Got your attention didn't I? Not talking about THAT. (That's another post for another day) Actually I'm talking about the dreaded EXCLUSIVE Agreements that most Realtor's will try and get you to sign before they will show you property.
Here is why: I spent the better part of 20 years in the restaurant business. When I didn't give good food or service, they went somewhere else. Most of the time they wouldn't tell me; most people don't like to complain. I did always welcome a customer concern though, because it gave me an opportunity to correct something that was off track. I couldn't always see everything that was going on.
As a Realtor, I have tried to use that same philosophy with my customers. When initially working with someone I want them to know that I have their best interests in mind. That is a trust that isn't created in a ten minute evaluation of the properties they are interested in. Just like in the restaurant business though, I understand, especially early in the process, that there are plenty of Realtors out there (and even a GOOD one or two) that would be happy to work for them.
By the time we make our first offer on a home sometimes I will ask for an agreement though. It gives me the opportunity to explain what I am bound by law to do, and what I cannot do. It also gives my customer protection from getting "hi-jacked" by someone else.
Listing a property is a little different. Everything needs to be in writing, up front, and clearly understood by everyone. HOWEVER, you should always be given the option of getting out of your contract, preferably with a written form that your Realtor gives you that allows you to pull your listing from them if they are not doing the job they promised.
So the next time you are interviewing a Realtor, make sure they don't ask for a commitment before they get to "first base"
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