Working Together for Our Clients
Agents: We need each other. I have buyers and sellers. YOU have buyers and sellers. We have clients whose needs we want to meet so they’re happy, we’re happy, everybody is happy. If this sounds like you, let’s do business!
1) TELL ME THE TRUTH: Whether on the MLS, when I talk to you on the phone or respond by email, if you know something you should tell me, tell me. If your listing is in foreclosure, say so on the MLS. I won’t waste your time setting up a showing, or my clients’ time looking at a house I know they won’t be interested in. House without power? Tell me so I’ll bring a flashlight. Is your buyer just tire-kicking? Tell me, so I can let my seller’s know.
2) RETURN MY CALLS: Seller’s want info after a showing. When I call you and ask for feedback, please call me…I’ll do the same. Everyone has 60 seconds between driving to appointments to get on the phone and leave a message. When my buyer has a question that I pass on, please look into it quickly. Yours may not be the only home we’re considering, but you’ll go towards the top of the list when you are respectful of my clients’ concerns. I’ll do the same for you.
3) COMPLETE YOUR PAPERWORK: Documentation is a matter of details. If you’re not good at details, find someone who is. When I have to chase you for missing signatures, initials, incomplete information, the process slows down, and I have to wonder what else you’re forgetting. Our clients rely on us to handle the details. I’ll make sure I do my best to handle my side of the paperwork correctly, too.
4) PLEASE BE ON TIME: When you schedule a showing for one of my listings, please be on time. I’ll take care of making sure my seller’s know you’re coming so that your showing is owner-free and pleasant; if you or your buyers will be late, call me. It’s courtesy, and I’ll do the same. Likewise if I set an appointment with one of your listings…it’s reflects badly on us and our industry when the seller shows up at the door in pajamas and says they didn’t hear from their agent that there was a showing. And remember that showing up really early can be as bad as showing up really late. Things happen…just let me know. I’ll do the same for you.
5) GIVE GOOD DIRECTIONS: I know my territory; so do you. But like you, sometimes I am not near a map, or forgot it, or need to schedule something last-minute and need your help. If you’re providing directions (especially online), remember that I am not always coming from the one direction you’ve given instructions for…help me and my clients out…give details from north AND south; east AND west. It’ll help us be on time.
6) HONOR THE CONTRACT: Contracts aren’t a suggestion…If you want to change, amend, ignore or update the contract, don’t assume my clients or I will assume it’s no big deal, too. Both our clients are best served when the expectations are written, clear and agreed upon. We all get into trouble when we say it’s not a problem…nothing ever is, until it is. If your buyer or seller has a change, tell me, and let’s get it in writing. We’ll speed things along, avoid challenges and problems later and help our clients understand their needs are protected.
7) A DEADLINE IS…A DEADLINE: If we have a deadline, I will honor it…so should you, for your clients’ sake. If it’s 5:15 and the deadline is 5:00, we don’t have a deal. We can’t pick and chose which part of the process means something and which doesn’t, especially when it’s part of a contract. I’ll watch the dates and time and be sure my buyers and sellers comply, so you look good, too.
8) DON’T BLUFF: If you’re new or unfamiliar with something, get help. My job is to help my clients have a successful transaction and by default that means keeping the process moving along. If you’re stumped, get help from your designated broker, another colleague, me. Pretending like you know what you’re doing when you don’t makes our industry seem bumbling and unprofessional. No one knows everything all the time.
9) BE CIVIL WITH ME WHEN WE DISAGREE: Ultimately we represent our clients’ wishes. When our clients want us to do something, it’s up to us to see that it gets done or show them advantages to be gained by making different decisions. Don’t argue with me when my clients are firm about what they do or don’t want. If my clients are willing to walk away, so am I. You should be, too.
10) WE WILL WORK TOGETHER AGAIN: “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Like you, I make my living servicing my clients, but my fellow agents are just as important. Respect me because if we’re both doing our job right, we’ll be across the negotiation table again, hopefully soon. Be civil, return my calls, negotiate for your clients, but don’t make it personal. Remember that you’re not just dealing with me, but by extension, my clients, too. You help me, you, our industry when we all work together for the benefit on our respective buyers and sellers.
