As a buyer's agent I am on the other end with ONE person that will do ANYTHING to kill the deal.  She wants to sell everything herself.  Several ethic violations have been filed...and she's the Broker!  I am always looking for what to tell my clients when they pick one of her listings.  I just closed one on the 22nd.  It was a transaction from hell.  

It is the offer not the agent that generally tips me off to how the transaction will go.  It is the offer.

Oh yes, hand holding is putting it mildly!  Then they show up at closing like they are Agent of the Year!  Happy New Year Rainers!

I have had this happen. You know at that point that you are either working the whole transaction yourself, or your last nerve will be worked. That's when I take a few deep breaths and remind myself of why I'm doing what I do. I love helping people buy and sell. Enough said. 

I love it when an offer is coming from a less spectacular agent and I recognize early on that I will basically have to work both sides and my diligence always proves my worth a a professional who commands a high commission.  Makes me stand out and build my brand and reputation. Bring them on!!

I am happy to recieve any offer. I can always recommend a counteroffer.  That being said, there are a couple of listing agents in the area that I cringe when I have to show and write offers on one of their listings. Mainly, those agents that list REO properties in bulk. They are very difficult to reach when you need to communicate with them.

I hate to admit this, but there is one agent who was so brutal to me and my clients during a transaction a few years ago that I make every effort to steer clear of her listings now.   I don't want to go through another deal like that, for any amount of money, if I can find another property that will suit my buyers as well or better.  I have no faith that she will treat us fairly.  

While I might cringe at first, I try to take the attitude that this experience may be better than the last. And unless our immediate contact starts off poorly, I'll be on guard, but I won't assume it will end poorly. Naive? No not at all. But I have found that optimism gets me a lot further than pessimism. That's my attitude and I'm sticking with it.

Some make me cringe just when they request to show one of my listings! Makes me wonder if the licensing test is just too easy.

I also agree with Jimmy Williams.  Well meaning "Friends" can really spoil a transaction for a buyer or seller, despite an experienced agent with the buyers or sellers best interests in mind.

I agree with Gita (comment #9).  I look forward to any offer and am okay with telling my sellers to not be offended, we can just reject lowball offers or counter with full price;  But my biggest pet peeve is agents who don't get back to me when I need information from them.  I'll help any agent who could use some assistance if it means we get the deal done for my sellers.  Just don't leave us hanging.

There are certain agents whom you know to be dishonest or lazy or just a plain red hot mess. Those are the ones I hope to avoid.  The ones who ask what forms to use I will politely ask if they are newly licensed and then help them make the transaction go smoothly- we were all new at one point- but the dishonest ones are the ones that make me cringe - Happy New Year! 

:-) I think we all know some "special" agents who we know will need extra attention during the transaction.

Yes, we all had the experience with the agent from hell.  Luckily their reputation preceeded in the business community, and everyone was on high alert.  This person was formerly a nun and an attorney, and in this instance what should have been a good combination was lethal to all.  

I have been very lucky in that the people on my mental "oh nooooo, not them!" list have never tried to conduct more than one transaction with me. Maybe because they didn't last in the business?

Anyway, no matter how horrible a transaction went, I don't think I'd encourage my clients to not work with a particular agent due to my bad past experience with them. 

When I do find myself working with a dud, I will only communicate through text and email. I want a very clear paper trail so that I have great proof of everything that was said any when.

Yes, there are a couple people out there that I know will make a transaction difficult. Forearmed is forewarned. I take precautions, and it is not their clients' fault, so seller and I work it best we can.

There are two. One from the seller's side and one from the buyer's side. I know I can't steer clear of them. But I always feel like I have to use Purel after dealing with them.

I try to kill them with kindness hopefully that makes them cringe.

Too funny,  I think we all have had to experance that agent.  Yes I have several that make me cringe.  You know you'll end up doing both sides of the transaction because they are just plan lazy.

On the other hand, there are agents who I've worked with and am thrilled to be pursuing another transaction with, because I know they are delightful professionals who make it very easy to get a deal done.

Of course. If I don't know them, I google them. I also note the company that they work for. If they're a hack discounter or something along those lines then at least I know what to expect

Absolutely!  When you have a professional, experienced agent on the other side it makes a world of difference.  As someone else said, if not, you end up babysitting both sides.

Yes, I do... and I also "cringe" whenever I see that a certain agent has a listing that I want to show, especially if/when it's likely my buyer will want to put an offer on their listing.  I don't let that stop me though... what the buyer wants (or the seller deserves -- which is nothing short of professionalism -- if it's my listing) comes above anything I may or may not feel for the other agent.

That would be a strong "yes".  There are some agents who have the reputation of being difficult.  In my experience they have usually earned that reputation.

There are a few in our area, but I am careful, just how to enlighten my clients.  I don't want to say too many specific bad things,  I try to politely imply, that there could be problems.  The agents I find the most difficult are the ones that have been in the business a long time, and think that they can make their own or bend the rules, as they like.    I had one agent that thought he knew it all, and when I presented him with the truth, he still continued to not accept my explanation.  Finally after a call from our board attorney, he was set straight, and has been nice, ever since.

Had  an offer from an agent who has been in the business and still is and yes he's good but you have to watch him. He likes to go after the seller behind your back. Had all the paper work but the agent spoke to the neighbors on both sides about a water issue which was the city's problem. ANyway the transaction didn't go through and he spoke with my seller about how he could sell his house faster than I could. God bless my seller, he said he thought the agent was unethical which to him met the agent was a snake in the grass and a snake in the grass is a snake.  My seller ended up withdrawing his property onlyy because he wasn't going to have to move. But this agent has a history of doing this.  

For sure. But itis  our duty to our sellers to present all offers. Then we will let the seller decide how to repsond after our proper disclosure of the agent history.

Yes but, "Blessed are the peacemakers," - I just try to stay calm, keep everyone else calm, work through any issues and help my customers get the house they want or get their house sold.  It's all in a days work.

Now and then a new agent needs some assistance and I prefer to assist them in a friendly manner. There are 2 that I prefer not to deal with that have been around a long time. They should know better by now but act stupid~~ at least I think/hope it is an act.

Yes there are about 3 and  agents and 1 company in my area that I get anxiety over, the company has a listing about 2 blocks from my house, this company owns the Real Estate Co, the escrow Co, the title Co and the contractors work for them, they do total rehabs without permits and they cut corners and use less than acceptable material, I think that a seller or a buyer has the right to know.  I know I would like to know, I think it falls under, Know it, disclose it, doesn't it? HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

..NOPE... I love every offer I can get.  Every client thinks there house is more than the Jone's next door.  Sometimes it takes a few BAD offers to make them realize the truth. I am the coach, but ultimately they make the decisions. 

-This gives me opportunity to coach my client, when they say WHAT!!

-Give me opportunity to stage the home property

-Gives me opportunity to fix Issues before the inspector gadget gets them.

great question.

great answers.

I like the one "Some people just like to fight" & "Big Home Ego"

Oh sure, I just use these situations to remind my clients how fortunate they are to have me as their agent to insulate them from whatever the other side is trying.  On occassion, I require that all communication be by email so I have a clear and unambigous record of what transpires. This also allows the other agent to have to see their thoughts in writing and sometimes it slows them down long enough to realize what they are doing.  

Debbie,

Yes, there are a few, thankfully not many. Incompetence is number one offense, big ego the second one.

Oh yes I sure do! It comes from their own reputation or my experience with them. I always present their offer, but I also feel that I have an obligation to the sellers to talk about actual experiences I've had with an agent....not rumors or stories, but my personal experience.

I agree with Roy.  In many ways I'd rather know that it's the agent I need to "cringe" over but at least I know what to expect and can prepare my client.  That's better than hearing lots of great promises from an unknown agent and then having to clean up their messes!

You may cringe but you know how to take control of the transaction.

After 25 years, I had the worst transaction ever with a supposedly top professional.  He was rude to both me and the Sellers, and really did not know as much as he thought he did.   I held it together, although my Sellers wanted to walk at one point.  We did not even close in the same room, another first.   As I look back on this, I think he was the problem and not his Buyer.   I will always do what is best for the Sellers, but I hope he never darkens my door again.  

YUP, SOME AGENTS ARE BULLIES, I UNDERSTAND TRYING TO GET THEIR CLIENTS THE BEST DEAL POSSIBLE, BUT LETS NOT SCEW THE DATA AND  COMPS, HONESTY, MUST BE UPHELD ON BOTH SIDES, AND BY ALL PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION. NO BODY CAN BLAME A BUYER FROM ATTEMPTING TO GET  THE BEST DEAL POSSIBLE, BUT LETS REMEMBER, EACH SELLER HAS THEIR UNIQUE SITUATION, AND EACH SELLER SHOULD BE GIVEN ALL PERTINENT AND ACCURATE INFORMATION IN ORDER TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION.

I really like it when I know the agent I am working with, then I know what to expect pretty much.  If I need to do the whole job I am prepared, or if I need to be extra cautious, or if I am working with a professional who will make the deal go really smoothly,  at least I know what I am in for..

It is when I do not know what to expect, that is really scary! But what ever it takes to get the deal done is what we do, that is what we get paid for to be the calm in the storm and shelter the owners from the unknown land mines!! I do like it that the other agents like to see us coming to show their property or bring them an offer and it is a foot in the door so to speak. Sometimes it is not what you know but who you know that counts. 

Happy New Year and May all of our deals close no matter what it takes!! 

That's like a passenger in my car giving back seat directions. As a listing associate we're in control no matter what obstacles may show up. No need to cringe!

"Knock on wood" most agents I have worked with have been pretty good. There are 1 or 2 I have heard stories about but have not experienced working with them yet.

Hi Debbie: I cringe but I don't get upset. An offer is an offer. I have to present it no matter how ridiculous it is.

Yes & I believe cringe is a great honest word to use. There are agents that I know are going to beat the seller down awful because I've lived thru it before with them. There's a fine line between being an aggressive negotiator & being obnoxious

no not really, I always ask a realtor what contract they will submit on, and then gently nudge them to submit on the contract I like and is good for the seller. A little conversation goes a long way.

You can be in this business for 20 years and have 20 years of experience or you can have 1 year of experience 20 times. It just kills me when people don't learn from one transaction to the next. Have a great 2015.

OMG, yes.  There are some people who love to create chaos and then try to fix it to look good. We work extra hard to keep the other agent in check for the sake of our clients.

No I do not cringe. I am glad that they are bring an offer. But I agree some agents are easy to work with and some do not retun phone calls.

Without a doubt, just like I smile when an agent as good as Debbie Reynolds calls to say that a contract is expected. I don't know why but there are a few agents even from different companies and when we are in negotiations the conversation is catch up time. 

I know of some agents who screw up disclosures, do not send receipts of earnest money and make the task more my work than a team effort.  The difference between a professional and a rookie.

I have one right now.  I have had to even get the executed contract to her buyer's lender, follow up behind her to make sure everything she is suppose to do is done.  This has been such a crazy one.  I've had some that I have had to follow up behind but I must say this has been the worse.  I will probably run if I hear she is bringing me another other.  No, not really.  I will do her job for her and she will get paid.  It is ridiculous but it's "the fleas that come with this dog".

Year's ago a Cooperating or Buyers Agent brought in an offer, and her Buyer backed out because her family had convinced her this Agent used her earnest money to go on vacation.  The Agent apologized.  I told her, "now you know to not tell your Clients you are going on vacation."  Because I was understanding she was determined to procure another Buyer for my listing.  The next week she did, so I learned to never punish an Agent for their Buyer's negative actions.

Hi Debbie,

Well if you are looking for a great agent to serve your clientele in Central Florida, please consider me. My transactions run pretty smoothly because I work hard from beginning to end!

There's a particular high profile agent in my area who is one of the "REO listing Kings" if you will. Absolutely the worst I've come across with communication, especially once you're in escrow. Getting to actually speak to him is like wading through one of those computerized call systems for corporate customer service.

Fortunately that portion of the business in our area has diminished to the point where I can avoid him!!

If you've been in the business long enough, you'll encounter one or more agents who are not professional and without any virtues. I've discovered that trying to salvage a transaction from an unprofessional agent isn't productive and it's best to terminate the transaction and move on. 

Oh yeah....I definitely keep a mental note of which agents to stay clear of because of either their work ethics, or even their workability.  

Here's your sign!

YES - - there have been a few. One in particular, however, thankfully she has retired. Thought that because we attended the same church I should beleive every lie she told - - which occurred virtually every time she opened her mouth.

Actually, there are a couple of companies in Northern Virginia which cause me to cringe when I see an offer from them - - often the transaction turns out OK but they have enough 'bad eggs' to cause concern until webegin to interact with the agent involved.

Yes. What's even worse is finding the agent is difficult during the transaction. At least if I know the agent is difficult before I can better prepare for it. 

 Yeah!!  I like what Doyle said! GO coach!! We should all be coaches - good ones, that is!

Once again, my hat goes off to all Realtors/Brokers for what you do . . . and PLEASE use a stager -- an ASP stager -- to help you "get the job done" as you serve your clients.

I love people and there are always different personalities that I come in contact with as I do business as a professional home stager. I can guarantee you, though, that "those difficult ones" are dealing with some issues that are probably "deep and go back for years" so I TRY to be merciful and extend grace to them -- even if it means that I get misunderstood -- or even get talked about among circles . . . Not good, professionally, you all!  Life is hard - let's try to "stay in the light" at all times, by God's Grace and Guidance!!  Happy New Year and may you all have a very prosperous 2015. 

If you know what to expect, you can properly set the expectations with your client.  

Oh my yes--dread working with these pp on either side of the transaction. I liked Cynthia's line of 'I can handle it' --prep your client in advance and reassure them you can keep it together. How do those agents stay in business?

A number of years ago, there was an agent here in Sacramento, who had a reputation for being nearly impossible to work with.  She was ill-tempered and domineering.  Sure enough on a hot summer day, in a very brisk market, she sent an offer on a listing I had, which already had 2 offers.  I presented all to my seller.  As it turned out, they ended up accepting the one from the buyer with the much feared agent.  However, as it turned out, the transaction went smoothly, and I actually had little difficulty with her.

Always happy to receive offers but occasionally there the ones you have to handle with kid gloves!

Yes, I do, because I know certain agents work internet leads, and they don't know a thing about their buyers.  That makes me a little uncomfortable.

SO far, no. Even tho there are some that I don't care for Personally, they are fine Business-wise.

Yes but not very often thankfully. Usually they are the ones who's ego is larger than their sense of fiduciary responsibility.

If an agent is known to be "difficult" I let my clients know that this should be considered in whether or not an offer is accepted.  Some people can make things very difficult!

Talked to THAT agent a few days ago about one of my listings. Last time she kept calling her offer a contract. Had to explain that her offer was an offer. Got threatened with an Attorney etc. Finally told the agent to just have attorney call. Funny the phone never rang. Happy New Year!

It's years now since I've been an agent, but I still rememer a couple of those cringe-inducing agents. It amazes me that they can stay in business. 

Some Realtors just seem to want to fight.

I have learned that every communication with a person like this must be in writing - email or text --  because she will usually remember things differently from how anyone else does.

Can't say that I have.  If the offer is incomplete, juist counter with the appropriate forms included. 

Just work through offers or counters as best you can and keep the action going. 

Debbie - From the previous posts it appears there are "cringeworthy" agents all across our great land!  IMO it's just part of the business.  We are hired to get the transaction closed and to do so with our clients' best interest in mind.  Sometimes we have to do the work of both agents to get there.  It just makes you appreciate the professionals we get to work with on transactions as well!

Happy New Year!

Yes, yes I do. And I let the seller know that "this one is going to try to beat us up, but I can handle it".

I think we have all had them.. Lazy, novice, or just ignorant.. I can deal with those agents and still proceed to get the job done.. Not too bad, but the worst or those who ignore ALL communication efforts.. They just disappear and you are left guessing with the next step.. Those Agents are the hardest for me..

Some agents are just "out there."

The main reason I cringe is when I know the agent is just sloppy or lazy with their work and I will have to do 98% of the work to make sure it is a clean offer that closes.

A low offer is a start.  I advise my potential buyers that they might insult the seller and make if more difficult to negotiate a deal.  We are just the Messenger!

Yep, a few, but thankfully we've learned how to deal with those agents to make the deals progress smoothly. No new ones have popped up recently, so maybe we've gone through them all now! (Fingers crossed!)

As a agent who works for my clients I never look at who the other agent is until my clients show interest or the agent shows interest in my listing. In 10 years of RE I will say there are 4 or 5 agents I simply pray will not make an offer on my listing or my buyers don't like the home listed by these "ego" agents.

It's not only the agent that'll make me cringe, but knowing who they like to work with as far as inspectors and lenders and how that can affect the process of the transaction.  On the up side though, sometimes it's better to know what you're in for and be prepared than to get blindsided by an agent you're not familiar with. 

Sometimes yes however I have to represent my seller and do the best job for them

I still run into 20 year agents that submit offers with missing pages, missing initials and signatures, etc. Not long ago I received an offer with a pre-qual letter dated 6 months back.

Uh yes, the problem though is not always the agent.  It's the peeps they recommend  that can be the problem ie....lenders, inspectors...etc!

Absolutely....you know you will end up baby sittting and doing both sides of the transsaction...or undoing what has been done incorrectly...urgh !

Oh yes, I do, Debbie! Fortunately, it doesn't happen very often. Recently an agent called me to say she was sending an offer and then asked me which contract forms she should use!

Yes. Since I know what to expect,  if I already had a negative experience.

Maybe a little on the inside, but it makes me super vigilant to make sure every "i" is dotted, and every "t" crossed......I am on high alert to make sure i can fill in any weaknesses found along the way. We all have to get along in this business - it is in everyone's best interest -  so I wil be as patient as possible, and simply do what has to be done!

Debbie Reynolds I usually work with buyers - so it's other way round for me. I have worked well with some listing agents - really clicked and there are couple of them. I am very cautious when I have to write an offer for my buyers for their listings.

Debbie, some agents need more attention than others.

A bit.

not really

Yes.

Ah, man!  I must confess.  Yes!

Wow what a question and look at the answers! Of course we all have someone we do not like to work with, that is how the real work world works.  Same thing in my previous career.

Yes, it has happened to me. All offers have to presented to the homeowner, and should it come from a paritcularly difficult Realtor, I make it a point that they have all of their i's dotted and there t's crossed. 

I sometimes cringe if I see a certain agents name on the sales contract.

Previous past experience with an agent can be an indicator of what to expect in subsequent transactions, although it's no guarantee. In the case of competing offers, this can become a tie-breaking factor.

After 20 years in this business we are apt to find a deal or two (or three) a year where we have to bite out tongue and manage the entire transaction to make to the closing go smooth. There are some agents that I know from the get go there will be issues ... and rather than have any drama, I stay professional and just get it done. The clients do not need to be part of the drama.  Our job is to steer the ship into the barbor -- smooth landings leave good memories.

Yes!  I don't mind new agents; they are usually very easy to help!  The agent that is difficult is the Agent who DEMANDS that you help them, because they haven't yet figured out how to turn on the computer! They are much too busy to deal with such "low level" learning! (They also ask silly questions during CE classes!)

Then there was the Agent who shouted at me,  because she didn't like that my Sellers countered her Buyers offer.... HUH???

Yes, however, we must keep in mind that 50% of all agents are below average.

I can attest to this, as I believe that I have worked with most of the.

In every class of 500 someone was glad to be 499th as it put them ahead of number 500.  Ask you Doctor, lawyer, dentist, etc.  where they placed in their graduating class.