"Your Agent Doesn't Know What She's Doing"

Great post!  Well deserving of a feature.  I agree with you about dual representation - we can't do it in Maryland but DC and VA don't take the same view!  I wish that they would 

Dear Chris Ann,

You can never see both sides of the coin at the same time. It is sad that real estate agents have such a poor reputation, because most that stick around beyond a few years really know their stuff. I am glad your clients recognize this and are opting to be well served.

I was sad to learn I had lost a listing to another agent last week.  I just checked it and they have already dropped the price from $781,000 to $735k to $699k this week.  The listing agent doesn't even have a virtual tour posted of the home.

Great post Chris Ann - condos do seem to be the worst for this kind of activity.  Last month i had a neighbor tell an agent showing my listing at a Clearwater condo that the property was sold and no longer available.  Luckily the agent was smart enough to call me while she was showing the unit.   And yes, in Florida dual agency is not allowed.  We either have to be in transaction brokerage or no-broker relationship. 

Neighbors have always been the added ear to a real estate agents.  The neighbor will almost always think his property is better and worth more, the neighbor always knows more than the agent.. LOL... .  No wonder real estate is an emmotional buy.  I love real estate because every neighbor and listing and neighbor is so different.  In 2022 expect trials and tribulations in real estate.  Put on your adult panties because I think we are going to see another 2007-2008 in the near future. its so easy to get off topic on this.. HAHA.. 

My buyer client did a drive-by on a home she happened to come across, got out of the car and had neighbors swarming all over her telling her all about how bad this house was (the owner had rented it out for years and the trials and tribulations of the tenants were monumental).  So my buyer client called me and said "that house is not worth what it's listed for" and proceeded to tell me all the "gossip".  Turns out the neighbors were right.  That house has so many problems, it still hasn't sold although there was a lot of activity. And the price has already dropped, and still not under contract.  The moral of the story: do listen to the neighbors, sometimes they are self serving and sometimes they are actually helpful. 

Hi Chris Ann,

I love it! isn't it amazing how some neighbors are an expert in the real estate business? After all they are on-line on Zillow and know exactly the ins and outs of the mechanics of selling real estate!

Chris Ann, you are so right. With the competitive market we're in, every angle is out there trying to disrupt what is becoming the current norm. 

Good for you for having clients who understand that you DO know what you're doing. That says you are a very effective educator.

I laughed at the comments about neighbors wanting the prices to go up. Around here, everyone says the opposite. They don't want prices rising because our taxes rise with them. We've had a huge hike in the past few years.

Such a meaningful post. This is so true.  Those that don't know need to stick with what they do know. Neighbors can kill a deal quicker than anything.

Hi Chris Ann what surprises me is how many people don't realize that if an agent represents both parties it's dual agency (here in AZ) and neither party has the agents full attention and fidicuary responsiblity. I'm not a fan of dual agency  and haven't been for years.  With listings I will refer out any buyer leads as I want to represent my client, and my clients only.

Chris Ann, what a great job educating your seller.  Seller sounded like a professional agent the way she answered neighbor so articulately.  Pat yourself on the back, your seller gets it and can explain it.

We've run into those neighbors, and relatives, prior to this market too. It's so interesting to listen to all the attitudes and opinions from people who have no understanding.  And like the others, I'm impressed with the great job your client did  - and you in explaining your position. 

Oh this topic hits so many nerves and I am sure all of us have experienced the "so-called experts" who love to give out their advice.

This is such a great post.  I read it again.

Those are golden words any day Chris!

It's not about how much I make, it's about how much the seller makes.  Make them a great offer and you are golden.  

Chris Ann:

There ARE lots of "Know It Alls" out there in the real estate business, aren't there? Your seller clearly recognizes that you are doing the best job you can and representing her interests as appropriate.

Jeff

Well said! I don't do dual period! I firmly believe one can not serve two masters. I will usually ask in a joking way "how many house has your neighbor sold"

The unlicensed & inexperienced certainly do know it all...

Your client has a true pro on her side and can thankful for that!  Great post!!