You know, if there is one thing that really bothers me, (aside from blatant plagiarism), it's real estate agents who go through life singing Frank Sinatra's greatest hit, "My Way."
Okay, so they don't literally go around crooning like Ole' Blue Eyes, but they sure do act as though the whole universe revolves around them, and that everything has got to be done "Their/My Way."
Their over-inflated egos and self-serving attitudes take center stage throughout each and every transaction, crowding out the needs and best interests of their clients.
Well, guess what? As real estate professionals, we exist solely to relentlessly represent and serve our clients We are under a legally binding fiduciary or statutory obligation to unselfishly advocate for their best interests.
This is NOT Burger King! You can't have it YOUR WAY!
Case in point: I am representing some wonderful Buyers from California - a Doctor and his family - relocating his practice to the Kitsap Peninsula. We currently have a contingent contract on a really nice 2-Story home on 3.5 acres out in the country. It's a beautiful property - new construction, over 3200 square feet, situated next to a creek, just mintues from Scenic Beach State Park and Hood Canal.
Their home in California has been 'sitting' on the market for the past several months with Agent 'Jones.' They had to make their own flyers. They had to take their own pictures for the photo gallery. They conducted their own Open House.
The house is on the market for $ 1.2 Million Dollars!
A couple weeks ago, they called Agent Jones. out of frustration, and very politely asked her to step up her marketing efforts.They made several helpful suggestions, based on what they had seen other agents doing to market similar homes in their area. They even offered to reduce the listing price, if necessary.
Agent Jones' response? She hung up on them!
For the next week or so, Agent Jones refused to answer their phone calls or return their messages. Word was that Agent Jones was totally 'miffed' and insulted that her clients would have the gall to presume that they knew more about her business than she did. The nerve of some people!
Another week goes by with no contact from Agent Jones. Zippity-Do-Dah is happening on their the sale of their home. Meanwhile, their 'contingent' dream home here in Washington is a 'Bump Clause' just waiting to happen.
Finally, they call the local association to explore their options. Since their designated agent refuses to communicate, and has all but abandoned them, they want out of their contractual obligation. The association director contacts Agent Jones and is informed that she will not release them from their Listing Agreement until she receives a formal letter of apology from the Sellers.
"Let's All sing together!:
- "To think I did all that,
And may I say, not in a shy way -
Oh no. Oh no, not me.
I did it my way."
If you've been in real estate for any length of time, you've no doubt had the experience of having a perfectly good transaction sabotaged by an agent with an oversized ego. Well, fortunately, the days of the Selfish, Overbearing, Self-Promoting Prima Donnas are over! It's not about US. it's ALL about our clients. Transparency, representation, advocacy, skillfully applied knowledge, and a determined commitment to serving our clients are our primary responsibilites as real estate professionals in today's market.
