Showing Houses to Buyers Can Be Dangerous
March 26, 2008
Showing Houses to Buyers Can Be Dangerous
Without proper preparation for showing houses to buyers, I could be losing more than my time. My life could be snatched away by a dangerous buyer.
A couple of days ago I read a post by Jennifer Kirby, Minneapolis real estate professional and fellow blogger, who talked about real estate, time management, and client loyalty.
Like Jennifer, I am a full-time professional Realtor with a full-time calendar of appointments. More often than not, my clients understand the need for flexibility in scheduling times to look at houses for sale.
On a rare occasion, I get a phone call from someone I don’t know who’s sitting in front of a house in Alpharetta, urging me to come show them the house.
My first response is to be helpful, explore their needs, and try to arrange a mutually convenient time for us to meet. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. Bottom line… I don’t disrupt my schedule, jump in my car, and travel across town. That’s how newbie agents work.
My second response is, “I don’t have a clue who you are; or what you want.”
This past week I was reminded of the need to meet buyers in my office. A real estate agent was killed by a man while showing houses.
So, when you are ready to start looking at houses, let me know in advance. I’d like to reserve time for you on my calendar.
And, plan to meet in my office where we can comfortably review your housing needs, wants, and the benefits of representation.
We’ll also talk about our company vision of bringing peace of mind to your real estate transaction.
Is This a Good Time to Buy in Atlanta?
March 10, 2008
How can I trust you? Every time I ask, “When is a good time to buy?” Your answer is, now.
Take time to read the post by Matt Thompson, a real estate agent writing in Gig Harbor Undressed.
(h/t to Larry Cragun)
Things Look Bad for Atlanta Sellers
February 28, 2008
In today's slow market, with Atlanta buyers having so many choices, with all the online listing services (Redfin, Zillow, Trulia, Roost) — you think a listing agent would at least get out of the car to take a picture!
Thanks to Aaron Hoffman for photo
Suze Orman Speaks Out
February 26, 2008
I was channel surfing a few nights ago and came across the Suze Orman show, the personal financial expert for CNBC . Suze was providing financial housing advice to a young couple from Oregon who found themselves in the situation of owning two homes, and paying two mortgages.
Simply put, the couple purchased a second home before selling their first home, and wanted advice on how to fix their problem.
Suze was visibly outraged. She lectured the couple that they should have never purchased a second home without first selling their home. And then she screamed into the monitor, to everyone listening,“You should never ever under any circumstance purchase a home before selling your first home. And, if you do, never, ever without a contingency.”
- First, she obviously thinks a real estate agent has the power to force the consumers to buy or sell homes.
- Second, Suze was not privy to the couple’s decisions as to why they chose to buy a new home, or sell their old home.
- Third, she was not present for any of the conversations and counseling the Realtor provided to this couple.
It wasn’t clear if the listing agent was also the selling agent. Perhaps the couple listed their home for sale with one real estate broker and purchased a home through another. Suze assumed it was the Realtor’s fault that the couple now has two mortgages.
And, to solve the problem of carrying two mortgages, Suze not only told this couple, but everyone listening that may be in the same situation, to demand the Realtor to pay for the couple’s mistake by working without compensation.
I say Suze shouldn’t receive her salary for that episode of bad advice. What do you think?
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