The Only Person I Sleep with is My Husband
It's funny how buyers get advice that is old-school. Family and friends mean well but inaccurate information can lead to misunderstandings.
In January of 2009, I met with a nice couple who were first time home buyers. During my consultation with them, I let them know that I can refer them to great mortgage brokers, home inspectors and real estate attorneys that will get the job done without breaking the bank.
Upon hearing that, the husband said the following, "we were told to not use anyone the Realtor® "sleeps" with". I knew exactly what they meant and I said, "the only person I sleep with is my husband". Good thing they both laughed at that one!
I explained that real estate was different 20+ years ago then it is now. My job as a buyer's agent is to make sure you have a great team behind you and that includes mortgage brokers, home inspectors and real estate attorneys. If you blindly pick anyone, that could cause problems, delays and cost you more money than necessary. If you already have someone in mind that you trust, then it's all good!
In the end, they bought the home of their dreams and are living happily ever after.
Cell: (631) 703-0201
Office: (631) 226-5995 Ext. 242
Email: JackieC@century21aa.com
Website: www.longislandrealestatelady.com
Website: www.lindenhurstnyrealestate.com
Blog: http://jackieconnellyfornuff.com
Skype ID: LIRealEstateLady
Great come back and excellent educational speech. You will make a fine addition to the Keller Williams Team when we finally absorb C21 in the not so distant future. But I am not wearing GOLD.
Jackie, it seems I'm always fighting this battle, but I'm quick to point out that I have no financial relationship with anyone I refer my clients to. I surround myself with knowledgeable, ethical professionals to help serve my clients best...or would you rather me throw you to the wolves?
Sorry Kevin, but that will never happen.
Hi Nick, I do not fight that battle too often but do give them choices of whom to go to. I have never had a problem. That is the whole idea. Surround ourselves with ethical professionals!
Jackie, We haven't run into that problem. We typically have a zero tolerance with our support people. Our reputation goes as they go, and we're not putting that rep at risk for someone not ethical or who can't get the job done. We need them both.
me too... of course I mean MY husband, not yours HAHA. I've been in real estate for 20 years and you are so right it has changed, we all used to be agents or subagents for the seller. Now I'm so very happy and proud to actually be able to be on the buyers side.
Jackie-Whew I was a bit worried when I first saw your title :-) I wonder how agents who have significant others in auxillary services keep themselves out of hot water. Know of a few that are now in prison for the deals they did during the hot market.
Hi Jackie....when we all represented the seller, it was common to hear parents say not to follow the agent's lead on recommendations.....
Hi Bliz, That was the first time I had that issue. Most buyers understand why having a good support system in place is essential.
Hi Tammy, I love representing buyers! I wish buyer agency was in place when I bought my first home.
Hi Cindy, LOL! And, wow! That is not good by any means. Prison? Well, at least they are getting 3 squares a day.
Hi Barbara, And that is how real estate was done back then. No buyer representation ever. I'm glad it's here now!
Jackie - happy it all worked out. We really see it all don't we; from the Buyers who run to the listing agent thinking they'll get a better deal (instead of having no one representing their interests!) to the Buyers like you described who don't understand why we surround ourselves with excellence!
I offer my team to almost everyone I work with. If they're using a mortgage person that I don't know already, I suggest they get a "zero pressure, second opinion" from my lender.
Hi Susan, Real estate certainly is interesting at times but we love it don't we? :)
Hi Eric, I do the same thing. Offer a second opinion and I find most times they go with mine because they got a better mortgage rate.
Jackie~ Some people can be narrow minded in their thinking..I am sure they were more receptive after the explanation. What they dont understand is we want the VERY BEST for them! Good come back!
Sorry for the Keller Williams comment at the top.... It is a great company but I could see why you would not want to try it with comments like that!! Hiding behind my red sign in embarrassment.....
Jacki, this is a great post. Most of my client realize I'm trying to help and provide them with names of trusted professionals who can help them achieve their goals. Every once in awhile though.... I run into a similar objection to referrals. I love the way you handled it. I'll remember this line next time it comes up.
Hi Melissa, Oh they were very receptive and thankful too. And thank you for stopping by to comment.
Hi Vickie, Thank you. We got a good laugh out of it also.
Jackie, I am careful who I recommend to my clients.. how they handle their end can affect my clients success or not. I'm so glad you remembered this story from 2009 and posted about it.
It's tough to overcome the "advice" from their friends and relatives. But, we must do our best to see that they use the best people.
Hi Jackie, I tell people that if i give them a name of a person it is because I trust them or they would not make me look good.
Jackie, glad you got a trusting and willing couple with a sense of humor, it makes for greater days ahead.
Jackie - I think it helps to have a team that is used to working together in today's world.
Way to divert that misconception, Jackie and setting the the path to home ownership. Little by little we can stop all the negative opinions of our business.
Jackie That is priceless - I doubt if anyone would take offense the way you put it.
Hi Judi, I agree. I have a great team behind me and my buyers and sellers know it.
Hi Jeanne and Ralph, Yes we can recommend the best people for them and sometimes they will listen to others. It is what it is sometimes.
Hi Will, I pretty much say the same thing. I wouldn't recommend anyone that I wouldn't use myself.
Hi Ellen, a good sense of humor helps when searching for homes.
Hi Christine, I agree. And trusting them is a plus.
Hi Jane, that is the thing. Little by little we can do achieve this. It starts with us.
Hi Karen, Never had anyone take offense. I do have a sense of humor that seems to put people at ease.
Jackie, this is a suggested post and is so IMPORTANT for realtors to hear and realize...too many comfort alliances with vendors who just want a sale..
Hi Ginny, thank you for suggesting. It's never good to work with people that just want a sale. That is not how I work and I do expect others to be the same way.
People still have this mentality nowadays and it is so frustrating! Great comeback and good for you!