Nelya Calev

The day after Christmas, I receive the following call

Buyer: Hello, could you please show me your listing at 123 Main St?

Me: I can arrange to have an agent show you this property, but are you currently working with an agent?

Buyer: I do not want to use an agent. I want you to write the contract for me. I will tell you the terms. Agents aren't worth the commissions they receive.

Me: I'm sorry, but I do not do dual agency. You will need to find an agent to write the offer up.

Buyer: I will dictate the terms. I just need you to write it up. The seller does not need to know that you wrote it.

Me: That is fraud and I cannot do that. If you're worried about the commission, why don't you find a discount agent to write it up.

Buyer: I'll go to Redfin!

Me: That is fine. I do not care who writes up the offer. I just told you I cannot do it myself. Redfin, by the way, charges one and a half percent and has a minimum amount they need to make.

Buyer: I know that... You just don't want to leave nice cozy Bellevue.

Me: No. I cannot write contracts for buyers for my own properties. It is in your own best interest to find someone to represent you.

Buyer: It's not worth it to pay any commission for just filling in the blanks on a piece of paper for what I tell you!

At this point I proceeded to lecture him on all the work it takes to actually close a property these days. Unfortunately it was wasted breath as he did not hear a word I said. I honestly do not care who writes up the contract for him. I do not do dual agency and even if I wanted to this particular seller forbids me from doing so.

From his perspective, this is one example where you can argue that ignorance is bliss.

Why is it the holidays seem to bring out the worst in people? On Christmas Eve, I receive a call from a buyer interested in a property located next to a property I just sold. This property is of course listed by another agent.

First the buyer asks me a number of questions about the property. While I had been in it to do comps I obviously knew little else about it. She then stated that she is looking for a home for her parents and that I must show it to her that night.

Do they have an agent?, I asked.

She replied that she didn't know, but that she just wanted someone to open the door for her. I replied that any agent would want to get paid for showing a listing and that we are not paid unless the listing closes. I suggested that she use the agent they are working with to open the door.

She then got rather huffy and insisted I show her the house the next day (Christmas Day). While we do not celebrate Christmas, we do get together with family that day and I did not feel like driving across town that day to open a door so another agent can get paid.

When I refused, she got quite upset, told me off, and then stated she would just call the listing agent herself.

How's that for holiday cheer?

As most of you know, I deal with several bank owned properties at the same time. These properties are typically in high demand and therefore I receive quite a few calls a day on them. I can deal with serious questions, but the following conversation (which on some days occurs every few minutes) really can be frustrating.

Caller: Hello, I am calling about your listing on 33rd Street.

Me: What can I do for you?

Caller: What's the story behind this property?

Me: Well, what do you need to know?

Caller: Is it vacant? (note that vacancy status is on MLS)

Me: Yes, it is.

Caller: Is this a short sale?

Me: No, it is bank owned. (this is also on MLS . I also explicitly say it is ‘not a short sale' in the agent remarks.)

Caller: Do you have any offers? (If I have multiple offers, this is also on MLS)

Me: Yes, we have multiple offers.

Caller: Where do we need to be to get it?

Me: I cannot disclose this.

Two minutes later, I receive another call and it starts all over again, and again, and again.

I have tried changing my voice mail to state that all MLS information is current and intentionally do not answer my phone. I then receive a message stating "this is so and so. Please call me.'" When I return the call, the above conversation happens all over again.

Certainly I have noticed that most agents lack attention to details. If you want the listing agent to be on your good side, calling her with questions she has already answered on MLS is not a good way to start.

Keep in mind that while I am answering these calls I am dealing with distressed homeowners, trying to close transactions, putting out hourly fires, and trying to prevent myself from going insane.

So the next time you call on a listing, please read the information on MLS first as it is current and up to date.

Check out this book!

You may know that my husband is into photography and likely do not know that he is a member of the Microsoft Photography Club. This year Photography Club Members from around the world spent five months assembling and publishing a world-class, fine art photo book. The time and talent that went into this project makes every copy of the book a gift to its owner. They even put a full book preview online (160 pages of preview!) 100% of the profit from sales goes directly to the United Way and you get a valued and timeless reminder of how you too make a difference for those in need.

You can preview the book, or order the book, from your desk. Not only does this book make a wonderful addition to any collection, and a thoughtful gift, each copy you purchase contributes directly to the ongoing, important work of United Way. This book is offered for purchase at the cost of printing plus $25.00. This additional amount is contributed directly to United Way in your name and is fully tax deductable as a charitable contribution.

Even if you don't think you'll buy a copy of the book, go take a look at the online preview anyway. It really is amazing!

BTW, my husband's photo is this one.

Recently I have seen several foreclosed homes caused by the previous owners spending too much on remodeling. The stories are all very similar. The owners decide to fix up the place and spend a great deal of time and effort making their home look perfect. In the meantime they run their cash reserves so low that they can no longer afford to make house payments. Around the time that work on their home is almost complete, the bank forecloses.

This is a really a shame and in many cases entirely avoidable. During one recent foreclosure the previous owner was almost in tears. I could see him visibly upset and he asked that I wait until he left to take pictures. He had put a great deal of time and effort into that home and never really had the chance to enjoy it.

While the case is sad, this is just another example of keeping your finances in order. Always be prepared for that rainy day and make sure you only spend what you truly have.

While I am sure that I can sell these homes very quickly given their prices and condition, I would far prefer to sell beat up old homes that I know will find a better owner.