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View Full Version : Realestate agents still have ego's.



Sportin' Wood
02-15-2007, 03:15 PM
Now I know I'm gonna get 600 PM's for posting this but I just have to ask a few questions of those of you still selling real estate now that it requires some skill. Yes I'm saying that I don't believe selling real estate required any skill the last couple years.( no I'm not trying to be funny with that remark)
Disclaimer:
Unless you are a southwest riverside county land specialist, have a deep pocket land grabbing investor suger daddy, or want to buy an historic horse ranch please don't send me a billion PM's trying to get my listing.
Is it rude of me to ask you questions about your sales records, listings, advertising budget, how long you have been selling and so forth?
Do you hate it when the seller is proactive and educates himself about the sale of his largest investment, the economy, interest rates, and capital gains tax law changes? ( grammer and spelling are too boring to hold my attention)
Do you prefer that your seller follow you blindly like a lemming off a cliff?
What is the rule of thumb percentage wise that a seller should consider in price reduction vs. asking price compared to comission reduction. If I'm asked to reduce my price 10% should you not share in said reduction when a price reduction factors little on your bottom line at full 6% value?
Just did a phone interview of a so called local hot shot and boy did I piss him off. man he got offended when I asked for references and a few other questions. He told me he did not want the listing after all because I was asking too much and he's too busy to take another listing unless its a quick sell price.
I said Too busy? Too much? I had the property appraised last week and thats what they appraised it at. He told me it was worth $300,000 less. Of course this was after he refused to answer any of my questions, wanted only to come see my property, and made this amount up site unseen. ( he's got a suger daddy thats looking for a distress sale I bet)
I don't really care if you were salesman of the month, year, or what ever 4 years ago, What have you done lately? I'm gonna pay my entire yearly salary from 2002 in commision, is it too much to ask that you treat me like you at least want to pretend you earn that?
This commision system is a complete joke.:mad:
I'm gonna piss of a lot of real estate agents in the next couple weeks I guess? If I'm gonna pay 6% Your gonna have to work for it. Other wise I'll stay put, tap the equity and go on a shopping spree like the rest of the country. DCB here I come!:D

76ANTHONY
02-15-2007, 03:20 PM
hey, i have respect for em, i saw the real estate test when i wanted to take it and it aint easy to pass....but i see your point...:D

Ziggy
02-15-2007, 03:21 PM
IMHO, I don't think its any different than interviewing a prospective employee....because that is exactly what they are supposed to be. You have every right to employ the best candidate.

DCBDaytona
02-15-2007, 03:28 PM
Everytime I post something regarding this topic WWIII begins...Finally it's not me.:D
My pessimistic views appear to be correct. Some agents recognize now, but it's going to become slim pickings soon enough. Kind of like a "Survival of the Fitest" RE world.

HM
02-15-2007, 03:38 PM
hey, i have respect for em, i saw the real estate test when i wanted to take it and it aint easy to pass....but i see your point...:D
Bullshit. I skipped the Real Estate Sales exam and went straight for the Broker exam...passed it the first time. The test does NOT test you on content...it tests you on your ability to read a f'd up question that uses improper english designed to make you correct the question - and therefore answer wrong.
I agree with SW - the majority of real estate agents are MORONS! Yep, no skill to sell in the last 8 years or so. Most tell you that you have to drop the price to sell in a slow market. That is the LAST thing I would do. Without getting into the creative financing that I do, I have a couple strategies that would have real estate agents pounding on your door the day the listing hits - and listing agents don't like it.
It is NOT rude to ask any questions about their track record, experience, what color undies, and etc. O.k. maybe one of those was innapropriate. :D I only have a few years in financial services and I have no problem telling people I am a nube - doesn't seem to bother any of my clients, and they know I am honest right from the beginning.
If they get at all emotional or tell you that they are the blah blah of real estate...tell them to pound sand. I love it when they try to make you feel guilty or blow up when you question them. Fock them....they should be KISSING your ass right now - telling you anything and everything you want to know, they should be willing to explore different strategies. Telling you to just lower your price is the first sign they don't know what the fock they are doing.
Just my 2 cents. :D

Sportin' Wood
02-15-2007, 03:39 PM
hey, i have respect for em, i saw the real estate test when i wanted to take it and it aint easy to pass....but i see your point...:D
I have not seen it, but tests are not too hard when you study. There are a ton of contractors that bought a study guide took a test, got a license and totally suck. Lic, means sh!t to me.
( That should piss off all the RE agents on here:D )
edit; Just dawned on me that I passed a couple spelling tests, and funny.... I can't spell for sh!t!

Troy McClure
02-15-2007, 03:46 PM
On the bright side, at least he didn't try to buy your listing and tell you he'd get whatever you want for it.

DCBDaytona
02-15-2007, 03:46 PM
I have not seen it, but tests are not too hard when you study. There are a ton of contractors that bought a study guide took a test, got a license and totally suck. Lic, means sh!t to me.
( That should piss off all the RE agents on here:D )
It definately doesn't take a rocket scientist to pass the RE exams...More like a Used Car Salesman.:D They always seem to do okay. :devil:

Ivan Dan
02-15-2007, 03:50 PM
You are right about a lot of agents. There are the ones that have been selling for a year or two that were basically taking advantage of the booming real estate market and thats it. They won't be around much longer anyways though so no need to worry too much about them.
There are however, others of us out here that do work hard and go out of the way to help our clients get the most possible for their homes even in a down market.
I would love to help you with selling your home but I would also be the first to tell you that I'm definitely not your local agent. That doesn't mean I won't work hard and do everything possible to get the property sold for as much as possible including advertising in local magazines, newspapers and websites.

rrrr
02-15-2007, 03:51 PM
If I'm gonna pay 6% Your gonna have to work for it. Other wise I'll stay put, tap the equity and go on a shopping spree like the rest of the country. DCB here I come!:D
LMAO, can we come visit you this summer? I like hanging out with big ballers....... :D :D

HM
02-15-2007, 03:52 PM
You are right about a lot of agents. There are the ones that have been selling for a year or two that were basically taking advantage of the booming real estate market and thats it. They won't be around much longer anyways though so no need to worry too much about them.
There are however, others of us out here that do work hard and go out of the way to help our clients get the most possible for their homes even in a down market.
I would love to help you with selling your home but I would also be the first to tell you that I'm definitely not your local agent. That doesn't mean I won't work hard and do everything possible to get the property sold for as much as possible including advertising in local magazines, newspapers and websites.
You slut! :D

h2oski2fast
02-15-2007, 03:54 PM
Everytime I post something regarding this topic WWIII begins...Finally it's not me.:D
My pessimistic views appear to be correct. Some agents recognize now, but it's going to become slim pickings soon enough. Kind of like a "Survival of the Fitest" RE world.
That's because they are pissed off sitting at home watching HB, cause houses aren't "just selling" by themselves. And the market is still perfect and is only "correcting" from an incorrect market.

Ivan Dan
02-15-2007, 03:54 PM
You slut! :D
I only threw it out there because I've talked to Angie a little via PM's about it.:D :D

lucky
02-15-2007, 03:55 PM
Bullshit. I skipped the Real Estate Sales exam and went straight for the Broker exam...passed it the first time. The test does NOT test you on content...it tests you on your ability to read a f'd up question that uses improper english designed to make you correct the question - and therefore answer wrong.
I agree with SW - the majority of real estate agents are MORONS! Yep, no skill to sell in the last 8 years or so. Most tell you that you have to drop the price to sell in a slow market. That is the LAST thing I would do. Without getting into the creative financing that I do, I have a couple strategies that would have real estate agents pounding on your door the day the listing hits - and listing agents don't like it.
It is NOT rude to ask any questions about their track record, experience, what color undies, and etc. O.k. maybe one of those was innapropriate. :D I only have a few years in financial services and I have no problem telling people I am a nube - doesn't seem to bother any of my clients, and they know I am honest right from the beginning.
If they get at all emotional or tell you that they are the blah blah of real estate...tell them to pound sand. I love it when they try to make you feel guilty or blow up when you question them. Fock them....they should be KISSING your ass right now - telling you anything and everything you want to know, they should be willing to explore different strategies. Telling you to just lower your price is the first sign they don't know what the fock they are doing.
Just my 2 cents. :D
lmao -- this explains your interest in Benchracing lmao -- :D

Cole Trickle
02-15-2007, 03:59 PM
You are right about a lot of agents. There are the ones that have been selling for a year or two that were basically taking advantage of the booming real estate market and thats it. They won't be around much longer anyways though so no need to worry too much about them.
There are however, others of us out here that do work hard and go out of the way to help our clients get the most possible for their homes even in a down market.
I would love to help you with selling your home but I would also be the first to tell you that I'm definitely not your local agent. That doesn't mean I won't work hard and do everything possible to get the property sold for as much as possible including advertising in local magazines, newspapers and websites.
I am only gona give you a good recomendation if I get half of your 30%:D;):idea: :devil:

Ivan Dan
02-15-2007, 04:02 PM
Bullshit. I skipped the Real Estate Sales exam and went straight for the Broker exam...passed it the first time. The test does NOT test you on content...it tests you on your ability to read a f'd up question that uses improper english designed to make you correct the question - and therefore answer wrong.
When I took the test 7+ years ago it was a complete joke. It was 150 questions and I was done in about 30 minutes and passed no problem. I wish they would make it a lot more difficult so every Tom, Dick and Harry couldn't just get their license.
The good thing IMO is even once you get your license that doesn't teach you the in's and out's of selling a home (ie. marketing, proper legal documents, etc.) experience does.

Sportin' Wood
02-15-2007, 04:02 PM
I am only gona give you a good recomendation if I get half of your 30%:D;):idea: :devil:
You got screwed he offered us a 25% deal.:D

Ivan Dan
02-15-2007, 04:03 PM
I am only gona give you a good recomendation if I get half of your 30%:D;):idea: :devil:
30%....Dang I wish! I'd gladly give you some if I made that much! :D

HM
02-15-2007, 04:04 PM
lmao -- this explains your interest in Benchracing lmao -- :D
Yep, I was studying for my test. You will notice that my involvement peaked right about the time I got my license, and then has dwindled ever since. But, I need to work on continuing education....so some time in bench racers and listening to the pyramid scheme presentations really helps me keep on the cutting edge of deciphering bad english and outright manipulation of words. :D
Fag.

Sportin' Wood
02-15-2007, 04:05 PM
LMAO, can we come visit you this summer? I like hanging out with big ballers....... :D :D
You liked hanging out with us when we where white trash too.....wait a minute I'm still white trash.:)

HM
02-15-2007, 04:15 PM
When I took the test 7+ years ago it was a complete joke. It was 150 questions and I was done in about 30 minutes and passed no problem. I wish they would make it a lot more difficult so every Tom, Dick and Harry couldn't just get their license.
The good thing IMO is even once you get your license that doesn't teach you the in's and out's of selling a home (ie. marketing, proper legal documents, etc.) experience does.
From what I was told, the first half of the Broker's exam is the sales exam. I did that part in about 30 minutes too. The second half was much harder, but not on content...the questions just got really f'd up. double and triple negatives and with answers were all were correct or all were wrong...so you had to use a little critical thinking and process of elimination to find the most right or least wrong answer. So, it took me 45 minutes on the second half. :D
And you are right that the license does not teach them anything for the real world...which is why the license is a joke. Supposedely, people will need a 4 year degree to get the sales license...like that is going to make it any better? I'd say they should do a apprentice type program, but they do that with appraisers, and look at how many bad appraisers are out there. A down market is probably the best clensing that can be done for all involved in this industry.

76ANTHONY
02-15-2007, 04:19 PM
Bullshit. I skipped the Real Estate Sales exam and went straight for the Broker exam...passed it the first time. The test does NOT test you on content...it tests you on your ability to read a f'd up question that uses improper english designed to make you correct the question - and therefore answer wrong.
I agree with SW - the majority of real estate agents are MORONS! Yep, no skill to sell in the last 8 years or so. Most tell you that you have to drop the price to sell in a slow market. That is the LAST thing I would do. Without getting into the creative financing that I do, I have a couple strategies that would have real estate agents pounding on your door the day the listing hits - and listing agents don't like it.
It is NOT rude to ask any questions about their track record, experience, what color undies, and etc. O.k. maybe one of those was innapropriate. :D I only have a few years in financial services and I have no problem telling people I am a nube - doesn't seem to bother any of my clients, and they know I am honest right from the beginning.
If they get at all emotional or tell you that they are the blah blah of real estate...tell them to pound sand. I love it when they try to make you feel guilty or blow up when you question them. Fock them....they should be KISSING your ass right now - telling you anything and everything you want to know, they should be willing to explore different strategies. Telling you to just lower your price is the first sign they don't know what the fock they are doing.
Just my 2 cents. :D
dam, i knew them questions was tough. i havent taken it yet, but i wanna be sure and be ready for it. and i had no clue you could take the brokers exam and skip the ral estate sales test, thanks for the info..

76ANTHONY
02-15-2007, 04:23 PM
It definately doesn't take a rocket scientist to pass the RE exams...More like a Used Car Salesman.:D They always seem to do okay. :devil:
really? dam maybe i should look into it again, nows the time to get experience in the field,:idea: :idea:

HM
02-15-2007, 04:33 PM
dam, i knew them questions was tough. i havent taken it yet, but i wanna be sure and be ready for it. and i had no clue you could take the brokers exam and skip the ral estate sales test, thanks for the info..
If you have 2 years somewhat related experience or you have a 4 year degree will allow you to go straight for the broker's license...the sales licenses is not a prerequisite for the broker's license. A lot of people say they don't want a broker's license because of the liability....a great lie perpetuated by brokers to scare people away from being a broker. Complete bullshit when you realize what you can do with a broker's license. Infact, I have LESS liability than RE sales agents. The reason is, once you have a broker's license, you can create multiple broker's licenses from that one license. So, the first thing I did, was create a Corporate Broker's license. My corporation is licensed as a broker and I operate under that license.

Sportin' Wood
02-15-2007, 04:36 PM
If you have 2 years somewhat related experience or you have a 4 year degree will allow you to go straight for the broker's license...the sales licenses is not a prerequisite for the broker's license. A lot of people say they don't want a broker's license because of the liability....a great lie perpetuated by brokers to scare people away from being a broker. Complete bullshit when you realize what you can do with a broker's license. Infact, I have LESS liability than RE sales agents. The reason is, once you have a broker's license, you can create multiple broker's licenses from that one license. So, the first thing I did, was create a Corporate Broker's license. My corporation is licensed as a broker and I operate under that license.
Is that before or after you fell out of the matrix? get off HB and answer your phone!

dicudmore
02-15-2007, 04:37 PM
Is it rude of me to ask you questions about your sales records, listings, advertising budget, how long you have been selling and so forth?
Do you hate it when the seller is proactive and educates himself about the sale of his largest investment, the economy, interest rates, and capital gains tax law changes? ( grammer and spelling are too boring to hold my attention)
Do you prefer that your seller follow you blindly like a lemming off a cliff?
Sounds like good questions to me, except maybe the time selling part...thats kind of irrelevant. There are plenty of weak focks that have been agents forever, and some very aggressive hitters that are relatively new at it.
In my case, rather deal with somebody educated and or that wants to know lots about it rather than dealing with some idiot...

dicudmore
02-15-2007, 04:39 PM
dam, i knew them questions was tough. i havent taken it yet, but i wanna be sure and be ready for it. and i had no clue you could take the brokers exam and skip the ral estate sales test, thanks for the info..
the brokers test includes the entire sales test, and has an extra question or two added

acatitude
02-15-2007, 04:41 PM
sportin wood, I totally 100% agree with you and f-them agents that cant stand a little heat or someone who knows whats going on.... every thing is negotiable and I just sold my house by owner after letting agents have it for 6 months at the full 6% commiss and they kinda laughed at me telling me I cant do this or that and no agent will look blah blah... I also asked about the comm. reduction equalling the price reduction... that made them stop for a second...... lol... its all negotiable and they told me id lose a sale if I didnt drop 5k... I told them they would lose there paycheck on this property if they didnt drop a percent off there comm. make em earn it.....

Sportin' Wood
02-15-2007, 04:44 PM
Sounds like good questions to me, except maybe the time selling part...thats kind of irrelevant. There are plenty of weak focks that have been agents forever, and some very aggressive hitters that are relatively new at it.
In my case, rather deal with somebody educated and or that wants to know lots about it rather than dealing with some idiot...
Agreed, but there was this band wagon that came along a few years ago, and everything from painters to landscapers to housewives and even convience store clerks ended up on it.:D

Sportin' Wood
02-15-2007, 04:54 PM
sportin wood, I totally 100% agree with you and f-them agents that cant stand a little heat or someone who knows whats going on.... every thing is negotiable and I just sold my house by owner after letting agents have it for 6 months at the full 6% commiss and they kinda laughed at me telling me I cant do this or that and no agent will look blah blah... I also asked about the comm. reduction equalling the price reduction... that made them stop for a second...... lol... its all negotiable and they told me id lose a sale if I didnt drop 5k... I told them they would lose there paycheck on this property if they didnt drop a percent off there comm. make em earn it.....
Ya know I have half a mind to sell it by owner and pay the buyers agent 6% what do ya think that would do? Whats a front page add in the homes mag costs?
Buyers agent would roll over on them in a second for a full pop double ender, I bet.
Wonder what my attorney would charge to draw up a contract. Guess I have some research to do?

cdog
02-15-2007, 04:55 PM
I would encourage you to use someone here on hot boat. I'm sure who ever you choose will do a good job. I know Ivan Dan and I have both done biz with some folks here on hot boat and would come with referrals. Good luck.:D

Ivan Dan
02-15-2007, 04:57 PM
Ya know I have half a mind to sell it by owner and pay the buyers agent 6% what do ya think that would do? Whats a front page add in the homes mag costs?
Buyers agent would roll over on them in a second for a full pop double ender, I bet.
Wonder what my attorney would charge to draw up a contract. Guess I have some research to do?
The magazine ads are about $650 per page a month and the front page is usually another $150 a month or so.

Ziggy
02-15-2007, 04:59 PM
I think its probably appropriate to mention there are several exceptions to what SW just experienced, you just have to know that right person or find them with tactful questioning.
Using the wrong agent will not sell your property or more likely get less than what you should really get.
Keep interviewing til you find the right one, brother.

rrrr
02-15-2007, 05:03 PM
I would encourage you to use someone here on hot boat. I'm sure who ever you choose will do a good job. I know Ivan Dan and I have both done biz with some folks here on hot boat and would come with referrals. Good luck.:D
I dunno about that......some of the brain surgeons on HB seem to have a few problemos......:D
I wouldn't hire somebody based on their ability to fock off all day on a message board. :idea:
Uh, present company excluded, of course. :D :D

fatboy95
02-15-2007, 05:05 PM
Now I know I'm gonna get 600 PM's for posting this but I just have to ask a few questions of those of you still selling real estate now that it requires some skill. Yes I'm saying that I don't believe selling real estate required any skill the last couple years.( no I'm not trying to be funny with that remark)
Disclaimer:
Unless you are a southwest riverside county land specialist, have a deep pocket land grabbing investor suger daddy, or want to buy an historic horse ranch please don't send me a billion PM's trying to get my listing.
Is it rude of me to ask you questions about your sales records, listings, advertising budget, how long you have been selling and so forth?
Do you hate it when the seller is proactive and educates himself about the sale of his largest investment, the economy, interest rates, and capital gains tax law changes? ( grammer and spelling are too boring to hold my attention)
Do you prefer that your seller follow you blindly like a lemming off a cliff?
What is the rule of thumb percentage wise that a seller should consider in price reduction vs. asking price compared to comission reduction. If I'm asked to reduce my price 10% should you not share in said reduction when a price reduction factors little on your bottom line at full 6% value?
Just did a phone interview of a so called local hot shot and boy did I piss him off. man he got offended when I asked for references and a few other questions. He told me he did not want the listing after all because I was asking too much and he's too busy to take another listing unless its a quick sell price.
I said Too busy? Too much? I had the property appraised last week and thats what they appraised it at. He told me it was worth $300,000 less. Of course this was after he refused to answer any of my questions, wanted only to come see my property, and made this amount up site unseen. ( he's got a suger daddy thats looking for a distress sale I bet)
I don't really care if you were salesman of the month, year, or what ever 4 years ago, What have you done lately? I'm gonna pay my entire yearly salary from 2002 in commision, is it too much to ask that you treat me like you at least want to pretend you earn that?
This commision system is a complete joke.:mad:
I'm gonna piss of a lot of real estate agents in the next couple weeks I guess? If I'm gonna pay 6% Your gonna have to work for it. Other wise I'll stay put, tap the equity and go on a shopping spree like the rest of the country. DCB here I come!:D
AMEN, All my agent did was list the house and wait for someone else to move it. Then told me my price was too high and I should drop it when she was the one that suggested the sales price in the beginning. Anyone can show a house but a real agent knows how to sell it and 90% of the agents out there flat can't sell.

cdog
02-15-2007, 05:22 PM
I dunno about that......some of the brain surgeons on HB seem to have a few problemos......:D
I wouldn't hire somebody based on their ability to fock off all day on a message board. :idea:
Uh, present company excluded, of course. :D :D
The motivation of being trashed by whom ever you piss off would be enough to keep most people motivated to perform.:eek:

25dic
02-15-2007, 05:24 PM
There are a whole bunch of agents around here pulling their panties out of a wad right now, they will tell you how hard they work for you. The hardest my agent ever worked was when her commision check was 2 days late getting to her because of the shitty escrow company she had me pick (I'm sure with a kick back), sure makes me want to stay put just so I do not have to give a whole boat load of cash to someone who did very little to earn it. I guess I am just a lot of bitter over the whole proccess, agents should make money based on hours worked not on the value of the property, the work does not change with the cost of the property. I am sure I am not 100% correct on all acounts and every agent will tell you they are not like all those but the ones I have used have been.:devil:

Sportin' Wood
02-15-2007, 05:34 PM
I would encourage you to use someone here on hot boat. I'm sure who ever you choose will do a good job. I know Ivan Dan and I have both done biz with some folks here on hot boat and would come with referrals. Good luck.:D
I really should apoligize to the agents on here for poking fun. I know there are some great agents that value there customer and the agents I'm making fun of our in a different league.
I'm sure you are the cream of the crop in your area's.
I have breifly discussed this with Dan and likely will discuss it in greater detail before I pull the trigger on an agent.

Sportin' Wood
02-15-2007, 05:37 PM
There are a whole bunch of agents around here pulling their panties out of a wad right now, they will tell you how hard they work for you. The hardest my agent ever worked was when her commision check was 2 days late getting to her because of the shitty escrow company she had me pick (I'm sure with a kick back), :devil:
Don't get me started on Title companies, there more inept then the bad agents.

Sportin' Wood
02-15-2007, 05:38 PM
The magazine ads are about $650 per page a month and the front page is usually another $150 a month or so.
Thanks Dan

AirtimeLavey
02-15-2007, 07:06 PM
Have to agree with a lot of what is said here. It is an industry filled w/knuckleheads, but many are bailing because they cant' survive. I would like to know what industry doesn't have the knuckleheads, though. Contractors are probably the worst for taking money and not showing up for work, and delaying, etc. I recently had granite countertop put in. If I hadn't been there watching as things went down, I would've had to live w/f-ups here and there. Someone on here was having a problem w/a doctor's office recently. Having been a union worker at one time, I know I got overpaid for what I really put in. Heck, I've even seen teachers that shouldn't be any where near kids. Don't even mention preists or attorneys. So, yeah, there's losers everywhere.
As for SWood's questions, etc., I definitely prefer an estute seller/client. The more they know about market dynamics, the easier it is get their home sold. For the money we make, we damn well better be willing and able to answer questions. It may not always be the answers you want, but I definitely want to know what's on my clients' mind. I also regularly update my clients, even if it's to say I got nothing right now, but here's what I'm doing to get something. I also answer my phone most of the time or get back quick.
The agent you talked to is probably a very experienced agent, and that tells you that a high level of experience isn't necessarily going to get the job done. Many agents w/tons of experience are used to the traditional methods of parking it on the MLS and waiting. Maybe they'll buy an ad in one of the Magazines, and have an open house or two (that's not to say that alone won't work, but that's the traditional method when it was easy). What you need is an aggressive agent who understands marketing and what it takes to get your home sold, and has a plan. A good agent is out there making calls and looking for a buyer, not just waiting for one to call from an ad or the MLS.
It's very challenging right now. Some homes that you wouldn't think would be challenging, are. Yours is a specialized property, and will take an extra effort. YOU NEED TO BE INTERVIEWING AND ASKING HARD QUESTIONS. This is most people's single biggest asset, let alone their "home". Yet, too many go lightly into the process. Although, I will say while it is challenging, it's not rocket science.
Commissions should be negotiable, especially when you get into the bigger numbers. I have used some of my commissions to help close deals, and any fair agent would do that. On the reverse of that is you don't want an agent that can't even stand up for themselves because how will they be when negotiating for your interests.
As for agents dropping prices, that is the easy way out, but it is also market driven. If your price isn't in line with the market around you, then you're holding your breath that your buyer will be all cash, because most buyers need loans, and lenders go by appraisals, and if it does't appraise, it won't get bought, no matter how great you can talk or I can sell. HMoly usually is right on alot, but I can't see where he thinks sales aren't mostly price/market driven. There are other factors that do come into play, however. It's not just a set formula. You need to understand the market, and who your potential client is and where they might be coming from. Homes that are priced aggressively or realistically are selling. Having said that, your property is unique and will present it's own attractions, circumstances and value.
I've met Ivan Dan, and was impressed. You won't go wrong w/him, plus he's into some of the same extra-cirricular activities as you. Most of the others on here seem like straight shooters, too. I won't pm you, because I already did once :D , but if I can be of any help, don't hesitate to contact me. You'll need someone who has a plan and can lay it out for you, and someone you feel you can truly work with, that has your best interests in mind, on one of your most prized possessions.
Geez, I hate long posts. Good Luck. :D

al cole'holic
02-15-2007, 07:19 PM
..you have every right to choose who you want or don't want, hell don't even use an agent! Throw a sign up and do it yourself or get it on the listing services and offer whatever you want to anyone out there who may want to show it..I am sure you will soon learn how easy or how tough it was to do in the end, and if you'd do it all over again the same way :D

wsuwrhr
02-15-2007, 07:21 PM
AL....AL.... He's our man, if he can't do it.... noone can.
If anyone wants to buy a house in San Bernardino, come by and look at one for sale. Open house this weekend, nice house even. I swear....
I want to be able to stumble home from Twins after the ***boat parties, I am unable to do that unless I live nearby, so get the word out.
You can even meet an esteemed ***boat Member-Airtime Lavey.
CNC Shop will be closed for business though. Sorry, you will have to get your free CNC parts another day.
Brian
Have to agree with a lot of what is said here. It is an industry filled w/knuckleheads, but many are bailing because they cant' survive. I would like to know what industry doesn't have the knuckleheads, though. Contractors are probably the worst for taking money and not showing up for work, and delaying, etc. I recently had granite countertop put in. If I hadn't been there watching as things went down, I would've had to live w/f-ups here and there. Someone on here was having a problem w/a doctor's office recently. Having been a union worker at one time, I know I got overpaid for what I really put in. Heck, I've even seen teachers that shouldn't be any where near kids. Don't even mention preists or attorneys. So, yeah, there's losers everywhere.
As for SWood's questions, etc., I definitely prefer an estute seller/client. The more they know about market dynamics, the easier it is get their home sold. For the money we make, we damn well better be willing and able to answer questions. It may not always be the answers you want, but I definitely want to know what's on my clients' mind. I also regularly update my clients, even if it's to say I got nothing right now, but here's what I'm doing to get something. I also answer my phone most of the time or get back quick.
The agent you talked to is probably a very experienced agent, and that tells you that a high level of experience isn't necessarily going to get the job done. Many agents w/tons of experience are used to the traditional methods of parking it on the MLS and waiting. Maybe they'll buy an ad in one of the Magazines, and have an open house or two (that's not to say that alone won't work, but that's the traditional method when it was easy). What you need is an aggressive agent who understands marketing and what it takes to get your home sold, and has a plan. A good agent is out there making calls and looking for a buyer, not just waiting for one to call from an ad or the MLS.
It's very challenging right now. Some homes that you wouldn't think would be challenging, are. Yours is a specialized property, and will take an extra effort. YOU NEED TO BE INTERVIEWING AND ASKING HARD QUESTIONS. This is most people's single biggest asset, let alone their "home". Yet, too many go lightly into the process. Although, I will say while it is challenging, it's not rocket science.
Commissions should be negotiable, especially when you get into the bigger numbers. I have used some of my commissions to help close deals, and any fair agent would do that. On the reverse of that is you don't want an agent that can't even stand up for themselves because how will they be when negotiating for your interests.
As for agents dropping prices, that is the easy way out, but it is also market driven. If your price isn't in line with the market around you, then you're holding your breath that your buyer will be all cash, because most buyers need loans, and lenders go by appraisals, and if it does't appraise, it won't get bought, no matter how great you can talk or I can sell. HMoly usually is right on alot, but I can't see where he thinks sales aren't mostly price/market driven. There are other factors that do come into play, however. It's not just a set formula. You need to understand the market, and who your potential client is and where they might be coming from. Homes that are priced aggressively or realistically are selling. Having said that, your property is unique and will present it's own attractions, circumstances and value.
I've met Ivan Dan, and was impressed. You won't go wrong w/him, plus he's into some of the same extra-cirricular activities as you. Most of the others on here seem like straight shooters, too. I won't pm you, because I already did once :D , but if I can be of any help, don't hesitate to contact me. You'll need someone who has a plan and can lay it out for you, and someone you feel you can truly work with, that has your best interests in mind, on one of your most prized possessions.
Geez, I hate long posts. Good Luck. :D

AirtimeLavey
02-15-2007, 07:31 PM
AL....AL.... He's our man, if he can't do it.... noone can.
If anyone wants to buy a house in San Bernardino, come by and look at one for sale. Open house this weekend, nice house even. I swear....
I want to be able to stumble home from Twins after the ***boat parties, I am unable to do that unless I live nearby, so get the word out.
You can even meet an esteemed ***boat Member-Airtime Lavey.
CNC Shop will be closed for business though. Sorry, you will have to get your free CNC parts another day.
Brian
Speaking of estute/preferrable clients....It's always good to have them tell all their friends they're selling (and reading my longa-- posts - you read the whole thing, right? ;) ).
Have fun this w/e B., while I'm WORKING, making that easy money. ;) :D

wsuwrhr
02-15-2007, 07:45 PM
Hey Pal, you don't make the EASY money until you SELL the house....RIGHT?
haha..
So I am an estute/preferable client? Does that mean I can go to the highest bidder?
hmmm,,,interesting.....
We are working too bud. Wait until you see the trick seating area we did in the front yard. Surprise, surprise. Backyard is nicer too, at least the planter area is.
Brian
Speaking of estute/preferrable clients....It's always good to have them tell all their friends they're selling (and reading my longa-- posts - you read the whole thing, right? ;) ).
Have fun this w/e B., while I'm WORKING, making that easy money. ;) :D

talkinghead
02-15-2007, 08:13 PM
Sure, every industry has their 'knuckleheads' - but some more than others.
For example, it takes years of hard work to become a licensed electrician - and the tests can be very hard.
Occupations like an electrician have a way of weeding slackers out. In general the higher the entrance bar, the more likely your knuckleheads will get filtered out. I wonder how many people who want to become a Navy Seal actually become a Navy Seal.
Real Estate: Fairly low entrance bar, which generally translates into higher numbers of people becoming RE Agents - in particular when the percieved reward of becoming a RE agent seems high.
As such, at any given time the % of knuckleheads in real estate is probably much higher than, say licensed electricians. On the other hand, the economy has a way of thinning the herd of active RE Agents. That's the way it works in nature - the strong will survive - and the system works fairly well in certain occupations as well.
As such it seems logical that an active experienced agent (who has survived the ups and downs of the RE market on a long term basis) would be a good place to start lookng for an agent.
Knucklehead = general incompetence (for definition purposes)
PS: I am in no way affiliated with any RE agents, but I do know of a good RE agent in the Temecula area.

socalmofo
02-15-2007, 08:25 PM
HolyMoly,
I have been reading your posts for a while and.......Is there anything you don't know??:confused:

AirtimeLavey
02-15-2007, 08:32 PM
Sure, every industry has their 'knuckleheads' - but some more than others.
For example, it takes years of hard work to become a licensed electrician - and the tests can be very hard.
Occupations like an electrician have a way of weeding slackers out. In general the higher the entrance bar, the more likely your knuckleheads will get filtered out. I wonder how many people who want to become a Navy Seal actually become a Navy Seal.
Real Estate: Fairly low entrance bar, which generally translates into higher numbers of people becoming RE Agents - in particular when the percieved reward of becoming a RE agent seems high.
As such, at any given time the % of knuckleheads in real estate is probably much higher than, say licensed electricians. On the other hand, the economy has a way of thinning the herd of active RE Agents. That's the way it works in nature - the strong will survive - and the system works fairly well in certain occupations as well.
As such it seems logical that an active experienced agent (who has survived the ups and downs of the RE market on a long term basis) would be a good place to start lookng for an agent.
Knucklehead = general incompetence (for definition purposes)
PS: I am in no way affiliated with any RE agents, but I do know of a good RE agent in the Temecula area.
True to a limited extent. It takes some effort to become an attorney, yet the majority of them are knuckleheads. I know some doctors that are real pieces of work. Quality contractors in every trade are usually difficult to find. Just because you have a CL doesn't mean you're dependable, work hard, and do it right the first time - electricians, plumbers, etc included. I worked in the construction industry for over 10 years, and saw it first hand. I even hired (and fired) electricians.
I'm not disputing that RE probably has more than it's share, but hopefully, they will change the requirements, and make it a little tougher to get licensed. I thought the test was easy, but I studied. No question that industry could improve.
My point is that it's an individual ethics thing, not just an industry thing. Most of the RE agents I know are respectable, decent people. I do know some that are incompetent and unethical, too.
Hey Pal, you don't make the EASY money until you SELL the house....RIGHT?
haha..
So I am an estute/preferable client? Does that mean I can go to the highest bidder?
hmmm,,,interesting.....
We are working too bud. Wait until you see the trick seating area we did in the front yard. Surprise, surprise. Backyard is nicer too, at leat the planter area is.
Brian
Shiat....easy money was a joke - ha, ha. Sounds like you and C. have been getting your hands dirty. Looking forward to seeing it. As for highest bidder, I thought I was lowest bidder? You wanted a high bidder? I shoulda just charged you that 20% like someone else on here was paying. j/k. ;)

Old Texan
02-16-2007, 06:45 AM
We sold our home in Atalnata last year and were very pleased with the Agency we chose. Our agent showed up within 24 hours offering a package detailing her marketing strategy, past experience in our neighborhood, and all the essential information specific to selling our property on our terms. I was very impressed with her ability to move so quickly and her thorough approach gave me confidence I'd picked the right agency.
We were in the process of closing on our new home in TX and a major concern was getting the GA property sold. Our agent had the house sold in 45 days at 2% less than the asking price. We'd actually stategized a 5% cushion so were thrilled with the deal.
It's your money and if a thin skinned arrogant agent can't or refuses to answer your questions, find someone that will.
Years ago in a down market I asked a friend in the RE business how things were holding up for him. His reply was "I'm doing great. 10% of the agents are the professionals and do 90% of the business. The bad agents in the 90% group won't do well whether the market is up or down."