When you hire a Real Estate Agent to sell your home, it’s imperative that you don’t hire a Secret Agent.
Well you may be wondering, “What exactly is a Secret Agent”. A Secret Agent is a Real Estate Agent that…….. Instead of giving you a definition, I would prefer to answer this question with the following story:
As a Real Estate Broker I work with both buyers and sellers. One of my past clients referred me his sister. He said she was a first time home-buyer and wanted to buy something asap. I spoke with her briefly over the phone, connected her with a reputable lender and met with her in person to do buyers consultation.
I explained to her that the inventory was low and that there were a lot of multiple offers on most properties, but if we make it a point to see a property as soon as it hits the market, we’ll have a better chance of finding something. So I did my part. I set up an MLS alert to let me know asap when a property hits the market that meets her criteria.
A couple of days ago the perfect property appeared. The right location…right square footage…right number of bedrooms and bathrooms and so on. So I’m excited. So I did what any other Real Estate Agent would do, check to see what the showing instructions were. Well this one was by appointment only, no lockbox. So I immediately called the listing agent. He didn’t answer. So I left a message. I called his office and no one answered. So I left a message. Then I emailed him.
Unfortunately no return call and no response to my email.
So the next day I repeated the same process of calls and emails while working diligently to make sure I responded to the numerous calls, emails and offers subject to inspection on one of my listing. Although I was working with a qualified buyer, I didn’t turn into a Secret Agent. I called the seller to discuss the offers received along with a game plan. I returned emails and phone called promptly. Also I answered my phone when I could instead of letting it go to voice-mail. I set up as many appointments as possible to view the property the next day. I contacted each agent that submitted an offer to let them know that the seller would be making a decision this evening. Lastly I contacted the agent whose clients offer was accepted and I contacted the agents whose clients were not accepted along with asking a few agents if their client would like be our backup offer. As for this one, it’s in escrow. Hooray!!!
As of today, the day I wrote this blog, that perfect property that matched my buyers criteria, is still on the market. It’s reflecting active. Not pending. My buyer drove by and she likes it and she wants to see, but we’re dealing with a secret agent .
If you’re thinking about selling your home, don’t hire a secret agent. Call Sharon Sanchez a Real Estate Broker and Realtor that specializes in handling short sales, distressed sales and regular sales. I can be reached at 310-989-5209 or by email at Sharon.Sanchez@RealtyWorld.com .
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