In a MarketWatch article yesterday by Lew Stichelman, he addressed a Real Estate Question that really surprised me.

He described a couple that is falling on hard times, financially, and that are in need of a real estate agent.

They said, and I quote, "We are having a problem getting a real estate agent to work with us because we want to downsize." 

In a heartbeat, I got nauseous.  How  in the world could any real estate agent in their right mind refuse to work with a client who wants to downsize?!  How lame is that?!  Are there really agents out there, in this market no less, that are that arrogant, self-centered or dumb?

And then my thoughts turned to mentally bracing myself for what was sure to be an ensuing agent-bashing by Stichelman.  I could almost feel the blood bath that was ahead of me.

Stichelman then said, "What you are telling me is absolutely screwy! Realty agents are supposed to listen to their clients and do what they ask, not tell their clients what to do. Are all the agents in ... so unprofessional? I doubt it, so keep looking."

Holy smoke, did I read the words correctly?  Did he just say that non-listening, uncaring agents are the exception rather than the rule?  At this point, I was starting to really like this guy!

He then recommended that the couple find a real estate agent to list and sell their present house. 

After that, he told them to "look for what's known as a 'buyer's broker,' who is an agent who works solely on your behalf."

I gotta tell ya folks ~ I read and re-read that article at least 5 times.  It's not the couple's situation that's the issue.  It's not even the idea that they were having trouble finding an agent to listen to their wants and needs.

What got to me was a nationally syndicated writer who was openly supporting and encouraging the hiring of a good, professional real estate agent.  And as a bonus, he made an attempt at distinguishing the difference between a Seller's agent and a Buyer's agent. 

Holy cow, how refreshing is that!?!?!

Homes in Arizona

Photo by Kevin Flanagan