Let's Face It - We are ALL to blame!!!!!

As the national (and international) continues to be bad, it is natural to look around for who is at fault. It also is natural to find SOMEONE ELSE to blame, so that we can feel better about ourselves. However, in this case, we are ALL to blame! Somehow a few years ago, we bought into the assumption that anyone and everyone who can qualify for a mortgage should be able to own their own house. Real estate agents were off the hook - if a mortgage broker said OK, we could put on a full court press to "help" that buyer find and close on a home. Somehow that didn't work out so well. Not all of the qualified buyers understood the responsibilities and commitments they were taking on. And, lo and behold, many of them are forced into some terrible decisions! Keep this in mind when you meet a new buyer prospect. The purpose of a Buyer Interview is for both the buyer to decide if they want to work with you AND for the agent to decide if they want to work with the buyer. If the buyer seems unclear on their financial status and the potential responsibilities they will assume with a home purchase, perhaps you should be sure they get some good financial advice BEFORE the proceed. Although that step won't generate an immediate commission, it may be the best thing you can do for the potential "buyers". And it may also be the best thing for you in the long run!!