Deborah Madey - New Jersey

Trulia Voices was created as a forum for buyers, sellers, and RE Pros (Realtors, mortgage reps, appraisers, title reps, etc.) to share information. Somehow, I don't think it was in the biz plan for Trulia Voices to create a place for those who harbor a disdain for Realtors to vent and trash Realtors. Since Trulia solicits brokers and agents to provide real estate listings; Trulia, asks RE Pros to dedicate gratis time to share knowledge and advice, and since Trulia sells online ad space to RE Pros, it doesn’t stand to reason that “Realtor bashing” is Trulia’s focus. Without Realtors, Trulia has no content or revenue.

If you don’t value input from Realtors why are you here? Why wouldn’t you focus your energies on a forum or blog that shares the same philosophies as you?

I don’t have the time or inclination to try to convince you to develop a value Realtors, which is why I rarely comment on these types of threads. I generally ignore those who have no use for my comments, or I for them. Instead, I focus my energy on those with legitimate questions who want to hear what we have to say. But, I remain curious, why are you here?
You can’t find a more worthwhile use of your time? Seems peculiar to me why you would even invest time to come here. So, why are you here? - A few hours ago

The sellers agent is just as frustrated as you are. This is not within the control of the sellers agent. If agents acted like banks, and sat on offers, made promises of responses, or wrote their own rule, I can’t imagine how loud the outcry would be. Unfortunately, it’s the bank……and the bank can get away with this behavior. It’s common. I wish I could give you a better remedy, but there isn’t one. The bank won’t talk with you, or your buyer agent. The bank will talk w/ the seller, and the sellers agent with a power of attorney. Regardless of what attempt you make to add pressure to the sellers agent, it won’t change the bank’s timeline. Polite follow up is understandable. If you start heavy handed pressure tactics, it will likely cause tension without any positive results.

I am involved with a few short sales at the moment. I thoroughly cover with buyers what is to be expected on a short sale from the moment they look at a property identified as such. I hope that your agent gave you fair warning.

Deborah Madey - Broker
Peninsula Realty Group - New Jersey - A few hours ago

Oops....I should have said try Jewell or Dave Green.!
Deborah - Earlier today

Wildwood offers many opportunities for you right now. you can try jewell properties. - Thu May 8 2008, 05:48

Hi Elvis...

Understood....yes, your comments are wise and valid.....as usual. :-)

Deborah - Earlier today

Elvis made good points, but there are times when it is beneficial for you, as a buyer to play in the auction style bidding vs. walking away.

Very few agents, or sellers will provide you a copy of another contract or offer. You can ask, but chances are slim that you will get it. Sometimes asking for things that another considers over the line can hurt you in other facets of attempted negotiations. So, tread lightly, there. As a listing agent, I would not release a copy of an offer. If my seller wanted to, I would note that it was against my advice.

You can gain insight into the situation by asking general questions… Is the other offer in house? What areas of concern does the seller have with the presented offer? How do you intend to handle multiple offers to ensure that all buyers are given equal opportunity and information? The more you ask about their needs, their intended process, and existing weaknesses, the greater your ability to gage if another offer exists, and if so, the possible merits thereof.

Here’s the point where I might disagree with Elvis, depending upon the property. There are times when a seller goes to market at an offering price under market value. This, even in a buyer’s market, creates demand and competition among buyers. If a property is listed at 350K, and comps support 400K, and you secure the contract over other bidders at a contract price of 372, is that a win? Just because you pay over the list, or over what another buyer offers, does not mean you made a poor decision. Study the comps, go in knowing your cut loose number, and give it your best shot.

Deborah Madey - Broker
Peninsula Realty Group - New Jersey - Earlier today

I ceased working with 2 customers this week because they are permanent lookers with little hopes of providing a return on the investment. I advised both to seek a new Realtor. One of the customers offered to pay me a retainer; I declined.

I believe I had the loyalty of both clients. I simply couldn't justify the amount of investment of time and energy because I don't believe either can or will make a decision to purchase even when shown properties that meet every bit of criteria. (One has been looking for a few years.) I wasn't simply looking for someone to pay my gas. If I can’t help this buyer, it makes no sense for either of us to spin our wheels.

Retainers are common with many professional services; including but limited to market feasibility consulting, executive recruiting, nutrition consulting, dental appointments, accountants, computer consulting, and attorneys. I do know of Realtors who do have an up front retainer fee; I do not (at this time.)

Deborah Madey - Broker
Peninsula Realty Group - New Jersey - Earlier today