TIPS FOR DEALING WITH REAL ESTATE AGENTS

There seems to be a public perception that real estate agents are only looking out for themselves and not looking to help the Seller or the Buyer.  As with most generalisations there are a few rotten apples which affect the whole basket.

Most real estate agents are there to help you either sell your property or buy your new property.  These real estate agents are looking to do their profession proud and be as helpful as they can be.

Now dealing with anyone I am a firm believer in the golden rule of treat others how you want to be treated yourself.

The same can be done by people who interact with real estate agents.

It does not cost anything to be courteous, respectful or honest.  And generally when you treat people these ways then you build better relationships with them.

Some ways you can be courteous is to respond to any communication you receive from the real estate agent.  That can be returning phone calls, text messages or emails.  The most common answer that a real estate agents gets is no so do not feel like you are the first person who told them, sorry I went with another agent or sorry I do not want to buy the house.  In this day and age you don’t even have to say it in person or by telephone you can simply text or send an email.

Being respectful is something that has seemed to be disappearing in modern society.  When signs have to be erected at doctor surgeries and fast food outlets saying that abusive behaviour will not be tolerated it is sad indictment on society.  You can disagree with people and still be respectful.  Or if you ask a question and the agent does not know the answer, generally the agent will offer to follow up with you.

Honesty is always the best policy.  If you require an appraisal for purposes other than sale, then be upfront with the agent as they will generally be happy to do the appraisal anyway.  If you inspect the property and do not like it, when leaving the property tell the agent that you are not interested and that will avoid any awkward communications after the inspection.

I like to try and make peoples lives easier and that includes my own.  If I do not need to make any follow up phone calls because I know that buyers are not interested or because the seller has signed up with another real estate agent, then that makes everyone’s life easier.