By JOVAN HACKLEY
Recently, we took to social media and asked real estate agents to get real and tell us: When you’re working with other agents, what are the little (or big!) bad habits that drive you crazy?
You told us! They may be the minority, but, as with every industry, sometimes agents have to work with other agents who can cause some major headaches!
Luckily, there are some simple solutions for dealing with even the most rage-inducing situations. Check out the list and a few friendly tips to help you have a positive transaction — no matter whom you’re working with!
1. The agent who could use a little more training …
Expertise and experience are two different things. Unfortunately, many of you said that there are too many agents who are simply undertrained, and it can show during the transaction.
The easy fix: There’s a ton of education available on- and offline in the form of agent training webinars, like these free webinars offered by Trulia, as well as classes and conferences that can help. Casually mention a great class or resource that really helped to take your business to the next level. You never know. They may end up acting on your recommendation.
2. The agent who misses all of the contract deadlines — and doesn’t know it …
We’ve all run into that agent who hasn’t seen a deadline he couldn’t miss.
The easy fix: With a little resolve, you can make working with these agents much easier! Don’t leave them out in the cold. Send helpful calendar reminders or a quick note via email. If it’s someone you have a relationship with, helpfully (in a nice way!) mention some of your favorite stay-on-track tools. Beep Me and Remember the Milk are great tools to slip into a conversation.
3. The agent who always overpromises and underdelivers …
Ambition is good, but according to those in the industry, making a promise that can’t be kept is a deal breaker! Clients and other agents remember those who talk a big game without bringing home the win.
The easy fix: This fatal flaw may be a well-intentioned case of “people pleasing” gone awry. We’ve all been there. If you’re working with someone who seems to be jumping to give an answer before considering the feasibility of that answer, interject and let them know that it’s fine if they need to get back to you or investigate a little more. Just remember to ask for a time frame for when you can expect the response.
4. The agent who forgets everything and anything …
Showing appointments are a shock! Four out of 5 of their clients insist they forgot! They’ve had scheduling conflicts the last three weeks in a row!
The easy fix: Evernote and a multivitamin can work wonders! Or take a more calculated approach: A quick call and an emailed follow-up action plan can help to get ahead of the curve when it comes to the details of a deal.
Having a chaotic office also leads to agent forgetfulness. Share these six inexpensive organizing tools with forgetful agents you work with to make both of your lives easier.
5. The agent who avoids (OK, ignores) every call and email …
When you’re trying to close a solid deal for your clients, there can be nothing more frustrating than working with someone who won’t return calls, listen to voice mails, or return calls.
The easy fix: Set expectations upfront. Ask what their preferred method of communication is prior to getting into the weeds of the deal. Or consider setting up a preplanned check-in — it’s always easier to cancel the call if it turns out to be unnecessary.
6. The agent who quotes crazy high prices to win a listing …
Winning a listing is great — unless in the process you’ve ruined your client’s chance of closing in a timely fashion. One big complaint we’ve heard from agents across the country is on others using bad pricing tactics to win clients. The reality is that market value won’t move based on any delusions.
The easy fix: Refresh these agents on how to determine the right listing price. This blog post and downloadable guide provides agents and their seller clients alike with information about how to go about this.
7. The agent who doesn’t focus on the details …
There is a lot expected of real estate agents. You’ve got to be able to see the bigger picture and hone in on the details. Whether it’s dealing with deals, presenting an offer or reading emails, thoroughness is a valuable skill in this industry. And those who don’t have it can be a headache to work with.
The easy fix: When working with a peer who isn’t great with the little things, your best option is to up your game. Double (and triple!) check documentation, dates and particulars. When communicating via email, use bulleted lists to help clearly outline each thing that must be handled.
8. The agent who tries to be a big bully …
Agents whose methods of moving a transaction along always involve voice-raising and choice words scored high on the drives-me-nuts scale.
The easy fix: OK, this one may not be an “easy” fix. But, try this: Take a deep breath and remember that this is not about you. It’s about that agent and the job they’re trying to do for their client. Self-control is your best friend in this situation. Plus, you can always look at it as a great opportunity to work on your negotiation skills!
9. The agent who doesn’t anticipate potential problems …
Real estate deals are about getting clients to closing the best way possible. That’s impossible if an agent is always getting tripped up by transaction surprises.
The easy fix: Communication is key. Share your insights and knowledge where you can, and be open with the other agent about your possible concerns.
10. The agent who’s dangerously walking that “ethical” line …
The last and least liked of all the agents are those who are actively unethical. Those who get the deal done by treading in the gray area of the law or jeopardizing someone tend to make other agents uneasy. And that’s understandable!
The easy fix: Know your limits, code of ethics and the law, and don’t be afraid to stick to your guns (and report someone when necessary!). This is an industry that’s all about relationships and reputation — and those who are prone to shady dealings can tarnish the reputation of every other agent in the industry.
These are 10 agents you told us that agents love to hate. What other offenders would you add and what advice do you have for those who are dealing with some of these agent situations?
This post was originally published on the Trulia Pro Blog. Follow Trulia Pro on Twitter: @TruliaPro.
