“Help! We don’t like our Agent!”
January 17th, 2007 by Rich JacobsonFrom Sparky: Rich Jacobson of Windermere Real Estate in Silverdale WA.
Okay, so let’s breach a topic that most people, especially real estate agents, would rather ignore.
Let’s say that you’re a Buyer. You and your wife have been working with Agent Smith for a couple weeks now, and things just aren’t clicking. He’s an okay guy, but he’s got the personality of a bent trash can. He’s not very attentive and he seems to miss some of the most basic details.
What do you do? What CAN you do?
First, you need to realize that most professional real estate agents take their duties and obligations towards their clients very seriously. They diligently strive to represent their client’s best interests to the fullest extent possible. Regardless of Agent Smith’s shortcomings, in his mind he may have been making a legitimate effort and investing his valued time in assisting you. That is something that should be taken into account.
Secondly, as hard as an agent may try, they can’t always be all things to all people. There may be that rare ocassion where personalities differ or collide. That’s okay. No one is right or wrong. It’s just a reality of life. The truth is that nobody wants to be in a working relationship that isn’t working! Agent Smith may actually be feeling the same way you are.
If possible, your first step should be an attempt to discuss the matter directly with your agent. However, some people may not feel comfortable with this approach, depending on the nature of the differences you’re experiencing with your agent. Another option would be to share the situation with the agent’s Managing Broker. Most Brokers are genuinely concerned for the welfare and satisfaction of their Brokerage’s clientele. Call the Broker. Set up a time when you can meet. Share your feelings and thoughts openly. A good Broker can help facilitate and mediate such circumstances. If things can’t be worked out with Agent Smith, the Broker may be able to recommend another agent within their office that might be a better fit.
It should also be mentioned that if you signed a Buyer’s Agency Agreement, you still have a contractual obligation to Agent Smith. That’s not to say that you can’t be released from that obligation. Just be aware that it may exist.
The primary point being made is that you shouldn’t just automatically jump ship at the first sign of trouble. or difficulty. Open and honest communication is the key. Share your feelings with your Agent, or with the Broker, and work towards a mutual resolve.
The process of buying or selling a home is one of the most significant situations you’ll face. You deserve an agent you can trust, respect, and work well together with.
Rich Jacobson, Your Professional Agent on the Kitsap Peninsula
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Sometimes a 1st time buyer has to go through a Realtor or two to realize that we are not all created equal. I don’t agree with going to the Broker unless the Realtor has done something out of line, or to be released from a buyer/broker agreement. I have picked up some of my best buyers as a result of other Realtors bad service. About the flip side of this subject, there have been buyers I did not want to work with and have sent on their way. It is just life, the chemistry is either there or it is not.
I think you pull out you big gun (the broker) and get the job done or just leave. If the realtor isn’t doing his job that’s not my fault. We’re not friends, he’s the hire help.
Ines, as always I truly value your opinions. It has been my experience that when clients encounter such problems, they simply disappear and never say anything to anyone. I want to prevent that disappearing act. I agree that good, open communication is the key. My initial advice was to talk directly to the Agent. If for some reason that doesn’t work, then to me, going to the Broker is the next logical step. Agent Smith may be clueless, or get defensive. Maybe Agent Smith is a new agent and needs some friendly intervention from his Managing Broker. One size won’t fit all, but at least the Client’s concerns are addressed and hopefully resolved. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Rich – you know I always love your posts and agree with you most of the time but going to the agent’s broker? really? I would feel like a tattle tail. I always think communication is the key, even if you ARE uncomfortable with it. If Agent Smith is doing his job and his job is not good enough – the best route is to tell him as soon as possible so he does not loose any more time. You may even reach a creative road out —>Agent Smith could refer the buyer to another agent that fits the seller’s needs better and could get a referral fee from that.