Joe,
I'm surprised (and disappointed) you didn't get more answers from Marin agents. Your experience is appalling. My rule (which also applied when I practiced law) is to return client calls within hours, and certainly by the end of the day. Buyers wanting to see properties should be a listing agent's highest priority. I'm sorry that you had this unprofessional experience, but please don't lose faith in the industry as a whole. There are some excellent, service-oriented agents out there. I'd recommend that you interview a few to see who you "click" with, then rely on that agent to do his or her job in locating a home that meets your needs.
Best of luck to you, and please let me know if I can be of any help.
Stephanie Lamarre

I got this outrageous notion Joe. Why don't you research agents on Trulia and Zillow where you can see how they've interacted with Q&As. But... more...

There are more agents in Marin, all of California, than you can shake a stick at. I jokingly say there is an agent under every rock which also conveys the attitude of the public to real estate agents. So... among these myriad agents at least one half are inferior to the rest.

Like Dune says, my paraphrase, 'ya gotta keep trying until you find them.

If you're willing I recommend locating a buyer's agent and then using YOUR agent to follow up on properties per your direction and provide new listings and prelistings to add to the inventory of prospects. Your gonna need an agent eventually so why not from the start? Or you can depend on the listing agent to act in your best interest.

Of course I'd love to help. But whatever you do hang in the market is in your favor.

Well, I certainly am not from Marin...but I can assure you that I work very hard and am not a flake. I answer my cell phone when it rings. I answer my emails as soon as I receive them and have no problem working long distance for a customer (I recently had a buyer out of state that wanted to buy in my area so I visited 10 different properties they were interested in and took no less than 50 pictures of each property)...they are currently in contract on their future California home.
But as an agent I also get the same response at time from my fellow agents. Just friday I sent out emails to agents on approximately 15 listings to get a current status for a clients that I was taking out for showings...only about half of the agents responded...even today, nearly 4 days later they still haven't responded. So I know your frustration.
I have access to the MLS and if there is any information that I can help to provide to you...drop me an email or give me call...and I promise a quick response!

Joe, You made me laugh...There are Good Agents and I admit I'm a bit surprised none responded here but your Question may have made some stay away (The Flakes part) as some people do come to Trulia just to Trash all Agents...

I do hope someone finally works with you and you find the property you are looking for..Keep trying because when you do find that good Agent it will be worth it IMO.

Maybe you can find one that just moved to Marin and hasn't come down with the notorious Flake syndrome yet ; )

Good luck, Dunes

Thanks Dunes and Jes! I think the agents in Marin are such flakes they can't even take the time to come on here and explain that they are not flakes! We called one agent about a property last Thursday, and 5 days later still have not had our call returned. I seriously don't get it. I hate stereotypes and generalizations but the agents here really do seem to not make it a priority to call people back in a timely manner!

Joe

Sorry to hear you are having such a problem and I'm always surprised when I hear about this type of problem.

Agents are Selling Services and responding to questions/inquires is a powerful tool for Agents to use to make that first contact with the Public in order to have an opportunity to make a positive impression and open the door to Selling the Services they provide.

I'd say if they don't respond or answer questions move on as there is no shortage of Agents.
There are Good Agents and Bad Agents so keep trying until you find some good ones that you can choose from when YOU need to HIRE one. You definitely do not want to hire one that's just to busy to respond.

An Agent is not doing you a favor when they answer questions they are making an impression on a possible Client. Find some who understand that...

Dunes

Hi Joe,
That really sucks, that bothers me too. I am dealing with the samething.
You will think they will try to sell a property as soon as possible.

Hopefully you will find an awesome Realtor® here.


Best Regards,
Jes Sierra, B.Sc.
Realtor®