It is often said, “Common courtesy is not all that common.” This is certainly true in the real estate world.
My first career was as an architect in San Francisco. Everyone wants to talk to the architect at a cocktail party. “I want to design my own home someday.” “I always wanted to be an architect but then…”
My second career when I moved to San Benito County was as a teacher. Teachers are generally held in high esteem. They work with dedication to make the future brighter for children. Everyone wants to talk to the teacher.
Then I became a Realtor, and what an eye-opener that was! No one wants to talk to the Realtor…in fact, they go out of their way to dodge their calls. And as far as being held in high esteem, honored for their dedication and expertise, they are viewed as selfish people who spend their days driving around in nice cars opening checks.
This perception is one of the reasons I decided, over a decade ago, to write a column. I hoped I could educate the general public to understand what was happening during the transaction and to see the incredible value using a Realtor brings to a purchase or sale of a property.
The most prevalent ways the general public mistreats Realtors are: Stand them up for appointments. Work with them for weeks or months looking at properties, then have their aunt from out-of-town write up the offer (and get the commission). Expect miracles, such as locating a fixer-upper on five flat acres for $200K. Demand the Realtor be available 24/7 to show properties or discuss transaction details.
As usual, it is 20 percent of the people who give the other 80 percent a bad name. Most people are kind and reasonable. It’s just the bad apples really stand out in the memory.
Lately, it has come to my attention that Realtors can be as bad as anyone else. There are Realtors who ignore the showing instructions, demanding to bring in clients without making an appointment ahead of time. Some Realtors are not as good as they should be about turning out lights, making sure water is turned off or locking all the doors when they leave.
If the showing instructions indicate that three hours notice must be given, Realtors need to respect that condition. Perhaps someone is ill in the house, and needs assistance to vacate the premises. Some people have great difficulty keeping their home pristine, and need the time to tidy up. Sometimes instructions will limit the hours of availability due to the presence of small children, pets or day sleepers.
Another thing Realtors do is make appointments and then don’t keep them. Now, I totally get this. As a Realtor, I will schedule three or four homes for a client to see. Sometimes they fall in love with the second one and don’t even want to look at the last two. They just want to go write an offer. I get excited with them! But I still need to cancel the remaining appointments as a courtesy to the people whose homes will not be seen.
When a seller gets word their home will be shown, they do extra work. They also invest emotional energy. “Is this the person who will buy my house?” It is disappointing to learn the buyers no longer wish to consider your home, but it is maddening to sit and wait and be stood up. Remember, Realtors? It’s like when you make an appointment to see someone in your office only to have them never show and never call and avoid your phone call when you try to contact them.
Let’s make 2015 the year of Common Courtesy in San Benito County. Realtors, do your job. People, be open and honest with Realtors. If you decide to work with someone else, let the first agent know. Treat people the way you would like to be treated.
Now let’s look at what is happening in the real estate scene in San Benito County this week. The inventory is down this week, standing at 115. Five sellers cancelled their listings, and two withdrew them from the multiple listing service. Not everyone is happy having their home for sale over the holidays. There were seven new listings, however, ranging in price from $699,000 for a home on 5 acres in Stonegate to $289,000 for a home on Second Street in downtown Hollister. If you want to see one of these homes, talk to your local Realtor.
According to Greg Dolan at Guild Mortgage, interest rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage are hovering around the 4.1 percent mark.
It’s a good life!
Nants Foley (License 0122234) is a Broker Associate at Flora Real Estate Group in Hollister. You may contact her at nantsfoley@gmail.com or 831.801.5110.