13 comments » Miami Real Estate TrapsWe see real estate tactics in Miami every day, some could be effective, some could backfire - it is important for you, the real estate client (whether buying or selling) to recognize these. I usually leave the industry rants for the real estate blogs like Agent Genius where I am a contributor but this time I decided to share an experience with our Miamism readers.
Last month we were surprised to show up to a Miami Shores showing appointment with some buyer clients to find out that the listing agent had made appointments for the same time with 3 other groups of buyers. It was not an open house, we were not warned. Our clients were forced to see the house at the same time with others. When I asked our clients how they felt about the listing agent's approach, they said they felt stressed, they couldn't really detail the house and it was an uncomfortable experience. Fast forward to 2 weeks later and something similar happened (two more times!)- other buyers, different agents, same situation. I've talked about the emotions involved in buying and selling real estate, add pressure and stress to those and there's a formula for disaster. And not to mention it's disrespectful. If you are a Miami real estate buyer please recognize these tactics. If you feel any stress, don't be afraid to vocalize your feelings and ask the agent to reschedule for a later date when you can have some privacy and see the property with no external elements pushing you to make a decision. The real estate industry gets a lot of beef because of the inadequacies and unprofessionalism that we encounter everywhere, and when I see these strategies being used all I can think is "No Wonder!" If you are a Miami real estate seller, you are probably thinking, "This is great! these agents are pushing buyers to make a decision and those are the ones that I want on my side" - well....let me tell you what has happened in the 3 instances:
So here's a difficult buyer's market where we need to be clear and treat our clients with respect, and we now have to deal with tactics. Recognize those games and don't fall in the trap. http://www.realestatedarwinism.com/0034BA 
Posted on May 18, 2008 @ 11:36 am by Ines.Hegedus-Garcia
Posted in Main category, For Sellers, Miami Real Estate, Real Estate Stories, Miami Shores Real Estate, For Buyers, Seller Tips, Buyer Tips
 Ines.Hegedus-Garcia  13 feedbacks »
Comment from: Boomer Jack [Visitor] · http://jaymerton.wordpress.com/Were I a buyer, I would walk out. I don't respond well to that kind of pressure.  Permalink May 18, 2008 @ 1:57 pmComment from: Ines [Member] · http://www.miamism.com/Jay, I personally think that would be the solution. But the agents don't see it as a big deal - it's all about respect. Permalink May 18, 2008 @ 7:46 pmComment from: monika [Visitor] · http://monikamcgillicuddy.com/wordpress/Ines...I would HATE that! Bad enough if they double book showings but to have the LA there showing everyone the home at the same time simply rots. Permalink May 18, 2008 @ 10:11 pmComment from: Ines [Member] · http://www.miamism.com/Monika - to think that now I will have to ask if there will be anyone else at the showing...unbelievable! I just read in a different blog that other agents are experiencing the same thing throughout the US. Permalink May 18, 2008 @ 10:32 pmComment from: Kristal Kraft [Visitor] · http://www.kristalsellsdenver.com/denverdwellings/That certainly is a strange way to do business! Forcing people to make a decision is a sure way to make things backfire. Buyers need time to be able to "mentally move into a house." They will never get there with a watchful, pushy agent. Hope you get attention with this post, for the sake of Miami buyers! Permalink May 18, 2008 @ 10:57 pmComment from: Ines [Member] · http://www.miamism.com/KK - I do wonder what they think they will achieve by this? I sure hope they realize it's not good for anyone involved. Permalink May 18, 2008 @ 11:22 pmComment from: Real Estate in Toronto [Visitor] · http://www.toronto-real-estate-agents.com Good post, I guess in good markets you can forget how important it is to treat every client (even the small ones) with respect because when a down-turn comes and business is slow it can really come back to haunt you. Permalink May 19, 2008 @ 1:08 amComment from: Ann Cummings [Visitor] · http://AnnCummings.comPersonally I greatly dislike when an agent does that when I've taken the time to book an appointment for my buyer clients. As a listing agent, I've actually had buyer agents ask me if they can come over at the same time I have another showing already booked. When I get that question, I'm always surprised and wonder if their client knows that's what they're trying to do. Not a good business practice at all, in my opinion. Permalink May 19, 2008 @ 5:53 amComment from: Ines [Member] · http://www.miamism.com/Real Estate in Toronto - I'm sure you would agree that it's important to give the same amount of respect and attention to every clients whether it's a down market or not. I've never understood the purpose of tacticts - is the client going to like the house more? Ann - I've been in the same situation as a listing agent and I have never allowed it, to give the first set of buyers the courtesy of really seeing the property. Permalink May 19, 2008 @ 9:02 amComment from: Larry Yatkowsky [Visitor] · http://www.yattermatters.comHey Ines, Attagirl! Bringing this stuff to the front line is so right. I hope a lot of Buyers and Sellers read this and understand that they do not need to contend with this lack of consideration. There are professional realtors who take this "emotional" issue into account and book sufficient time for each client and realtor. As you have noted, it is also a sign of respect to your collegues to allow "private" time for their clients. It's basic courtesy to ask the Buyer's agent how much time would they need or do they prefer a private showing? Not too hard to ask, but seemingly very difficult to turn into reality. Next is professional dress code! But I gotta go take another "grumpy" pill before I start on that one. Permalink May 19, 2008 @ 2:03 pmComment from: Ines [Member] · http://www.miamism.com/Larry - my favorite Canadian real estate agent! I can spend all day telling you about all the tactics and games local agents play, it's disheartening to say the least. Now about the dress code - remember I am in Miami - jeans and a nice shirt is what we wear (and there are jeans withing the jean realm) - but I don't want you to have to take another grumpy pill. Permalink May 19, 2008 @ 3:19 pmComment from: Larry Yatkowsky [Visitor] · http://www.yattermatters.comT. Boardman did a post up on her winter clothing requirements in St. Paul. She has a thing for a particular pink hat. Sure made sense to me. Professional dress is unique to each area. However, I do draw the line on cheap rubber flip-flops that squeak on floors and when wet are an invitation to fall on your vertical smile. Course we men are always pretty so can't say much about that. .>) Permalink May 19, 2008 @ 9:51 pmComment from: Ines [Member] · http://www.miamism.com/I remember the pink hat very well - it was all about comfort. We do flip flops here a lot (depends on the day, the listing and the client) - but again, it's about comfort. Permalink May 19, 2008 @ 10:06 pmComment on this article This post has no comments awaiting moderation. |
