Tired of Agents trying to intimidate with "I've got another offer"

By Deb Hemmann

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Clients Choice

January 26, 2007 02:45 PM

Would love to here some discussion. I feel it is totally unethical, but it seems to be happening more and more. Has other Rainers had similar experiences. I proceed with due diligence, but when it becomes apparent that the other agent is lying..I remain professional, but wish WE didn't have to deal with this.

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John Hruska

Homes Charlotte, LLC - Charlotte, NC

I have to admit, I've heard stories about this and it's never happened to me.

Jan 26, 2007 03:26 PM

Pete & Rebecca Tocco

Weichert Realtors Excel - Macomb Township, MI

Hi Deb. can't agree with you more, This is one of the reasons were rated as one step up form a car sales person.

Jan 26, 2007 04:26 PM

ARDELL DellaLoggia

Better Properties Seattle - Kirkland, WA

I find the few that lie are easy to spot. By and large people are honest. We use escalator clauses which force the agent to produce the other offer.

Jan 26, 2007 05:57 PM

Jennifer Fivelsdal

JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Red Hook, NY

Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

After a while I get to know the offenders and I just ignore them.

Jan 26, 2007 06:05 PM

Chris Griffith

Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL

Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent

Ardell, if you can cut paste or email the verbage for the escalator clause, I'd like to read it. We have used them in addendums during swift markets. Are they in your actual contract or as an addendum?

chris at BonitaSpringsAgent.com

Jan 26, 2007 09:31 PM

Renée Donohue~Home Photography

Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI

Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

I would be interested in seeing the escalator clause also.

In the best interest of my sellers I always disclose in writing when we have a multiple offer situation. That way everyone puts their best foot forward.

Jan 27, 2007 04:21 AM

Mario Levesque

Advantage Avenue Real Estate - Wesley Chapel, FL

Tampa Realtor

Hi Deb,

Welcome to the ActiveRain Blog network.

When you get a chance, visit the post below for tips and info on the many features found on ActiveRain.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/37303/For-Newbies-Getting-Started

Cheers,

Mario

Jan 27, 2007 02:47 PM

Mike Jaquish

Realty Arts - Cary, NC

919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

In NC, if asked, we have to disclose that there are other offers.

It is common to ask.

Now I have to go to CE, ASAP, where I hear we are now being taught how to shop offers.

"Shopping offers" makes me weak-kneed, just to consider it. It appears we will NOT shop offers in our Market Center. Good. I have dislked it when it is done to my Buyers.

Jan 28, 2007 07:08 AM

Michael I. Pulskamp

Mainstreet Brokers - Jackson, CA

REALTOR, EcoBroker, GREEN Desingnee

Don't you just want to say "Oh, Ok, I'll tell my buyers not to bother then." and watch the backpedaling.

Mar 22, 2008 08:55 AM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Lying? Now wait a minute. Aren't we all REALTORS, and bound by a code of ethics? Some must view that as just guidelines not rules. Seriously Deb, there are all kinds out there, and you just have to read them, and deal with them with your intuition and common sense. Don't lose any sleep over the bad apples. Don't believe everything you hear is what I say.

Mar 23, 2008 05:10 AM

Steve Mclaughlin

Prudential California Realty - Riverside, CA

I love the response by michael pulakamp. Just say "ok I will tell them not to bother". I can't wait to try it.

Mar 23, 2008 01:42 PM

Michael I. Pulskamp

Mainstreet Brokers - Jackson, CA

REALTOR, EcoBroker, GREEN Desingnee

WHOA THERE, I sad "don't you just want to..."

Think hard about this approach. Are you working in your principals' best interest? Maybe you would be better off talking it over with your client and seeing if they would like you to present their offer in person. That way you can point out each benefit one at a time, and you can mention that you and your clients understand that the listing agent has already got an offer for them, but you hope that the one from you and your client is better. Watch their faces, it will be obvious if the agent was playing you, and if so how do you think the sellers will feel when they hear about some other offer first from you? Don't ask about the other offer, but listen for any slips. sometimes lots of info will come out in these.

And if you are the listing agent and a buyers agent wants to present in person, Make darn sure that you clients know that they don't say anything. ANYTHING!!! until after the other agent is long gone!

Mar 24, 2008 06:44 AM

Michael I. Pulskamp

Mainstreet Brokers - Jackson, CA

REALTOR, EcoBroker, GREEN Desingnee

Why thank you Deb, I think presenting offers in person is a great way to work. It often can make a win-win happen in a tough spot. Not just in a questionable situation like you had.

Mar 24, 2008 05:19 PM

Nancy Murray

Keller Williams Clients Choice Realty, Colorado Springs, CO - Colorado Springs, CO

Your NICE Real Estate Agent in Colorado Springs

Hey Deb, when are you going to start blogging?

Nancy

Sep 08, 2010 12:26 PM

Comments(14)

Deb Hemmann

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