyer can come to an agreement.  If not, then someone has to move on.

Great point Charita....it is one thing to advocate for a buyer or seller but parties have to remember that their loyalty and effort lies with their client

If they need more from the seller ask for it - if the seller says no they can walk.  That is the way it is.

Great title and I agree with your post. When agents tell me all the problems their clients are having, I ofte nwonder if they will be able to make it to the table.

Absolutely Charita. It is business not personal. Agents should keep sob stories to themselves.

Hi Charita, I agree and here in Florida our agency agreements require we prespsent our party first and foremost.

You ask a seller or buyer to sign a contract to put their trust in you to do the best job you can, if you are doing any less then are you holding up your end of the deal.

All true and always happens.  I try to help whomever I'm representing make the right decision for them in the end.  There are usually barriers both ways that often can be overcome without becoming emotional about them.  They often need to be evaluated objectively and with the clear objective of "means to an end" in mind.  It would be wonderful if sellers were always in the position to "contribute" (sounds so benign) to buyers closing costs but in the end all sellers have a bottom line, just as all buyers do.  There are lots of reasons buyers need help to purchase however sometimes buyers are in no position to purchase and seller contributions would be pointless and sellers usually ask.....if they can't afford to buy my home why are they looking at my home?  Sometimes the bottom lines are so far apart there is no way it will ever come together (assuming everyone is showing their true numbers).  Sad stories never generate more cash.  We all do what we can to make deals come together and keep the stories happy:-)!  

I work for my principal...end of story! We represent our clients interests everyday here in Puerto Vallarta and Bucerias Mexico where it is very important to have someone on your side looking out for your interests. Thats what we do.

Perfect.  Very well written and definitely right on Charita.  -Kasey