I had occasion to show a new construction development this afternoon. I arrived early and talked to the on-site agent for a few minutes. They have a stock form for the public that states “Buyer Brokerage is available.” I asked her how they handled Buyer Brokerage, what would happen if a buyer wanted representation. She said, “I would do both.” Folks, until Dual Agency is the exception and not the agents’ (and company’s) default position, some agents will continue to have shady reputations and, by default, so will my entire profession. Dammit.
Browsing Category Buyers
Riddle me this
How can a property be a “wonderful home priced below market value?” Market value:The fair market value is the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts.If it’s priced “below market value,” how does this person define market value?
I’m the …
This is one of my favorite, most succinct series I have seen in the real estate blogosphere, provided by sellsius’ blog. (in spite of his use of the GD word) :)Buyer!Seller!Real Estate Agent!I aspire to being that agent and having clients who aspire to their respective categories.
Labor Day
Labor Day:Labor Day is the celebration of the value and dignity of work, and its role in the American way of life.I have an 11 o’clock (marketing presentation), a one o’clock (write an offer) and a three o’clock (take photos for a new listing). And then input another new listing. It’s a Labor Day, alright. 🙂 More reading on Labor Day here and here.
I haven’t heard this in five years
I have been licensed in the real estate business for over five years and until yesterday, had never heard this phrase uttered by buyer clients in the Charlottesville area: I don’t know – there’s just so much to choose from.We are in a different market, folks.
What do you want to know?
I have been working the in the real estate world for just over five years and have been around it since I was a wee child (both of my parents are Realtors). I have moved five or six times locally in seven years, but I have never directly asked myself or my clients this question – What do you want to know about the area that will either help you move or help you decide to move here? – Schools- Crime Rates- Employment- Grocery Stores- Public Transport- Recycling- What is there to do?- What have you been looking for online that you just cannot find?A general, all-encompassing question that usually elicits the responses above is this – “What, if anything, do you want or need to be “close to?”” Listening is my best weapon which I use to discern my clients’ wants and needs. I just need to be sure I am asking the right questions.
Baby Steps
What does a good Realtor do for his or her clients?Yesterday I was walking my two and a half year old down the stairs. For the first set, she went alone, step by step by step. (there are seven, we counted) She went slowly and deliberately and she made it. For the second set of stairs, I held her hand…. Flew down the stairs, unhesitatingly, trusting my guidance one hundred percent. One day she fell down two or three stairs (she was alone). I picked her up, calmed her fears and assured her that she would be alright. A good Realtor will seek to prevent the falls and guide the path to a smooth transaction.