I've had someone asking me questions, by email only, about land in my area. Building lots can be hard to come by and of course there are so many questions... covenants, where are the lot lines, etc.
This person has only dealt with me by email. We've probably had six to ten emails back and forth over the last few days. The latest one took a little longer to answer:
Debbie,
Thanks again for being so fast to reply! I tried to drive out there to check out the lot by *** I was going that way anyways, but is it at a mile marker or marked in any other way?
Also, I have a friend who is a realtor, can he take me out to look at it, or do i need to go through someone in particular? I am a bit green on all the realtor stuff, when I was looking at property years ago, things worked a lot different!....
Wow are things different today. My reply:
Sorry to take so long to reply to this. I really wanted to give this some thought.
You say you have a friend who is a REALTOR. That's an important thing to let me know.
If a friend of mine bought a property through another agent, my feelings would be hurt and the friendship could possibly be affected. However, sometimes we don't want to mix friendship and business.
It's something you need to decide before we go any farther.
When you go to look at properties, you should have the agent you want to use with you. It may be okay to walk around most vacant lots by yourself, but a qualified, knowledgeable real estate professional will see things that you will not. For example, I was the general contractor when my home was built - not by choice as my general moved part way into the process. I learned a lot about site preparation, and I pass my limited knowledge on to buyers. I saved a friend from buying a lot that would have been overly costly to build on. I learned quite a few other things, but that can wait...
You need to have someone you know and trust in your corner. This isn't like buying a new refrigerator or even a new car. The decimal point is in a different spot and a bad investment could be something you regret for years to come - or you can continue to enjoy. Your choice!
Also, a quick note about how we get paid might be helpful. Your friend and I both work on commission only. We don't get paid unless we sell something. We could spend hours working with a buyer but unless we are the ones that put pen to paper, we are basically giving away our time and knowledge. There are no guarantees. It's a tough business that way and it's quite expensive to be in this business.
So, at this point, I need to know... who is going to represent you if and when you buy? If it will be your friend it is only fair that you go to that person to do your legwork, show you properties, and guide you through this process. If you are not going to mix friendship and business, we can proceed.
Debbie White
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Debbie things were the same years ago agents got paid for what they sold! Good job on trying to explain this to him.
Debbie, you did a great job with your reply email to this "potential" client. I wish more people would state up front "I have a friend/sister/cousin that is an agent". That sure would make life simpler!
I am selling my own home for the first time. I'm always trying to get to the bottom of it before someone walks through my door and they blow because they think I'm interferring with a relationship.
Hi Debbie,
I think you did the right thing.. I would have done the same.
Hello Debbie: May I add that you are brilliant! I loved the way you handled this. It was a three-way punch. You put yourself in the buyer's shoes and empathized, you sold your own services, and you answered his question succinctly and professionally. Very impressive.
Debbie:
I echo what the other folks here are saying, a great response that answered the question, but also explained why you would be a great choice to represent this buyer, and why that decision needs to be made before this person keeps stealing the time of whoever will answer their questions the fastest.
Mark
Weichert Realtors
Debbie- nice response, very succinct and professional! I imagine you did ask if the potential client was working with another Realtor at the onset of the email conversation, correct? Shame on the buyer for not disclosing that his/her friend was a Realtor...let us know how this pans out!
Also, like Mr. Gordon said- how have things changed on how folks were paid in this business?!?! I've only been in 4 years but something tells me I could have been in 40 and we'd still be working on commission way back when!
James - I think what I was referring to was buyer agency. Years ago everyone worked for the seller. There are a few licensees that act like we still do but tha'ts another rant.
Kris - You are so right. What a time saver that would be! I live in a small town so tripping over each other happens quite often.
Chris - That is tough too. I remember selling our old house and I ran into that as well.
Anthony - Thank you. I wondered if I was being too blunt. Guess not!
Elizabeth - Wow, thanks! Buyers might be a little scarce but at the time I was more concerned about the buyer hurting a friend's feelings. Guess I did okay for a midnight response to email.
Mark - Thank you. The biggest conflicts between agents could be resolved if everyone did it.
Debbie, ...know and trust. Those two are the basis for success, and you asked the question so well. It's not know and like, is it?
Mike in Tucson
I love the answer, "Yes, I'm working with an agent, but he's really busy so I'm getting the information before I call him."
Very Savvy reply Debbie! We always ask up front so there is less expenditure of time & effort from the get go - since so many people became REALTORS since the housing boom - everybody knows somebody in Real Estate!
Hi, Mike - I didn't even catch that until you pointed it out :)
Erica - LOL yes that one is my favorite. I had a "buyer" tell me that yes, she was going to use her daughter's employer to help her buy the daughter a home BUT gee could I cancel or reschedule my appointment on a waterfront home to show her this house RIGHT NOW?
Jeff & Grace - Isn't that the truth. I just hope that our market shift helps us "flush" out the extras. I was fortunate that I only spent time online with the person. I usually don't ask the question on email inquiries because I don't mind helping someone if it helps sell my listings.
Good answer. It was to the point, concise, and clear. That is just the kind of writing I strive to do but seldom accomplish.
Thank you, Marty! That really means a lot to me, coming from you.
And what did this person decide? Will be watching for the update.
They are working with their friend. It's a small town, and I think it's better that way!
Debbie, We should all have this post on our websites under how we work. It's clear, to the point yet empathetic.
Good job.
Susan - Thank you. What a compliment. I'm lucky to find out they had a friend in real estate before I spent too much time with them... Thanks for stopping by!