Realtors are to guide, give advice and do all that they can to put their client in a good position to achieve their real estate goals. Some agents are afraid of their clients. They're afraid if they push back, offer a difference of opinion or challenge a scenario that they'll upset their buyer or seller and lose a potential sale.
That's a damn shame.
Sometimes I like to think I know everything, but, like my dad said, overtime you will earn to listen more. I find myself listening more and more to people who are professionals in their craft. If I don't trust them, I don't hire them. You should ask questions. But you shouldn't expect your agent or hired professional to agree with everything you say or do.
A real estate agent is here to push back. We shouldn't be afraid to lose business because we disagree with our clients. If my seller wants to list their home for 20% more than the comparable sales I am going to tell them it's "Not wise." I will also tell a buyer why they shouldn't buy a home instead of agreeing that the airport behind their fence is not a big deal.
Sometimes agents send me something that makes absolutely no sense. Their excuse is that they didn't want to "go there" with their client.
GO THERE.
Appeasing a client for the sake of an argument could destroy the transaction, cost people money and hurt a lot of feelings. Strong headed people like being put in check (if done respectfully and professionaly). Strong headed people have to be handled / coached and taught why they are not correct sometimes. They're no different than anyone else.
When I go to Subway or Sconic the employee takes my order. That's their job. They aren't represnting my taste buds best interest. When I go to an everyday restaurant like Olive Garden (which I don't) I have a waiter. Waiters sometimes offer suggestions, but ulitimately I tell them what I want. Once in a blue moon (love blue moon) I will take my wife to an extremely expensive restaurant that might run several hundreds of dollars to enjoy. There they have servers, not waiters. When the server hands me a wine list it's usually a small book. I rely on his experience to make a suggestion as I don't consider myself a wine expert. I love hearing the server give me advice on what to eat. The chef's make some great stuff at Brenners On The Bayou here in Houston.
As the price of the experience goes up, so does my reliance to have someone help me. The more money I spend, the more I expect someone to give me advice and guide me. If the agent isn't leading, then you're helping them get a commisison they aren't earning. This rings true for throwing your grandaughters boyfriend on a deal because you want to help them. If you want to help them, tell them to do their job or you will find someone else that will. They'll be a better in Realtor in the long run. Better Realtors = happier consumers.
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