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Chris Lima, Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you. (Turtle Reef Realty )

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Rainmaker
699,277
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

I'm not interested in educating a buyer who is "playing the agent game".  I will give them limited help and be oh so charming while doing it.

Jun 22, 2015 11:46 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

If the agents were in geographically different locations, I would continue working with the buyer.

If the agents are in the same location, I would advise the buyer, "You've got to choose one, and leave the others behind."

Then we would have 'the talk.'

Jun 22, 2015 11:46 PM
Rainmaker
687,136
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

I would educate the buyer on building a relationship with ME before I would work with them. Getting them to sign a Buyers Representation Agreement would be a start. Often they won't, but that might be ok with me depending on the situation. It's all about is it worth it for me, bowing out might not be the best choice, then again, it might.

Jun 22, 2015 11:44 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

I will vote for education any day.

Jun 23, 2015 12:20 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Chris,

Why would you do that?  You are not getting anything out of educating the buyer.  A

Jun 23, 2015 12:19 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

It really depends on how busy I am and how much attention this buyer demands...

Jun 22, 2015 11:56 PM
Rainmaker
516,537
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

I would not play the game with the buyer.  My time is too valuable to waste on someone who may end up purchasing from someone else, using the expertise I gave them.  If I find out a buyer is working with another agent I take them off my list of trying to sell.  

Jun 22, 2015 11:55 PM
Rainmaker
4,883,260
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

If a buyer does not sign a buyers rep agreement I have no desire to work with them.

Jun 22, 2015 11:54 PM
Rainer
61,641
Renee Paray
Coldwell Banker Realty - Blue Bell, PA
REALTOR

There are some buyers who do not have any loyalty. They do not care which agent uses their time or uses their resources to help them in their home search. I would be careful. 

Jun 22, 2015 11:50 PM
Rainer
480,243
Raymond Denton
Homesmart / Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
Irvine Realtor®

If I were a Baker, would I compete with 3 other Bakers, so the Customer can select the cake he likes best?

Jun 23, 2015 07:33 AM
Rainmaker
212,755
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

I would give it a try, I believe in education everytime regardless. If I knew they were calling every realtor of every sign or website, I'd ask if they think I am professional enough to represent them and if they say yes get a buyers brokerage agreement signed. 

Otherwise I'd still help them if they called me, however I would most likely focus on clients that respect my time & professionalism.

Jun 23, 2015 03:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,570
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Chris -- real estate is about relationships.  If a buyer is "fooling around" with the other agents -- seeing properties and writing offers, it's not likely to be a good match.   I'm not a cow and my milk isn't free.  

Jun 23, 2015 03:37 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I woudl certainly try to educated them with facts and reason. If they did not listen, not sure i would give them much time after that, 

Jun 23, 2015 03:03 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Yes, it's worth a try.  Though, I won't be taking them out until I get a clear commitment from them.

Jun 23, 2015 02:35 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Buh bye!

 

Jun 23, 2015 02:18 AM
Rainmaker
307,849
Anne Lok
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Toronto Realty - Toronto, ON
Toronto Modern Real Estate

If I find out before I meet with the buyer, I will convince them why they should work with me. If I find out at the first meeting that they are trying out different agents, I will let them know that the first viewing is complimentary, and thereafter they will have to make a choice. This week, I had a new buyer dropped their other agent to work with me because they feel I was better after our first meeting. It comes down to chemistry for me at the end of the day, and I am confident my professional services are better than most.

 

Jun 23, 2015 02:17 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

It depends on what my relationship to date has been with the buyer and whether I think they are open to feedback. Sometimes, I just choose not to waste my breath.

Jun 23, 2015 02:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,770,282
John Novak
Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace - Las Vegas, NV
Henderson, Las Vegas and Summerlin Real Estate

I would address the buyer's concerns and explain to them just how much behind the scenes work we do as agents. Then we would get right back to work finding them a beautiful home.

Jun 23, 2015 01:41 AM
Rainer
273,237
Richard Robibero, e-Pro, ABR, SRS
Panorama R.E. Limited - Toronto, ON
Selling Your Home as if it were My Own!

I've said it before. I am busy enough working with actual clients. I'm not going to play a game with five other agents racing to get the buyer to the listing first only to have him refuse to sign unless we give him part of the commission.

 

No thanks.

Jun 23, 2015 01:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,726,096
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

In many cases, those words are wasted. I find more often than not; it is the 'seasoned' investors that play that game.

Jun 23, 2015 12:31 AM
Rainmaker
292,685
Jack Lewitz
Exit Strategy Realty - Evanston, IL

I always educate buyers but I do it in a way that shows them that I am the expert they need and want to work with so if they choose to work with me they get a bonus if they choose to work with someone else thats ok with me and I move on to the next buyer.

Jun 22, 2015 11:54 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Yes, I'm not really interested in clients who are not loyal. I give my clients 100% why to agree to get back only ''maybe I'll choose you''?

Jun 23, 2015 05:10 PM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

The reason that buyers juggle many agents is because there are too many desperado's that will hang in there for a crumb...

If agents demanded loyalty, buyers would get used to giving it. Just like if agents stopped cutting their commission, consumers would stop asking.

Eve

Jun 23, 2015 10:27 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Actions speak louder than words, you have to win them over first. 

Jun 23, 2015 05:31 AM
Rainer
4,668
Jon Patrick
Allen Tate - Matthews, NC
Your Real Estate Partner with Local Passion!

First, absolutely educate them.

Second, I'd challenge each agent running around trying to impress this buyer to step up their games and act like professionals. Would multiple doctors or lawyers run around asking "how high!" for patients?  Would they, looking desperate for their next client, be impressive and build a sense that they are the Professionals?

Then why would we act any differently? Be available, build a relationship, but at some point recognize your time is very valuable and ask the buyer "If I'm going to act like your agent, I need to BE your agent."

Jun 23, 2015 05:09 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

I ask for a commitment to work with me exclusively. Otherwise it's a waste of valuable time.

Jun 23, 2015 03:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Chris Lima I once asked a potental buyer to sign a BBA. He wouldn't sign because he didn't know what to tell the other ten agents he was working with. Next!

Jun 23, 2015 03:46 AM
Rainer
429,033
Chris Lima
Turtle Reef Realty - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

I want to thank all of you for some great advice.  I know there are a ton of variables that go into deciding whether that type of customer is worthy of our precious time. My criteria has certainly changed a bit over the years.  I will still try and help but I find cutting the ties is sometimes the only viable option. This question came up with last night with a brand new agent who is trying to be all things to everybody and is quickly becoming frustrated by the lack of regard that some people have for her time and the fact that her buyer lied to her.

Jun 23, 2015 08:00 AM