This phenomenon - sometimes referred to as "the disappearing real estate agent" - is more common that often realized by consumers.
There are several ways in which this plays out - and harms the consumers...
For example:
1. Scenario 1 - I received an offer from a buyer agent on one of my sellers' homes, with a 2-day response. My clients spent the next 2 days viewing homes, reviewing numbers with their lender & I and ultimately determining that they would like to make a counter-offer to the buyers. Upon acceptance, they would proceed with a purchase offer on a home they viewed. I sent the counter-offer to the buyers' agent...and in three days, I left in excess of 10 messages via phone, email & text, requesting the courtesy of a response. Perhaps the buyers aren't interested? No... Finally on day #3, the agent responded that he was "sorry, had gotten busy with the holiday week & forgotten all about the offer."
Naturally, I am wondering at this point if the agent's clients realize he has not been in communication with me - for days...regarding their purchase offer & my sellers' counter-offer. Surely they would like to hear the sellers' response??
The buyers did come back for a second showing & the agent said he'd contact me afterwards...Suffice it to say, I still don't have his clients' response...
This has been frustrating for everyone the, as our clients await response. I continue to wonder whether this agent's clients realize how neglectful their representation is in this transaction...
2. Scenario 2 - Throughout many times of the year, we have clients from out of the area who come to town to view homes. It is a bit shocking in the lack of response we sometimes have from seller agents or offices whose properties we are trying to show. (seemingly because it is a weekend...)(do agents truly not check their voicemail or email on weekends??) Again, my question and concern is for the consumers... By not allowing our clients to view these homes, it is quite possible that they (sellers & seller agents) are unknowingly refusing an offer. No one will ever know because the (repeat) showing requests have not been acknowledged or responded to...
While I fully believe that everyone - including Realtors - are entitled to some time off without the interruptions of phone and email, I do contemplate how this lackadaisical approach to business is best serving our clients. Even infrequent check-in and response to emails, voicemail and text messages would be better than silence... As our clients stated, "Silence is NOT golden at this moment." Alternately, there are always arrangements which can - and should - be made to have agents cover business if you will be unavailable to service your clients.
Your question at this point is probably "what is the answer to this dilemma?" "How do I avoid this when selling or buying a home personally?"
My recommendation is to ask your agent during the interview process what their policy is on answering and returning emails and phone calls...both to their clients and also to their peers.
You may wish to also be specific and ask how phone calls, showing requests, and agent communications are handled on evenings, holidays, and weekends.
While I would love to say that everyone in the business treats all of their clients with utmost care and respect when dealing with one of a clients' largest assets, we are no different than any other industries. In every industry, you will find the good, the great, and the not-so-great.
Quality representation as a seller or buyer can be the difference between the price you receive (sellers), the price you pay (buyers), and your ease and satisfaction throughout the process.
Interested in our full list of questions to ask when interviewing agents? Contact us at jenniferking@remax.net or
717-723-9080.
Wishing you all of the best in your real estate transaction!
The Jennifer King Team -
Selling Lancaster, Berks & Lebanon Counties in Pennsylvania
www.Jennifer-King.com
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