The Keys to a Successful Partnership with Your Real Estate Agent
Everything was going great when we first met? We sat around our kitchen table and talked about our plans for when our house sold. We even swapped pictures of our kids. And now it’s like he’s not even listening to us. I want a new agent.
While this scenario may be true, it does not have to end this way.
To begin with, it is important to remember that our home is the biggest investment most of us will ever make. If we add to that the emotions involved with buying or selling a home, we may not always have clear and realistic goals. Especially when it comes to money. Your agent is often expected to be the experienced voice of reason.
Is it me or him?
Fortunately, in a world where customer service seems to be a forgotten art, most Real Estate agents still work very hard to please their clients. In fact, their paychecks depend on it. But this does not make them infallible. The agent has to balance personal opinion and a paycheck against what he believes to be in your best interest.
For our part, we may need to ask ourselves a few questions like: Am I setting unreasonable expectations on my agent? For example, are you calling them hourly or at unreasonable times with unnecessary questions or demands? Yes, it’s nice to have your hand held through the process, but you need to remember this is their job, not their whole life. And they also have other clients to help. On another note, do you argue every suggestion or recommendation they make, believing you know better? Nothing will turn an agent against you faster than treating him or her as if their knowledge and experience mean nothing to you.
Making it work
Regardless of how you and your agent got into an unhappy working relationship, it doesn’t mean you have to start all over with a new agent, even if you could get out of a contract. The keys to a successful partnership begin with mutual respect and honest communication. If you and your agent have reached the breaking point, mutual respect is probably out the proverbial window. But this shouldn’t prevent honest and open communication. It’s very possible that after a private sit-down in a neutral location the damage can be repaired, at least enough to accomplish your goals. Remember, the agent has already invested a lot of time working with you, so he has a big interest in protecting your working relationship.
Final thoughts
Not every personality will work well together. This is why it’s important to do your research before you commit to working with an agent. If you find you simply can’t work with your agent anymore, explain this to them as tactfully as possible, and work with them to find an expectable solution.
