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The 7 Shadiest Types of Clients You’ll Ever Meet

By
Real Estate Technology

Most prospects are all smiles when a transaction starts. The thrill of shopping or prospect of selling excites a lot of people, but beware of what lies beneath.

When you’re having your first conversations with your prospects, watch out for these seven client-types that are just as shady as they are dangerous to your business:

1. Financial Fumbler

When it comes to talking cash, many people get nervous. However, if you find yourself getting multiple answers to the same questions or being fed stories that don’t add up, stay on alert.

2. Under-Inspector

Motivated buyers are good, but overly motivated can be dangerous and hurt your reputation in the long run. Beware of those who are willing to skip the inspection, as they’re prone to blame you when they end up dissatisfied.

3. The Cheater

We’ve all had a service experience bad enough to make us want to switch providers. This happens in real estate too. However, when you get a lead from someone that already has an agent, beware. Over-helping before the lead is actually yours might be helping yourself out of a commission.

4. Commission Haggler

You know how much time goes into a transaction, but many clients and prospects have a hard time believing it. If you run into someone who wants you to discount your commission, sell your service. Show them the hours and activities you’ll put in to help them close. If they can’t see the value, don’t be afraid to move on.

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Learn the identities of more shady real estate clients on the Trulia Pro blog. Click the below image to read the rest of this article!

The Shadiest Real Estate Clients You’ll Ever Meet

Bill Reddington
Re/max By The Sea - Destin, FL
Destin Florida Real Estate

Should a buyer decide to skip an inspection they will sign something stating they don't want an inspection. Called cover your butt.

Sep 15, 2014 08:49 AM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

I like #4 the best, as a realtor told she tells those clients until I figure how to discount the service I give you I cannot discount my price! Well said! Have a great evening!

Sep 15, 2014 09:02 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

#4    Most Agents cannot negotiate the commission because they are not Brokers.   Many Brokers cannot negotiate the commission because their parent company / franchise will not allow them to negotiate it.  

       Bearing that in mind (you the Seller), the time to negotiate the commission is when the Listing Contract is being signed.  When an Offer comes in, it is NOT the time to negotiate the commission. 

 

Sep 15, 2014 09:08 AM
Terry McCarley
Coastal Real Estate - Cape Coral FL - Cape Coral, FL
REALTOR, SRES, CDPE - Cape Coral, FL

Great post and excellent point Bill Reddington  

Sep 17, 2014 12:38 AM
Carol Lynn Johnson
Re/Max Elite Realty - Franklin, NC
Residential Specialist

On #2, in NC, we have a form (not many Realtors use it - but I do).  It is a Professional Services Disclosure form.  When I have a contract (buyer or seller) I sit down and fill it out with them, then they and I sign and date.  If they 'waive' the home inspection, I am in the clear!  We also hand the buyer a "Questions and Answers on Home Inspections".  In it, it recommends all buyers have an inspection.  I also tell all buyers the same.........but occasionally I come across someone who wants to save the $300 or so and waive the inspection........as I see that as a red flag, I make sure I have the Professional Services Disclosure filled out and signed! CYA!!!!!

Sep 17, 2014 12:53 AM
Jon Quist
REALTY EXECUTIVES ARIZONA TERRITORY - Tucson, AZ
Tucson's BUYERS ONLY Realtor since 1996

Good tips for sure. And I like your link to Trulia Pro Blog, which I didn't even know existed! I love to learn at least one new thing every day.

Sep 17, 2014 01:21 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Oh, yes, these can be challenges, and one has to be on the watch for the red flags. If someone is not cooperative about their financials, including getting pre-approved right away, that kills it for me.

Any buyer waiving an inspection will sign a waiver to that effect that states they are not having an inspection which is NOT the advice of their agent

Sep 17, 2014 01:49 AM
Rob Arnold
Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. - Altamonte Springs, FL
Metro Orlando Full Service - Investor Friendly & F

I stress to our buyer agents to do everything they can to lock buyers into a buyer agency agreement before they spend much time with someone.  Buyers who are not motivated can be real time wasters. 

Sep 17, 2014 03:02 AM
John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Trulia Pro Blog This is great! I'm going to be passing this along. I know of a few folks who would really benefit from this including me! Thanks!

Sep 17, 2014 03:40 AM
John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Trulia Pro Blog This is great! I'm going to be passing this along. I know of a few folks who would really benefit from this including me! Thanks!

Sep 17, 2014 03:41 AM
Elisa Uribe Realtor #01427070
Golden Gate Sotheby's International - Berkeley, CA
Opening the Doors to California Homes -East Bay

...until I figure how to discount the service I give you I cannot discount my price...what's not to love about that saying!

Sep 17, 2014 01:39 PM
Tammy Adams ~ Realtor / Podcaster
Maricopa Real Estate Co - Maricopa, AZ
A Maricopa Agent who Works, Lives & Loves Maricopa

The #1 things is to always trust your "spidey" sense. Our gut knows more than anything! 

Sep 18, 2014 03:22 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Great list. I know I could come up with a few more if I just had the time to sit here long enough!

Sep 19, 2014 04:47 AM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Although I have met all of these characters over the years, I am pleased to say they have been few and far between.

Sep 19, 2014 05:27 PM