Things you should never hear your real estate agent say
You enter into a contract with your real estate agent expecting to pay a large commission for professional services rendered, including good advice, extensive knowledge and impressive negotiation skills. If you happen to sign with an agent that says any of the following taboo comments, perhaps it is time to reconsider the relationship and find a new agent as soon as the contract will allow. At the very least, make your feelings known and discuss any and all issues with the current agent when questionable practices arise.
“You do not need to schedule a home inspection”
If you are the buyer, one of the very first tasks on your list after making an offer is to get a home inspection of the property conducted by an impartial home inspector. Even if you may have the luxury of being quite versed in home construction and potential building material issues, do not make the mistake of being a DIYer when it comes conducting a thorough home inspection. Spend the money and seriously ask yourself why your agent does not suggest doing the same.
“Do not worry what the contract sales says, I already read it”
If those words – or anything similar – come out of your agent’s mouth, it is certainly time for a reality check. What professional would ever tell you to not worry about the content of a document that for all intents and purposes legally and financially obligates you to a home purchase for 30 years? Who in their right mind would say in essence, trust me, when you are of the liable party. If you hear something like “do not worry about what the contract says,” stop the process immediately and question the agent’s overall sanity and gall.
“That funky smell will go away”
Sure, and how about “the check is in the mail.” Both mistruths are not to be taken lightly. Here again, your agent may be trying more to earn a commission than trying to find you the optimal home. Anything that smells bad now will now doubt smell just as bad in the future. A deeply seated animal odor will not go away unless the carpet and/or flooring are replaced, and that is not likely unless agreed to by the owner. Platitudes from your agent are not only unprofessional, they are inappropriate considering the agent should have your best interest at heart – not their pocketbook’s.
“I know you gave me a budget to stay within, but just look at this perfect house”
Here again ask yourself whose needs the agent has in his or her best interest. Is it yours, remaining ever vigilant and cognizant of your maximum amount to spend or does the agent keep pushing the envelope by showing you “perfect” properties, which just happen to be coincidentally over budget. If the showings continue to be more than you want to spend, remind the agent of the importance of staying within budget. If the trend continues, find a new agent that will abide by your wishes as soon as the contract will allow.
“I only do business in person or by phone”
How about, remind your agent he or she is living in the advanced 21st century and the vast majority of people on the planet conduct many business transactions via email. In person or by phone are perfectly acceptable methods, but if you need to share lots of information or have a list of questions requiring answers, the most optimal and efficient method of communication is scanning and/or sending documents via email. Email also allows for the agent to answer you as soon as it is convenient when he or she has a moment to look at the requested or supplied information, analyze what needs to happen, and responds in an appropriate amount of time with additional data.