Why Loyalty Matters To Your Agent
After 37 years of real estate, you’d think I would know how to avoid the pitfalls of the business, right?
Recently I was giving an out-of-town buyer a courtesy tour to educate them about the Boise area, in anticipation of their possible move to our area.
They had told me to they were going to relocate and that Boise was high on their list of relocation alternatives, but needed to visit and learn more about the area.
So, I agreed to give them one of my comprehensive local tours ~ a good faith gesture for someone who might become a future client.
I had been in contact with them for several months, had answered many questions by e-mail, and had arranged to show them around, plus show them a few homes.
They said they wanted a newer home, so I searched MLS and found some good examples.
As I pulled up in front of the first new home, they proclaimed “We don’t want to be in a subdivision!”.
Well, gee, folks, all of our new homes just happen to be in subdivisions!
In fact, when you stop and think about it, everything has been subdivided since the day our planet originated.
So, I left them at a local restaurant for lunch while I went back to the office to search MLS so I could start over and show them old homes in old neighborhoods.
I retrieved them from the restaurant, resumed showing them homes, and while we were in the first home the wife answered a cell phone call.
I thought it odd that she moved to a corner of the kitchen and turned her back, and then I overheard her furtively say “Yes, we are looking for 1,500 to 2,000 square feet with four bedrooms and a three-car garage″.
Stunned, I realized that she was actually talking to another agent while I was showing her and her husband homes!
Kinda tacky, huh?
Kinda like being out on a date and having your date take a call from someone else in the middle of dinner, right?
I should’ve just taken them back to their hotel at that point, but instead, I showed them the remaining homes I had planned to show them.
When I finally took them back to their hotel, I asked them if they had talked with any other agents.
They admitted that they were going to be working with two other agents while they were in town.
They didn’t appreciate it when I explained that all agents work from the same MLS listing inventory and that no experienced, competent agent would give them the time of day if they learned that they were working with multiple agents.
Loyalty matters when you’re in a business where you only get paid for a closed transaction.
I try to give everyone a chance, but every now and then, someone gets to me.
October 27th, 2009 Posted in Buyer Stuff, Inside Real Estate
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10 Responses to “Why Loyalty Matters To Your Agent”
By Staten Island Real Estate Agent on Oct 27, 2009
Its an unfair business, I cant agree more! I cant understand how some people have so little common sense. Its not like we have nothing better too do. We as agents get disrespected all the time. I feel for ya man.
By Anon on Oct 27, 2009
I really do not understand YOUR mentality, which is why I chose not to have you as my agent. Perhaps because you are of the elder generation, or maybe you have little experience outside of what you do, but people who are making a commitment to a house do not want to immediately “jump in bed” with a Realtor. Rather, consumers like to “interview” a Realtor, or using your example, “go on a date” before deciding to go ahead with a marriage right away.
You tout that you are a superior agent to many other agents that are in the valley, and within the same breadth you say that you are all the same, as ever agent has the same access to the MLS. Your musings are contradictory in nature and do not follow any rationale.
Yes, of course the agents have the same access to the MLS, but I want to go out with an agent before and let him/her show me houses before opting to buy. During this time I can assess their way of thinking, their compatibility with me, their mannerisms, their taste, etc.
If I think I am a good match with an agent, then after the second time out I will commit… if not, then I won’t. This logic seems simple and I am not quite sure why it evades you; having met with this couple once (half day), does not mean they should feel obliged to buy a house with you.
By Phil Hoover on Oct 27, 2009
Dear “Anon” -
Thanks for your anonymous commentary.
I am happy that you found an agent more suited to your way of doing things.
Best to you.
Phil
By Dale Curtis - Waterstone Mortgage Boise on Oct 28, 2009
I hear ya, Phil. It is about more than loyalty, it’s about common courtesy. I understand the feeling out phase and that may have happened before they came to town. I wonder for future reference if asking more detailed questions about what their home buying goals are would have lead to a more successful relationship?
Anon, I understand what you are saying too. You want an agent who “gets” you, who you feel “relates” to you, and you feel “knows what you want.” Totally understandable. I think Phil’s point was probably more along the lines of he took time out of his day to show people around Boise who probably were not moving here and they disrespected him.
Again, just by reading this thread, the situation sounds avoidable by asking more pertinent questions prior to their arrival. They probably jumped ship at lunch when they felt they were going in the wrong direction during their limited time in Boise.
We learn from our failures, right? – I do.
By Idaho Agent on Oct 28, 2009
I have a good sense of what Phil is trying to relay to the audience. The point is, if you as a consumer are going to interview several agents, let each agent know up front so they know exactly how it’s going to play out. Real estate agents run a business, they are not free tour guides. Treat them like business people and you will get the respect that you deserve as a consumer. Pretty simple stuff.
By Dale Curtis - Waterstone Mortgage Boise on Oct 28, 2009
Well said, Idaho Agent.
By Matt on Oct 29, 2009
Dear Anon,
Perhaps you are of the younger generation who doesn’t believe in frankness, candor, and honesty. Concealing your true intentions is akin to lying.
Sharing your true feelings on the internet rather than in person shows a lot about your character.
I want a realtor who closes a lot of deals (read–experience), knows the area, and will look out for my best interest at all times.
My wife shares my tastes, mannerisms, and is very compatible with me. We’ll make the decision on which house to purchase. NOT the realtor–The realtor doesn’t have to live there.
By esam on Oct 31, 2009
great post.thanks for your post
By BH on Nov 3, 2009
Anon,
All I have to say, as a Client of Phil’s who has gone all the way through the process with him, is: You… Missed… Out… Big time.
The fact that you came back to this blog (or come back frequently to read and post, perhaps) means that inside, you realize what I’m saying is true.
B
By Paula on Nov 3, 2009
I am always amazed at the lack of common courtesy that some people have. When did it become OK to expect someone to provide you with a service without any obligation or consideration?
I would like it to go on the record that Phil Hoover is a professional realtor who enjoys and provides superior service to those who have the fortune to have him as their one and only personal realtor. Phil’s track record speaks for its self as a top producer over the years. Maybe Phil’s next book should be written around client etiquette. Just a thought!