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Agents Who Insist on Making Decisions for Clients

By Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker

Real Estate Agent with Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker DRE #00697006

July 14, 2016 02:14 AM

Not that long ago, a buyer's agent in Sacramento asked if my seller would be willing to let the buyers store stuff prior to closing in the seller's garage. Even though the seller had moved out and the place was vacant, I advised the seller not to do it. It makes me very uneasy when buyers ask for early possession of any sort because of all the things that can go wrong, and there is a long list of stuff that can happen.

I advised my sellers to refuse. The buyers would still close on time. There was no other problem. I laid out the reasons why the seller should say no to this request. But the seller said yes. It was the seller's choice, which deserves respect. I provide choices so a seller can make educated decisions. You can read more in my personal blog today at this link: Agency Representation Does Not Mean Making Decisions for Sellers.

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Lottie Kendall

Compass - San Francisco, CA

Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

You're a wise woman, Elizabeth. We should always present requests and advise our clients--the decision is theirs.

Jul 14, 2016 03:04 AM

Tammy Lankford,

Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA

Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

what timing. I currently have a deal with "that" agent. Who actually revealed yesterday in a text that "this was my idea, I haven't discussed it with the seller" WHAT THE WHAT?

Jul 14, 2016 04:29 AM

Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Carmel by the Sea, CA

Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

I went on an old fashioned caravan today and hitched a ride with an experienced top producer. We had such fun discussing the foibles of certain area agents. I could say a lot more here but prudence prevails. What you are talking about, Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Real Estate Agent, Top 1% of Lyon Agents is not unusual. Sometimes, for the greater good, we then stay as far away from that agent as possible to protect our clients. We also talked about new agents coming into the market and some who are coming back into the market. They couldn't hack it through the bad times. But here they are again.

Jul 14, 2016 11:59 AM

Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker

Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA

Put 40 years of experience to work for you

Lottie Kendall Sometimes I catch myself when sending an email and I might say this is what you should do. Then I add more to the bottom with a few more options. Just because "this" is what I believe is the best course, they should know about B and C as well.

Jul 15, 2016 12:19 AM

Tammy Lankford, When we encountered one of those, we explained it to the buyer, let him know that when it is horrible at inception, it will get worse during escrow, and would he like to chase that or perhaps pursue option B instead.

Jul 15, 2016 12:23 AM

Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® I don't believe in agent bashing and often try to shield my clients from the reality of "the other side" but somtimes it's best just to tell them what is happening and let the client choose the course of action.

Jul 15, 2016 12:26 AM

Funny you mention it. We did tell the buyer of past issues with same agent and they loved that house so we're neck deep in crap trying to not sink before the closing next week. It's really bad, but in the end it was about the right property for the buyers so we deal with it. Thankfully we were verbal with our fears and the buyers know where it's coming from. They have seen lots of screen shots of texts and we have made all communications with other agent in writing to cover ourselves. And if need be we will whip those out at closing.

Jul 15, 2016 12:44 AM

Tammy Lankford, That is definitely the key, whether the property is right for the buyer. Sometimes buyers have doubts, and when the "listing agent situation" compounds it, they see more clearly about bailing. We, too, were prepared to battle if our client wanted, but he decided to pursue a second option we presented.

Jul 15, 2016 02:21 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Elizabeth -- advise and counsel but not "answer" for a client. You gotta love those agents who quickly state "we will never...." when asked a question or upon offer presentation. I hold my tongue as I glance at the public records to see when their name was added to the property.

Jul 15, 2016 03:58 AM

Chris Ann Cleland

Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA

Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

You are so right...our role is to advise. That's it. We have knowledge that is meant to guide our clients, but ultimately, the decisions are theirs to make.

Jul 16, 2016 04:05 AM

Agents Who Insist on Making Decisions for Clients

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