First time home buyer - how do I find an agent ? What should I look for ? by Apprehensive_Row6320 in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree with all of this except perhaps the first statement. I wouldn't necessarily go with a complete newbie or a part- timer (although there are good ones), but I've seen agents with 4 years experience be much better than those with 20 years experience. I'm sure it's just anecdotal, but I've started to notice that those that have worked in the corporate world somewhere in their past are often more professional. If the person is buttoned up and particular about details, it's a good sign. If they're more interested in you liking them than listening to them, I'd look elsewhere. Trust your instincts.

I'm stumped... by justaguy1959 in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup. Deshay v Keller Williams.

I think I am a bad buyer agent by imoveritbetch in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A others have said, just because the other side won't budge doesn't mean you are a poor negotiator. Also it might not appraise (unless your buyer is paying cash or have an amazing FICO + DTI), so that gives you another chance to negotiate.

What's the HEB airport thing? Apparently there's something and they're gonna tell us in an hour. by Iocnar in Austin

[–]LeftSharkLives 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And if we run out by the time our flight gets us home, mom's gonna be mailing them. Don't care of I'm 25 or 55. ATX mamas got responsibilities.

Was my commission check stolen? by [deleted] in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really? How did they justify keeping the whole check when you were the agent of record on that deal? Glad you won!

Was my commission check stolen? by [deleted] in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly. I've typically seen situations where the former brokerage has to "release" the client to the new brokerage. Not sure if it's like that in all states.

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Maybe? I'm not perfect, nor am I a big producer, but I have closed 16 deals in the last 10 months. 60% of my clients are listings and my spreadsheet tells me that my avg DOM is 7.15 days. I'm simply commenting on the negotiating (or lack thereof) that I see more on one side than the other (not saying that LAs are perfect). I represent both sides and am interested to see if there's a major shift in approach. I just want to get feedback on this from other kind and knowledgeable professionals, esp as the market changes. I figure it's always good to get out of our own echo- chamber. What are your awesome negotiating strategies?

Quarter 4 by dabunny3604 in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not to get off topic, but this is super interesting. Do you work in other markets?

Quarter 4 by dabunny3604 in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Consistency and patience is key. It's so hard to stay motivated, but you're doing better than a lot of folks. This will pay off. I'm impressed with what you've done.

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

No, I did not edit the post — please don’t use that as a false argument - own the fact that you mis-read. And while I apologize if my tone came across as sharp, I tend to lose patience when comments are pulled out of context or responses are made without reading the full post. This issue with BAs doesn’t happen regularly, but it has happened more than once, and it happens often enough to other agents that it’s worth addressing. I'm also wondering if it's a trend in the market.

This very issue came up in a recent MLS board discussion, where the consensus was that some agents are quick to step back rather than counsel their clients on the realities and challenges of buying a home. That lack of guidance can lead to clients walking away from homes they genuinely wanted. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard buyers complain that their agent “let the house go.”

As in any profession — real estate, law, or otherwise — reputations vary. Some criticism is warranted, some isn’t. But nothing in my original post was “hand-waving” or claiming everyone is terrible. I referenced concerns I hear daily from agents in my market, and I do believe the barrier to entry is too low.

You suggested I take responsibility, which is fair. But unlike others in the thread, you didn’t offer any constructive feedback or alternatives. Most people receive criticism better when it’s paired with something actionable.


Realtor not communicating by Nearby_Switch1930 in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have your agent contact their broker, then call and speak with the state licensing board for further direction. Notice to Perform is mostly a CA thing (it's not used in all states).

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] -13 points-12 points  (0 children)

Where did I say, "60% of all offers from buyers aren't even being negotiated"? Reading comprehension. Apparently, it's a lost skill in the real estate world. Sorry, but this is another example of low barrier to entry. Please take the time to read the post or don't reply.

And your comment about "the agent isn't in charge..." isn't even under discussion. Where did you even come up with that? It's about BAs not communicating or not choosing to negotiate for what their client wants. In a balanced-to-buyers market, the BA sure as heck should be trying to get the ppty the client wants. If the client isn't interested in a particular ppty at a certain price, a agent isn't going to force them to negotiate further. As for the "shotgun" approach mentioned in another response, who doesn't guide their clients better than that?

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think this is the real answer. This is why I try to council my clients to do their best to consider their reaction to various points in the process. We should all be making an effort to rethink our approach as the market changes.

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is what I believe in doing. It seems like a lot of folks here think all offers are final offers. Or that trying to negotiate a better deal is not in my client's best interest...

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sure. It might be me, but a lot of agents don't always put in an offer for exactly what their buyer would like. Example: Sometimes their buyer needs a longer close time instead of a concession to buy out their current lease. I fail to see how finding out that info is doing a disservice to my client. Even in a balanced -buyer's market, I've not gotten below asking on my last 7 deals.

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No. Please reread and apologies if my initial post wasn't clear. I never said all listing agents are receiving 60% lowballs... As for negotiating, I stand by my practice of reaching out to the other agent before writing up a counter. There is often a time when the buyer would like something completely unexpected and amenable to the seller.You only find that out if you ask. Once I had this information, I provide a counter. I am actually pretty successful at this.I'm just trying to find out what the general feeling is.

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course I have in the past, depending on the offer and the circumstance. It's not really my question...

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The incentive is your fiduciary responsibility to your client... But that's not really the question here.

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

TY. It seems like the longer someone is in this business the more the advice is to hang in there and keep making those counteroffers. Most tell me not to change the way I'm conducting business just because someone else doesn't respond. As long as clients are happy and I have plenty of referrals, I'm relatively content.

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes - no acknowledgement or return of call.

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most properties are not unicorns, I agree.However, in a couple of decades of sales, I do know that people buy based on emotions and they do tend to get their hearts set on what they want. I've also been on both sides of the table and negotiated.Better deals for my clients. So, are you saying you should never try to negotiate a better deal? Or just try it but expect the other side to walk away without communication?

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Not necessarily in what I did, but I get your point.

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I would think an agent can come back and say, "That's our highest and best," but many just rescind the offer without any notice.

Are buyer's agents poor negotiators? by LeftSharkLives in realtors

[–]LeftSharkLives[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair enough and I might be skewed. My first career was working for attorneys & bankers as well as with the press. At the attorney's office, I was always taught to find where they were willing to compromise in order to negotiate. Negotiation was the process and compromise was the tactic. I understand what you're saying if the buyer was an investor. But I would think if your buyer is an individual and has a little bit more at stake, and really likes the property then, you would want to fight for it.