Please Don't Ask Me to Do Your Job

As we come into the busy season here in State College, PA, we're getting tons of showings on our listings.  I've been getting a lot of calls from buyer's agents asking me questions that they can and should be answering themselves. Working with buyers comes with a responsibilty.  You better be able to do research on the property for them. Doing that research does not mean call the listing agent and asking them to do the research for you.

If your buyer wants to change a single into a duplex don't call the listing agent and ask if it's possible before you even look at the property.  At least start by checking into the local zoning to see if it's allowed by law.

If your buyer is looking at condos don't ask me to pull your condo documents when you have access to the same county records that I do. Just because you've never taken the time to learn how to use them doesn't mean I'm obligated to do your job for you. 

Just asking the listing agent to do your research is frought with liability for you as well.  The listing agent is there to sell the property. They are going to paint everything in a good light. Take those words as gospel without finding out for yourself and you may be standing in front of your E&O insurer paying a hefty deductible. 

We're all busy, it's the nature of the business. I don't need to be any busier because you weren't trained properly as an agent or you're just lazy and expect someone else to do your job. When I represent a buyer I go into the situation not trusting the seller or listing agent. They're looking out for themselves. Do your own due dilligence and find out ALL the information for your client yourself.