Why hire a PROFESSIONAL Real Estate Agent? See THIS!
Reason #410 to hire a PROFESSIONAL Real Estate Agent
Hello!
I've been meaning to update on another file of inadequate representation, but this one takes the cake, and can't be delayed.....
In Arizona, there has been an influx of 'part-time' agents in the past few years; the market was good, and being an agent was 'easy'. Both Adam and I have 10+ years of experience as FULL-TIME, PROFESSIONAL AGENTS; it really irks us when we see clients of other, less-serious agents in bad positions, due to their agents' neglect, negligence, or unfamiliarity with the business.
CASE IN POINT:
In the community I live in, the head of our HOA is also a part-time agent. He has been here for 10+ years, and any time a neighbor DOESN'T list their house with him, he gives them a really hard time. There is a single lady who lives across the street from me, and the HOA guy (we'll call him, "Joe") is constantly cornering her in her front yard; I just get that uncomfortable feeling.....
Well, she has decided to list her home. He has the listing. Since he is a part-timer, he doesn't have any lockboxes. So to see the home, you have to call him, and he'll walk across the street and let you in - if he's home. His website (which is a free one from a Title Company, with just the bare minimum info) contains NO listings - not even this one - and is full of typos. All of this is bad enough; it is a classic example of: "I will put your house in the MLS system, and hope for the best. That's my marketing plan." If he won't come off $80 for a lock box, do you really think he's doing anything else to promote the listing??
Well, it gets worse.....
Joe decides to have an "Open House" on Sunday. One of my friends was on her way to my house, and stopped in. There was no car in the driveway. She entered the home, and NO ONE WAS THERE! My neighbor has moved, but she left some furniture and other belongings in the home. As my friend walked around, she came upon a HAND-WRITTEN note in the Kitchen. I hope you are sitting down for THIS one!
"I live at (Joe's address). If you want to purchase this home, please call me at (Joe's phone #) or knock on my door."
WOW.
Yes, THIS is how professional Joe is - he's not even willing to sit in a FURNISHED home for 4 hours! How is he supposed to get feedback from potential buyers, or gauge their interest? Anyone could have walked in and picked up anything out of the home! Kids could've come in and vandalized it! If there were prescription meds, those could've been taken! This is a liability NIGHTMARE!!! REGARDLESS of whether or not a seller has moved, and even though we are in Scottsdale, rule #1 is NEVER LEAVE A HOME UNATTENDED!!!
I am *HOPING* this is a worst-case-scenario of what can happen when you hire a part-time agent; but I have 2 more examples.....check back here soon!
If you are thinking of hiring a real estate agent, make sure they are dedicated and professional - don't hire someone just because they are your friend, relative, or neighbor!
Sharon Kotula, ABR
Adam Tarr, e-PRO
Your Phoenix Area Real Estate Source
RE/MAX Excalibur
Scottsdale, AZ
480-483-3333
www.WeAreAZRealEstate.com