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Could You Show Me Some Houses After You Finish Fixing My Car?

By
Real Estate Agent with Labrum Real Estate

 Purchasing a home is a complicated process and it's always best to work with a Professional Realtor who knows the market and the ins and outs of the procedure. Many people think Real estate agents are simply door openers by gaining access to properties that are on the market. Nothing could be further from the truth and why anyone would put what may be their largest single investment into the hands of someone who "tries" to sell real estate as a part time way to make extra money is beyond me.

 Today I received a call from my grown son who lives in another state with his wife. That's always a good thing when the kids call the old guy just to say hey and let me know how things are going with them. Next month we will get to see one another at my daughters wedding and we got some of the details worked out. Then comes the Real Estate question that prompted this article.

 Seems my son has a friend who at the ripe ole age of 21 decided he needed to buy a home of his own. Tim is a very smart young man to realize the benefits of owning a home but by not knowing how to go about it he may not realize that goal at the moment. Seems Tim made an offer on a property that was accepted by the seller and into escrow they go. Good thing!!!!! Lender says his bank can and will make the loan. Another good thing.!!!! Tim is told by his agent not to worry through the whole process as everything will be fine. He expected to get his keys this past Wednesday but oooops no closing. Bad thing!!!!!

 Apparently the lender is having trouble fitting the loan into their guidelines as Tim cannot document all of his income. That happens sometimes but can at times be resolved if everyone works together. My son then asks me what could be done for Tim to get his home. Not knowing the whole situation and not wanting to stick my nose into others transaction I asked my son where Tim's agent was through out this whole process. Well it turns out Tim's agent is actually a auto mechanic at the dealership Tim works at and he promised to refund 50% of his commission at the close of escrow but he obviously does not have the time to keep up with real estate during the week. Bad thing!!!!!

 I did tell my son how I would have handled this transaction but after all I work full time for my clients. Tim may have to start all over in his search for a home and hopefully he will work with a Realtor who actually has the time to work for his client and is not just wanting to make a few "extra" bucks with his hobby. He lost out once on a home he loved by greed in wanting back part of the agents commission and going with someone who does not understand nor respect our Profession.

 If you are looking to buy a home in Southwest Riverside County including Murrieta, Temecula and Menifee please feel free to contact me. You can rest assured I work full time and very diligently for my clients and I will find you your next home. If your car is not running smooth take it to a professional mechanic but if you are looking for a home call a Professional Realtor.

Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Cameron...

I always wonder why anyone would entrust a part time real estate agent with such an important transaction as the purchase of a home. What are they thinking?

Mar 20, 2009 03:01 PM
Paul Slaybaugh
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate

Penny wise, pound foolish comes to mind.

Mar 20, 2009 04:44 PM
Randy Hooker
Dreamcatcher Realty / Greater Phoenix Area - Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek

Ouch, Cameron!  Tough lesson for a young man to learn, and who knows if he's finished with his "lesson" yet.  Way to go, though, for not allowing yourself to get sucked into 'consulting' on the side.  That can be disastrous too.  How did your son react?   ;-)

Mar 20, 2009 09:37 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Cameron:  Working with someone based on what they charge definitely comes back to bite folks in the rear.  In general, if agents can't even stand up to demonstrate their own value and garner a good wage for themselves, what exactly do you think they will to for you?

Mar 21, 2009 03:19 AM
Terry & Bonnie Westbrook
Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

I am hoping this will not be quite a s common as more of the part time agents get out of the business because of the expense.

Mar 21, 2009 03:31 AM
Cameron Wilson
Labrum Real Estate - Murrieta, CA
The Short Guy - Murrieta,Temecula,Menifee Californ

RICHARD, That is the age old question and I have never had anyone answer it yet.

PAUL, Exactly.

RANDY, My son had already given his friend the answer/question: Why are you working with an agent that has a "job" and cannot be there for you during the week. Good thing!!!!!

CHRIS ANN, This so called agent has no respect for himself nor our profession IMHO.

TERRY, All businesses are expensive. Many folks that go into Real Estate do not look at it as a business with expenses they only see the "income" side and say HEY I can make a few "easy bucks". Thanks for dropping by,

Mar 21, 2009 09:51 AM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

I have always tried to deal with full time professionals when I am spending my money on anything. I want to know that the people I deal with have the ability to do their job and it's not just a hobby they have.

Mar 21, 2009 01:53 PM
Jesse Clifton
Jesse Clifton & Associates - Fairbanks, AK

Alright.... I'm about to send out the Marines... or a Saint Bernard with a jug full of rum.  You know, all work and no play is just... wrong.

Apr 12, 2009 08:22 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I've meet many great part time agents, that do a full time job for them. But, when I hear things like this it makes me cringe! I think if you are a part time agent, you actually need to work harder for your clients to give them the service they deserve. If you can't do what is needed for your clients, then you need to walk away and refer it to someone who can.

 

Apr 22, 2009 06:24 AM
Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula
Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA
Realty Works Temecula

Oh, Great....In this complicated market it is best to hire a full time professional to hold everything together.  How are you Cameron?  Busy with all of the Shor Sales, I hope!!! 

Apr 25, 2009 10:22 AM
South Austin Real Estate Blog
Sky Realty South Austin - Austin, TX

I wonder how TIM would feel about his friend using a "shade tree mechanic" instead of a real mechanic?  He knows that engines are complicated nowdays and a shadetree maynot have all the information.  Same with someone who does parttime real estate and rebates 1/2 of their commission... since they obviously feel they don't deserve the whole commission. :0

May 12, 2009 12:12 PM