I hate to say this, but I guess I've grown accustomed to mediocrity in our business. Below average is often the norm. It seems like most tranactions that I've handled over the past year or two have been with agents that seem less-than-interested in making a good impression, or even in making the deal work.
The past couple of weeks, I've been very pleasantly surprised to be dealing with a broker who is, simply put, easy to get along with and pleasant. Why is that a surprise, rather than business as usual?
I've been to a good number of real estate conventions and gatherings over the years, and the people I meet almost always seem amicable enough, friendly and outgoing. There's really no reason to think that they would be difficult when conducting business, but for some reason, these friendly folks turn serious and inflexible when there are sales to be made.
Dealing with this particular broker (whom I may name later, once the deal is funded) has been a breath of fresh air. He is invariably upbeat yet laidback, which is probably partially just his personality and partly from his own experience as a business owner dealing with hundreds of transactions over the years. We work well together, and it barely even seems like work.
One of the biggest differences can be expressed in one word: COMMUNICATION
When I call him, he is available or quick to respond. I give the same courtesy to him. Thankfully, I haven't felt he need to screen his calls, because he doesn't belabor every point, and he's not rude in expressing them. I would actually recommend that his clients use him again.
Along with this good agent/broker I've been fortunate to have terrific, motivated clients on both sides of the deal. No drama. No weird personalities. No odd requests at the last minute.
Kinda feels like 2006 again.
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Hey maybe 2006 is knocking at the door again.
It is great when you meet someone who is capable and meets the needs of the client they are representing. Someone who doesn't need to have their hand held all the way through the deal or is so obtuse as to how to conduct business is still the norm, unfortunately. Congrats on a great experience!
Jason - I was just saying the exact same thing! Seems like the last few deals I have had to do EVERYTHING in the transaction to get it done. Finally I have an agent I am working with that will do his part! Insane to think that splitting commission 50/50 would mean we share the work 50/50 as well.
Great to read you recognizing the exceptional agent. Want to share the name?
Jason, I have only been in the business a little over three years, but I have discovered that some agents are easy to work with and some are a pain. It's refreshing to work with someone who makes the transaction easy. Sounds like you found a winner!
Jason,
This is the way it should be.
I say it all the time, "I have a seller who wants to sell and you have a buyer who wants to buy. Our job is to try to put it together and get it to close."
Tom
Jason---And doesn't that make you want to go out and sell more of his houses? We are in this together---we can either try to make it easier and pleasant or we can make it a nightmare. I know which one I choose. Nice of you to recognize a fellow agent!
It is great to work with a pro! And I hope you will share his name and shout it when you can!
Agents who are difficult to work with become known within the community pretty quick; it amazes me how they can remain in business...
Jason.... Glad to hear you have things going well ... I also have been fortunate to have the same
I would say most of the agents I work with are good. There are some that get on my nerves, but mostly good experiences. I think doing multiple transactions with the same agent helps too.
I Agree! It is so nice when the other agent is pleasant, efficient and proactive. I always keep them in mind and look forward to working with that agent again.
Amazing how just a bit of good communication can make the difference between good and bad agents
Glad you are having a pleasant transaction, Jason but don't get used to it - mediocrity is lurking everywhere! You'd think with the sifting of the market the chaf would have been blown away but somehow that isn't so. A lot of good agents aren't here anymore and some who shouldn't be still perservere...go figure.
Ah, 2006, the year of the never ending multiple offers. Sounds like you are putting good juju out there for 2011. Good luck with your transaction.
Jason - It's too bad that so many have come to accept mediocrity when there are so many dedicated, talented agents out there such as yourself. (BTW - I read your comment on Chris' blog and had to come over and see what you're up to! Great job!)
It is sad that you are surprised, but I'm glad to hear it's going well!
Jason, glad you were able to work with a Professional... it makes the difference!
May I take a moment to brag on one of my Boards, the Tallahassee Board of Realtors: In the many years that I have belonged to this Board, every transaction - with rare exception - has been excellent. The Agents have gone above and beyond. If they were "Newbies", their Broker was involved to back them up.
Jason---deals would go a lot more smoothly if agents would simply remember it's always about negotiation...and that requires communication AND a win-win outlook.
I really thought that when the buying frenzy ended and agents had to really work hard to list and sell homes, those lame agents would drop out.
Apparently, I was wrong. It looks to me like some of them don't need to make a full time living, so are content with only a few transanctions. Then, when they do get a buyer or seller, they're happy to let the agent on the other side do the work.
Congratulations on finding someone you're enjoying this time. Do share his name when your transaction is closed!
My dear Jason, This SHOULD be the norm and not the exception. When working with a real professional, I acknowledge them every single chance I can.
The others I call "kindness impaired" and it make for a long difficult transaction. Hoping you will highlight this broker and invite them to join AR.
I've gone through some spurts with a number of less than ideal agents, but recently I guess it's been good luck, because I've deal.t with some great professionals.
Jason, first, you have the dubious destinction of being the first post I have featured in the Bananatude group! You were my first and I won't soon forget...
I know those agents, the ones when your buyer wants to see one of their listings and you kneel down and say a prayer that the buyers hate the house....
Or when one of those agents calls to show your listing and you find yourself torn.... because you know if they bring in the offer you life will be a living hell.
There really is no reason for bad behavior, none at all.
drum roll please, I hope I get this right.....
Featured in the group "Bananatude"
I did the same the other day. . this agent was perfect!
Then I realized I was doing both sides! :)
Jason I had this same experience this past week - and honest to goodness professional agent that was so pleasant to work with - just like the 'old' days of the 90's and up. Communication and working together - what a concept. Congrats on being Andrea's First Tude Feature - How cool is that!
Isn't that the best feeling? A no-drama transaction! If only it were the norm but I fear that we still have a culling of the herd that needs to occur before we weed out the less-than-stellar agents.
Jason,
Glad you have gotten to have that rare "smooth" transaction. Of course that does not mean there are not any hiccups but that everyone is pulling together, communicating and working to the same end goal to get the home closed. Like you to many times the other side is combative and not a help in making that transaction work.
Unfortunately, this days it is the exception rather than the norm. That's what makes it so special!
Featured in the Group "Whacked!!!"
One of the first things I express to agents is that it's important that we have strong communication between us as the transaction progresses. Sometimes it works out that way, sometimes it doesn't. Glad to hear that you're dealing with an agent who gets it. Woudn't it be nice if they all went this smoothly?
I have worked with some amazing agents (as well as some stinkers) but I always remember the great ones and can't wait to work with them again. What more must be said? I wish more people realized this.
Jason, It is sad that it's not this way all the time, (respectful) communication really is the foundation for a great working relationship. I've been fortunate lately myself with cooperating agents - hope that trend continues! I've also thought that I'd actually recommend them as an agent which is one of the greatest compliments I think we can earn from our colleagues - it says a lot!
Jason - Believe it or not I've just had my first very good experience with an REO agent. She's professional, focused, knowledgable, and communicates well and often. What a breath of fresh air.
Jason,
You topic represents a value that I'm not sure a lot of professionals share. Reputation among peers can't be over emphasized. Working well with others... works well.
Best,
Steve
It is a shame but true that when we run into a good agent it is the exception rather than the norm. Of course we all presume others think of us as a good agent when dealing with us, maybe not, but we can hope.
Jason, how kind of you to hightlight this <agent>! All the best for a smooth closing...
Jason, it is great that you had a good experience, lately I have been blessed last four closings they were all smooth and had professional agents on the other side. I find that yes Communication is the key. Now with Texting, Voice mail, e-mail there is no excuse not to have good communication.
Jason - you summed it up perfectly - 2006 did seem like a much more pleasant time! I always make sure to mail a personal note to the other agent after closing if I enjoyed working with them. I think it can go a long way...and then I always look forward to future transactions.
Jason: I can concur... SO many great social agents can be horrors when you have a deal with them... inflexible, unbeding, not reachable.... It is so ncie when you place a bid to hear the other agent say ' I look forward to working with you - again..." Best, Gay
Wow, a good agent to co-op with, and two good clients - this is a dream come true!
Jason,
Good agents are like GOLD in this business, better yet platinum!
I referred a seller to an AR member who looked good based on what they put on their BLOGS and personal website.
Short story. They got the home under contract in about thirty days and that seller is now under contract to buy a home here in sunny FL.
That agent got the job done....
Its always great to work with someone that is professional and communicates ongoing. Congrats on the fantastic transaction and business relationship.
Always makes it easier when you get a good agent. Have a great week.