A new realtors view

[Bobby J]

Realtors, are there any buyers out there?

You bet. We have been averaging about a contract a week. Buyers are tough right now but we are getting deals done. I have actually been selling a few lots. The price has to be right though. Buyers are putting low offers out and if the seller balks they walk. It is changing.

 

[momof2kids]

I am also a newby Realtor. I have yet to come across what you have, but have come across the naysayers... My SIL was in town and one of the first conversations we had was about her selling her house in the Northeast. Needless to say she bad mouthed Realtors up & down... I immediately stood my ground, and defended my choice of work proudly. I think that the Realtor's that were in business "back in the day" left a bad taste in many mouths; unfortunately it has been passed on through generations. Only high quality customer service and hard work will change their minds (maybe).

Keep on keepin' on! I will be right there with you!

 

[30A Skunkape]

I think the next round of 'crying' will occur when the sellers who are holding out start realizing that they will be surrounded by much cheaper comps. That will make sticking to that pie in the sky price tough, indeed.

 

[seagrovegirl]

I think the next round of 'crying' will occur when the sellers who are holding out start realizing that they will be surrounded by much cheaper comps. That will make sticking to that pie in the sky price tough, indeed.

It's already happening. Some are fortunate to be able to stick it out a while, while others are doing short sales and forclosure. It's sad....but at least we are in paradise.

 

[SHELLY]

I think that the Realtor's that were in business "back in the day" left a bad taste in many mouths; unfortunately it has been passed on through generations. Only high quality customer service and hard work will change their minds (maybe).

Do you mean "back in the day" as in the recent bubble-era....or do you mean "back in the day" a long time ago.

Personally, I had an excellent Realtor a long, long time ago--before computers and faxes and overnight shipping. THOSE were the days of the "Real" Realtors. Sending us tons of information in the snail mail (newspapers, info on schools, tourist brochures, and information on available homes); driving us from home-to-home so we could take Polaroid photos; always cheerful, always smiling, high-heeling around in the heat and humidity; buying us lunch and ice tea during breaks while looking at house after house. That lady was a saint--listening to our needs, not trying to cram her listings down our throats or shoehorn us into a home that would break our bank account. She deserved every, single penny of her commission--and more!

She could run rings around the bubble-era realtors who, without even getting out of their pajamas, point-and-clicked their way to their 6% commissions.

Realtors are going to have a hard time shaking their tarnished image. During the frenzy many, many Realtors sold their clients on some pretty tall tales about "never-ending double-digit appreciation," "investment," "running out of land," "baby boomers," and "getting in before it is too late," now it is hitting home about how wrong they were (the bad ones told out-and-out lies--while others were just totally clueless about the economy and the RE market).

The current crop of buyers are not as gullible as the previous bunch--parroting that silly, worn-out catch phrase, "Now is the best time to buy," isn't gonna cut it.


.

 

[Diane4145]

This was one reason, that I preferred being in Commercial Real Estate!Didn't have any situations of people upset and crying, over any of that! My heart goes out to all that are having such a hardship and the Realtors, too!

I met with a client yesterday. Everyone I have been dealing with on the seller side has been on the phone up until now. It didn't go great. She was crying half of the time, as she doesn't want to sell her property but has to.. it broke my heart. I am very caring, and vicarious. I almost started to cry myself. Okay, I had to excuse myself to blow my nose. Beyond the major financial risk I am taking to be a realtor, I didn't realize the emotional side as much until now. It amazes me at my age, the things I am still learning about people. The cycle of life is made up of deceiving moments of contentment.
I tip my hat to those who have been in this business for a long time.

 

[InletBchDweller]

Do you mean "back in the day" as in the recent bubble-era....or do you mean "back in the day" a long time ago.

Personally, I had an excellent Realtor a long, long time ago--before computers and faxes and overnight shipping. THOSE were the days of the "Real" Realtors. Sending us tons of information in the snail mail (newspapers, info on schools, tourist brochures, and information on available homes); driving us from home-to-home so we could take Polaroid photos; always cheerful, always smiling, high-heeling around in the heat and humidity; buying us lunch and ice tea during breaks while looking at house after house. That lady was a saint--listening to our needs, not trying to cram her listings down our throats or shoehorn us into a home that would break our bank account. She deserved every, single penny of her commission--and more!

She could run rings around the bubble-era realtors who, without even getting out of their pajamas, point-and-clicked their way to their 6% commissions.

Realtors are going to have a hard time shaking their tarnished image. During the frenzy many, many Realtors sold their clients on some pretty tall tales about "never-ending double-digit appreciation," "investment," "running out of land," "baby boomers," and "getting in before it is too late," now it is hitting home about how wrong they were (the bad ones told out-and-out lies--while others were just totally clueless about the economy and the RE market).

The current crop of buyers are not going to be as gullible as the previous bunch--telling them that silly, worn-out catch phrase, "Now is the best time to buy," isn't gonna cut it.


.

Yes, many of the Realtors are just as you described above but I have to say that I dont think that I am one of the ones. I hope not... No, I did not have to use snail mail but I did work my @ss off 7 days a week all hours of the day during the "boom". The best piece of advice that I was given was by my sweet sister, "Listen to the client, let them do the talking, they will tell you what they want, don't tell them what you think they should have" I try to follow that advice but I have heard many many other agents never let a potential buyer talk to them about what they want. I mean, who is doing the buying anyway???
Today a client called and when I answered his question he said, "Well not what I want to hear but you are honest about it." Unfortunately there are/were many Realtors that would try to sell anyone anything. That is what gives those of us who care, a bad name.

Sea Sothebys, chin up, things will eventually get better....


And Shelly as always I appreciate your comments.

BobbyJ a counselor is right on the money. I wonder, do they teach new agents on how to deal with counseling in their classes???

 

[goin' coastal]

One must be accountable for the choices we make. We have 2 houses we cannot sell and cannot afford. But we signed on the dotted line not the realtor. My experience with the realtors in Sowal has been excellent. It is difficult to select an agent, because there are so many good, decent, honest, and caring agents.

Since I started e-mailing Bobby J I do not need to pay a therapist anymore. Sorry, Bobby but thanks for listening! He has been very kind. I bet they do get tired of people crying. Vickie Dollar has been wonderful to us too. They are all working very hard right now. Hope the market improves for everyone!!!

 

[InletBchDweller]

One must be accountable for the choices we make. We have 2 houses we cannot sell and cannot afford. But we signed on the dotted line not the realtor. My experience with the realtors in Sowal has been excellent. It is difficult to select an agent, because there are so many good, decent, honest, and caring agents.

Since I started e-mailing Bobby J I do not need to pay a therapist anymore. Sorry, Bobby but thanks for listening! He has been very kind. I bet they do get tired of people crying. Vickie Dollar has been wonderful to us too. They are all working very hard right now. Hope the market improves for everyone!!!

best of luck to you.

 

[goin' coastal]

Thank you! Your sister was one of those great realtors who always took time to chat with me. Will always remember that beautiful smile.