I'VE BEEN STOOD UP! How can we avoid this?

Hi Kathleen:

Well, there are people who have absolutely no respect for other people's time.

At this point, you need to decide whether you are willing to let it happen again with this person... 

Hi Kath,

As the co-referring agent on that one I wish it would have turned out better. It does sound like one more kick in the teeth which this business is known to bring about. A few of the replies did mention the whole cost of OJT.  As the time goes by we learn to act and prepare differently for who we deal with. It's alot like investing in stocks and intuitively knowing what risk is better and how much you want to invest.

Keep up the great work it does pay off, don't get too discouraged.

Dave

It's time like this that you try to reflect and say what could I have done differant?  If you had done this or that.  Then let it go, don't waste any more time on him, but dont give up.  It happens to all of us.

Oh if I had a dollar for every time that I have been stood up over the last 20 years!  Well I wouldn't get rich but there have been times.  I do always confirm the appointment before I leave home to go to the office....just in case something may have come up.

Debbie

Hello Kathy,  I think we often pay for other less professional REALTORS who don't act like professionals and so we all get treated as less.  However, I also think you may need to give the guy the benefit of the doubt.  He's in a tough spot and much of that is because of what's going on the world, not necessarily his fault.  So now he's stressed and probably even scared and finds it hard to make good decisions.  He should not have treated you so disrespectfully but maybe that's not the norm for him and I think you should give him another chance.  Remember, "Do unto others..."

I have not and will never stand someone up, I think that is just plain rude! With that being said, try to make something out of attending the class.

Kathleen:

It has happened to all of us. Nevertheless, there is never lost time in Real Estate. Think of the tremendous amount of information that you learned preparing for this client. It will help you with the next person in the same position; and I will guarantee you that it will happen.

When somebody stands me up, I leave a nice note at their door letting them know that I showed up, that their home is beautiful, and to please call me back so we can schedule another appointment.

Isaac Bensussen-Best Homes in La Jolla

This unfortunately does happen -- not sure how you could have prevented it really .All the best.

Kathleen, My question is how many times did you speak with this guy from the time you made the appointment on Wednesday until he didn't show on Saturday? At a minimum you should have communicated with him on Thursday after doing your preliminary records search and again on Friday after speaking with his loan service. Then I would have certainly called before I left on Saturday to go meet. These contacts would have made sure you weren't wasting time and/or really locked him in a loyal customer/client. Doing things this way lets folks know you are serious. I've maybe had 2 or 3 no shows in 14 years and I can't even remember the last time it happened.

Kathleen- Hindsight is always 20-20. Unfortunately, this is the way it is when you try to help some folks; they do not value your time. Hang in there.

Some people will never respect another time and unfortunately this is one. I don't know if there is anything we can do. That is why I meet people on my terms, I don't give up what I'm doing for someone else. What's the saying"someones emergency is not mine" anyway good luck and Happy Holidays to all.

Kathleen.. I know what you mean.. been there.. done that. Not a happy feeling after you put in so many hours of work and get not even a chanve at earning a return

Thats a rough story, hopefully you can still list this guys place and sell it quickly and get some return on your time investment.  I had a similar situation Friday night!

Kathleen, the general public doesn't see nor understand what a good agent does behind the scenes, nor do they care.  Particularly the one's who cannot see anything beyond the financial crisis they have in front of them.  (not making excuses for this slug).

Ultimately the one's who do hook up with a good agent generally will always respect the time and effort we put into each and every file before, during and after.  Even the one's that do not close.

Best of the new year girl

frank

It's frustrating when this happens, but I would like to think that a private conversation with the gentleman who is having a rough time would be appropriate. 

Though I know it has been said before above... (I refuse to read lest I copy)

I know the time you spent will payoff in knowledge and experience for next time.  Nothing is wasted when it comes to the education you got in dealing with this situation. 

Try working to find someone a lease for 8 hrs and they find it on their own in the paper.  Now that is a waste. :) 

You are going to be fine.  Experience well earned.

Hi Kathleen, That was rough. I typically do some prep work before actually meeting interviewing the prospective client.  Once burned it's good to assess the warning signs (often 20/20 hindsight) so it doesn't happen again... Good luck.

Kathy.  I feel your pain.  Although we shouldn't get ourselves too worked up over these situations, the truth is that we're only human.  Disappointment is part of the process.  

Being a Title Guy in our area, I have learned to handle rejection and move on.  There are times when my associates and I do all the work on a file only to have it pulled and settled by a competitor.   I personally do dozens of accomodation searches in the hopes that a few may actually turn into a settled deal for us. 

Regarding Short Sales - Any experience you have gained on that topic is valuable, as that type of property wil be around for some time to come.  As I have explained at our seminars, you need to be armed with all pertinent information prior to your first appointment - that's exactly what you had done here.  Just reload and be ready for the next opportunity.   Please be aware that I am always available to assist with your research needs and will work to help you get to the table.  

My batting average isn't all that great, but I expect to get a hit each time I come to the plate.....