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.
Rich,
Wow! That's quite a story and may I say "I know some agents like this". Of course, we won't mention names but, well, you know. We wish you luck on the outcome of this customer's dilemma. They have the best on their side in Washington, that's for sure! Thanks for sharing. Love the pictures!
That's . . . that's . . . words fail me.
Can't imagine an agent doing that, and can't imagine the association (or her broker - tell me she's not the broker?) letting her get away with it without censure, either.
Tricia - She's the Broker!!!
Tricia - they're tempted to, but I think they're just relieved to be out from under their obligation to her. Hopefully now they can hire a true professional to effectively market their home!
Rich ~ yet another story for "ripley's believe it or not" real estate war manual! The nerve of some people...I can't ever imagine NOT taking a clients call. Isn't that what we are obliged to do?
kk
As long as buyers and sellers let bad agents get away with this type of conduct, bad agents will continue this type of conduct.
Whay have they not sent a written notice of the cancellation of the listing agreement?????
Is that agent the broker???? If not, why have they not communicated in writing with the broker??
Folks that let stuff like this to continue are never going to HAVE IT THEIR WAY.
Must be the Stockholm Syndrome! ! !
That's wonderful news! Good luck on everything going forward.
Rich... you should be a STAGER dealing with agents. I hate to say it but we run into the "MY WAY" AGENT all the time.
Oh and SO MANY of the "MY WAY" agents also want a "kick back" which is a clear sign for us to start singing Nancy Sinatra's song... "These Boots are Made For Walking" and then we do so.
Me
Apology? Hmmm. Interesting, indeed.
I am glad your clients managed to get out of the listing contract. The things they were doing on their own would be unacceptable to me. The last thing I want my clients doing is holding an open house. I don't want them talking to potential buyers. I am old fashioned that way! Afterall, that is what they are paying me to do.
Rich... I have had some tough clients, I think we all have. To be honest, there have been times when I have wanted to hang the phone up.... but I don't. Doing that would be the fastest way out of this business.
Rich - what sad awful behavior from that agent, and what a terrible blemish on our profession that people like that are able to continue on.
Ann
What a brat! Yes, you are right we ALL have met agents like this all along hoping and praying that we won't have to deal with them again.
Rich, I'm with Lenn on this one. Has the broker been contacted?
That type of behavior is just unacceptable. It's almost hard to believe.
-B
Absurd.......I can't think of a more appropriate word Rich & Ines. It is individuals like this that make me want to have 'Celebrity Real Estate Boxing Matches'. I'd love to get that agent in the ring:-)
On a more professional note, I hope their business reaps the just rewards of such actions.
Off the subject, I went into the post office yesterday and there was nobody standing in line. I looked at the man behind the counter and said where is everybody. His response - Arby's!
I like that word as well - Absurd!
RJ,
Boy oh Boy! You sure deal with some winners in Washington!
What goes on there?:)
Rich.... EGO???? That is not an ego, that is a "bleep"..... Seriously, right or wrong, she didn't even return phone calls. Did these clients of yours even call her office? I would have gone right in there and asked for the manager or broker of record. I can see having issues, but ignoring your client like that, it's uncalled for.
Anyhow... crap like that really gets me. Hope it all works out for you and your clients...
Scott - I think this agent might have come from your area!....Doesn't it feel good to know that you aren't the only one to enjoy such fun experiences?
Jeff - she IS the Broker! It's a one-desk operation! That's why they went to the local board. Yeah, it really gets my craw too!
Anywho, I need to jump over to your 100K post and leave a comment!
Dena - well, it wasn't TOO far off topic. Both Arby's and Burger King ARE fast food! Yes, absurd. Frightfully so!
RJ,
God Bless Frankie...
I wouldn't have a second thought about simply listing the house with another broker. This is a clear case of abandonment.
Question is, what did the listing agreement say about termination????? If there is nothing in the agreement about termination and the sellers can document attempts to contact the broker AND I DON'T MEAN THE ^%#$%^&* TELEPHONE, then they have been abandoned and the listing agent can't hold their property hostage.
Why do folks let bad agents get away with this nonsense?????
Rich, that does not look like any burger I have ever seen at burger king....did you take that photo or plag it? (just kidding friend) On a serious note, great post, I have seen this all too often and as a third party who must remain nuetral, I have to sit back and allow negotiations to take their course. Love your stuff! Keep it coming! Thanks!
It is simply amazing to me what some people not only think that they are able to get away with but the number of agents that actually practice being #####.
In our business we are all presumed to be as good as our weakest people. It is unacceptable to have this attitude in our ranks.
Hi - I guess the upside to this is that word-of-mouth is pretty powerful - I am quite sure that this activity will come back to bite the agent in the - ahem - backside. What goes around comes around, and that is a good thing. Liz
I think Agent Jones must be smoking something. I would never consider hanging up on a client and then demanding an apology.
People are nuts. Thanks for sharing.
Is this the Henrietta Von Screamer you were talking about a few weeks back or was that another woman of character you ran into?
In the past year, I picked up 2 clients' other sides from agents who thought it was all about them. I had to commiserate with each client over all the slip ups, lack of communication.
At least those clients are fortunate enough to have you to work with on this end!
I have a friend in the mortgage business who has a pet peeve about that type of realtor (they earn all lower case letters due to lack of professionalism). She wonders how many of them, when they set a closing date that's really tight to impossible to make, are planning on bringing the money needed to fund the loan to the closing table. Or the one where the seller is told the mortgage broker messed up somehow and that's why the buyer with the temp job and 560 credit can't get 100% financing to close the loan.
Also, as a mortgage professional I have to admit there are plenty of brokers and L.O.'s who have gone over to the dark side.
Part of the angst is that we as mortgage brokers and REALTORS are often tossed together with the less apt member of the other side of the deal because of whom the buyers picked to purchase from or through, or whom they chose as their financial source. But then, if it were as easy everyone would be a REALTOR or mortgage professional.
You know, in a former occupation...the oh so reputable insurance business...I was taught that if I wanted to hang up on my clients to do it mid-sentence. That way it would seem like we were disconnected. I never did.
I just wanted to post something different. : )
Rich,
That's is too incredible. She should be flogged with the listing contract. I guess I'm lucky in that I have not had the experience of running into someone of that ilk--thankfully.
Fran
Rick & Ines - I was thinking maybe something along the lines of a fraternity pledge prank. You know, have them sit naked on a block of ice and smack with a paddle everytime they stand up!
Lix - one would hope that the negatove karma would come back around. The universe has a way of adjusting for these things.
Another great one from New Jersey, also said it best when he came out with the sequel to "My Way"...."It's My Life",,,,it's now or never, I'm not gonna live forever. Congrats for the featured post.
Wow, its hard to believe that a real estate agents can be lazy, stupid, or incompetent. This loser is a shining example of all three....
I hope you forward your Blog and the Comments received to this sad example of a broker. I also hope that the clients file a complaint with the state and that everything works out in the end for them on their new home...
-Bill
Bill@Sauneuf.com
http://www.Sauneuf.com
You were right when you used Burger King in your blog title because that is where she should look for employment. However, she should only be allowed to sweep the parking lot and wipe off tables since she does not know how to deal with people.
Amen!
Agents like this make the entire industry look bad.
Margaret