Open Letter to Realtors: It Isn't Rocket Surgery

I've had experiences with agents that just astound me with the lack of professionalism, knowledge, and plain common sense.  It's helpful to agents if they've had some kind of business experience or have a background in business before becoming an agent.  You gotta get past basic business etiquette before moving on to Big Kids School where agents actually work with their client's best interest in mind, which INCLUDES good etiquette and consideration of other players in a transaction.

Some people are more interested in socializing or partying or whatever and treat their job as a nuisance rather than a profession.  That's just reality.  Sorry for the headaches you have to deal with. 

Rocket surgery -- good one!  Some people don't know how bad they are, and are in denial and self-delusions.  You'd think they licensing boards would do a better job of culling the swarm, but they don't.  

Hi Kevin... Rocket Surgery? Not me, but that's what my brother does. What non contributing agents don't get is that the whole transaction process is complicated enough without one of the members not communicating. The weakest link in the chain thingy. Do they have any idea how much grief they cause to so many? For all of us trying our best to make things happen for everyone in the best effort we can, this sours me. I'd a hoped a recession would have taken them out of the game!

I can understand your frustration.  Responding promptly is common courtesy although I have encountered others in the industry whose actions say something else.  Sounds like the agent needs to become more proficient in short sales, in MLS rules regarding status changes, and needs a refresher course in Real Estate 101.  Hopefully this will make a huge difference.  Great post!

Kevin, I am working on a transaction at this time that is a "runner-up" to your story.  We could not make these stories up, if we tried.

You should know all of the obstacles in a SS, so the buyers should be informed and understanding during and throughout the SS process. There are some things you can control in closing a SS as an agent and that is selecting a property that has the fewest obstacles.

There will always be incompetent people in any industry and you can look to our elected representatives as proof of this fact, can't you? Most people I know believe the POTUS is incompetent, so is it perception or reality? I guess, it depends on your tolerance, doesn't it? 

None of y'all come to Texas...the professionalism and knowledge and way of playing in the sandbox of agents out here has shocked me hard from my niche back in Cali...

When agents perform like that they do such a disservice to all involved in the transaction and actually do a disservice that slows down the process of selling the home.

Sadly there are some agents out there that do not serve their clients very well. They try to serve themselves better. But nobody can stop them because you need hard evidence to file a complaint and get them out off business.

Sunny greetings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

We have all had these Agents when dealing for our clients. It is all part of the beautiful landscape that make our job an art like sailing through calm or stormy waters. I never thought nor will I in the future think all Agents will be uniform and easy- it what make it an Ocean. Thus, the reason why we are here for Our clients... Great post!

Well, if real estate is not "rocket surgery" than perhaps it really could be considered brain science.  

I'll propose that if you are a REALTOR® (note the correct way to identify those who are members of one or more Associations of REALTORS® - all uppercase with the registered trademark identifier), than it is your obligation to file grievances with the Association the agent belongs to and follow through.  If you do not believe that the violation is severe enough to warrant discliplinary action, then taking 5 minutes to educate the offender could be time well spent.

If you, like me, were in a small town where everyone knows everyone, you would probably opt for the education option more often.

Just curious how your rocket surgery here helped that agent to do a better job or helped you reach the outcome you wanted for your client?

Hope the rant helped get some of the frustration off - so many weired and frustrating situations come up during short sales. I personally wouldn't get my clients involved in a short sale where the seller, listing agent or seller's lender are not willing to ride the horse they choose to the end. Nothing wrong with accepting back ups - just like any non-short sale transaction - but if they can't protect our 1st position until there's a response (rejection, acceptance or counter) from the seller's lender(s) then we're not going to waste our time with it. And what goes around comes around (bump in, bump out - wasted of time unless one is looking to add to their frustration quota).

Kevin,

I feel your pain. I am actually a perfectionist so this agent would have drove me crazy. I have had my share of deals fall apart from the lack of response and experience. I too always ask that if the seller is declining or countering to please do it in writing. It helps prevents verbal errors and also a documents that the offer was presented. I hate to say that but some agents don't always present offers if they have one of their own  I got caught up in one of thos type of situations. Well I hope in the end that your clients get the house if they still want it after all the nonsense comes to an end.

Best of luck to you always

I don't understand but suppose your state allows offer after offer to be submitted or something here when an offer is accepted there is no more presenting of offers. 

Charles - it's not a state thing - sometimes the seller's lender requires that the seller and listing agent attempt to bring additional offers as they are not totally happy with the one they have. It's a short sale thing - and part of the "con" side of short sales. The seller's bank  wants all parties to "try" to bring something better while they figure out what they want to do with one it hand. And they could care less about real estate industry common/courteous practices.

Unfortunately, I know exactly what you mean. It is frustrating when working with those that seem to always be on the lower end of the information chain! YIKES,

JC in Vegas

I had to bite my tongue this week when an agent swore that my seller's water heater that was located in the attic would NOT pass inspection due to the location because it did not meet current building code.  Wrong and wrong!

I think you are good with your rant. We have all been there and got that T Shirt. If you haven't, then you are "that" agent who drives us batty.   LOL

Don't you just love short sales. Some people are better at their jobs than others. Realtors are no exception. Just keep following up and temper your Buyer's expectations.