If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you already know how I feel about email. Simply put, it’s a super effective marketing tool and a great way to send quick informational messages, but it is not an appropriate way to negotiate anything… especially the details of a real estate transaction. So much can be accomplished by just picking up the phone and having a 5-minute conversation. In a dialogue, there’s less opportunity to read between the lines, to misinterpret the other agent’s meaning. And, if there is back and forth, it can occur much more quickly and efficiently in a phone conversation. Then (and only then) follow up with an email.
4 Things You Should Never Say to Another Agent
Nevertheless, some agents still love email and use it for absolutely every sort of communication. Here are 4 phrases that I’ve seen in emails to other agents this past week, and what I believe that you should never (ever) say to another agent.
- “I’ve done a ton of transactions, and I know…” In addition to the funny little fact that a ton could be just one sale (as a house weighs more than a ton), it’s not appropriate to brag or tell other agents how it is—especially if you are a buyers agent hoping to get the listing agent to work with the seller and accept your client’s offer. If you believe that the other agent may benefit from your expertise (and you may want to check the other agent’s production before saying such a thing), it would be better to say, “I’d be happy to help you out in any way that I can, if it means that I can get my clients into this property.” Showing off isn’t cool. (Read about the Dunning Kruger Effect here.)
- “I guarantee you that we will close next Friday.” You are just the listing agent. You are not the financier (in most cases), and you cannot control the actions of others. Know that if you do say such a thing, you may need to put your money where your mouth is. It would be better to say, “According to the lender, everything looks good for us to close next Friday.”
- “You need to get over there right now and open the door for my contractor.” Admittedly, this one was a text to an agent in my office because the seller had removed the key from the lockbox. If you want someone to do something for you, you need to ask nicely. Better to say, “Would you mind coming over and opening the door?” or “Could you please call the seller and locate the key?”
- “My clients are not going to close unless…” By all means, if you say this, make sure that it is true. If you are using “your clients” as a screen because you are trying to hold the transaction hostage due to a minor problem, just seek a resolution. In this case, we knew that this was false bravado because the clients expressed interest in closing as soon as possible. Better to just solve the problem then puff your chest. Most people can see your bluff.
These are just four crazy things that agents have said in the past week or so. I’m sure you’ve got funny stories to tell about your experiences in the world of real estate. What strange things have other agents said to you? How did you respond?
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