Posted by SueC on August 29, 2000 at 09:55:27:
That’s something that I’d never have thought of; while I might have been able to match his attitude, I guess I just figured I ought to expect it from certain brokers! Thanks for letting me know that’s not the case.
Letting The Smarmy RE Agent Have It! - Posted by sueC
Posted by sueC on August 28, 2000 at 20:33:23:
Well I had an interesting telephone conversation today with an agent, made me think of the other posts recently about being grilled by an agent, so I thought I’d post this one for what it’s worth.
I called about a house that has been for sale for at least 2 years, and has been vacant all that time. I looked into it 1-1/2 years ago and the price was $99K; it listed this year with a different agent and now the asking price is $105. The FMV for tax purposes is $79K, and it’s in such an AWFUL location I doubt they’ll ever get anything above $80K. But, it might be good for a L/P since it is a single home, doesn’t need a lot of work,and the taxes are low, good school district. Someone trying to own a home might be willing to put up with the location (busy corner property).
So I called the agent. I was up front about telling him I’m an investor, and started to ask if the owners have a mortgage on the property, and he said “Nooo, …” and as I started to ask if they’d be interested in a seller carry he started to mimic my words, acting really obnoxious. “Oh, what course did you get that from?” he said, and I said “Geez, I didn’t take any courses, maybe you can educate me about what they teach.” Then I let him have it, telling him I knew the property had been vacant for at least two years, and the previous agent had the place listed at less than he does, and the location stinks, so it seems to me that the sellers might be motivated. Dead silence on the other end of the phone.
I pointed out that I have no interest in screwing anyone out of their money, including him, but might have some creative ideas to help them out, and yes, make something myself since that’s what an investor does. By the end of the call, he was still smarmy, but he was laughing. He said, “I present all offers to my clients”, but I’m going to make sure I’m present when he does, I don’t want to take a chance that I can trust this guy!
Fortunately I guess for me, I can be obnoxous with the best of them if I have to, but I’d rather not. But it was nice to be able to match this guy on attitude and not be intimidated - having a thick skin helps too. Who knows, he might wind up being “converted” on the CRE stuff!
With attitudes like that … - Posted by Rick Wheat
Posted by Rick Wheat on August 30, 2000 at 06:39:17:
is it any wonder that Realtors are scared to death about the internet and other wonders of modern technology putting them out of business? Good Riddance!
GOOD LUCK!!!
Rick Wheat
Had this happen twice with the same Realtor so… - Posted by Dee-Texas
Posted by Dee-Texas on August 29, 2000 at 13:57:32:
I sent a very nice letter to the owners! I told them that I was a cash buyer and that I had tried to talk to their Realtor about the house and he said that they wouldn’t take my offer. So I was thanking them for their time and that my offer was $XXX and if they wanted to reach me I could be contacted at…
Story end I bought the property, they booted the agent. That was THEIR decision not mine since I didn’t have to pay an agent. Me?..I just buy properties Big SMILE
Everyone have a wonderful day!
Dee-Texas
Re: Letting The Smarmy RE Agent Have It! - Posted by Craig
Posted by Craig on August 29, 2000 at 11:00:14:
Hey you’re not the only one. That kind of thing happened to me more often than I’d like to admit. I don’t know about sitting down right away with his broker and wasting any more of your time, but as immature as I am I keep a “black list” of these types and am always looking for an opportunity to give them an attitude check. But I won’t go any further because I play dirty and I don’t want someone doing something like that at my advisement.
It’s just one of those things that everyone will probably encounter from time to time. Usually when they are first starting out. Sooner or later you’ll be in a position to do the same thing or worse to that guy. I wouldn’t hesitate, but I guess there is something to be said for forgiveness, I just don’t know what.
FIRST, You Need To Pay A Visit To His Office… - Posted by Hugh James
Posted by Hugh James on August 29, 2000 at 08:27:55:
…and have an attitude adjustment session with his managing broker. If he is the managing broker, you need to have this same adjustment session, in person and without him present, with the property owner.
This attitude has no place in our business. A call to his board with the possibility of a complaint isn’t such a bad idea either. This is just my opinion, but it’s coming to you from a Realtor who would avoid these kinds of confrontations if I could…but this agent needs a knot tied in his/her tail today.
Re: Had this happen twice with the same Realtor so… - Posted by Laure
Posted by Laure on August 30, 2000 at 04:26:16:
I did a similar thing last spring. They still had the seller’s telephone number on the MLS print out, so I picked up the phone and called the seller ! Agent still got paid, but I got the house for my price. Just closed on the sale of it couple of weeks ago. Check in hand.
Laure 