Buyers and Sellers You Always Have a Choice
Buyers and sellers should not feel obligated to use a particular real estate agent. Maybe it's a friend, a relative, or an acquaintance who has previously talked to you about RE. Perhaps it's an agent you have me through an open house, a party, or at work. Maybe it's a person who is friends with a relative, and again, you feel that obligation.
You feel like you must use them and may feel trapped by a specific agent. This is not the time or place for guilt.
How do I know? Buyers and sellers talk to me; they call and ask me for advice. In the past couple of weeks, two callers asked me about properties.
The responses were disturbing when asked if they had a buyer's agent.
They "sort of" have an agent and don't feel they are looking out for them. The agent has made them promise that if I find a house, I will always give their name. They do want a sale.
The buyers are told by the agent, 'When you find something you like, call me.' One agent had not gotten back to this buyer for several weeks, not even when what could have been a perfect house was listed with this agent's office. When the buyer found it through an open house, it was already under contract!
Buyers and sellers, it is not your job to make the real estate agent feel good or to give them business because they 'need' the sale.
You can choose an agent who will protect your interests and get you the best house, deal, inspectors, lenders, title attorneys, and anything else you need for a smooth transaction.
The best way to find a reliable agent is through someone you trust and whose opinion you value. Talk to others and ask about their transactions. When you meet with an agent, go ahead and ask for a list of their last dozen buyers or sellers. Give them a call. Ask them questions. This is a big deal.
Looking for your new home should be a fun and exciting experience.
Your job is not to worry about the agent.
You Always Have A Choice
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