I’ve debated whether to post about this experience because frankly, I’m still licking my wounds. However, I thinking that “putting it out there” may be just what I need to let it go.
I’ll set the stage. A few weeks ago I received a call from a couple that was very anxious to get their house on the market immediately. The sellers were planning on a move to Florida and time was of the essence. Typically I like to take 2 meetings with a prospective customer prior to listing a house. This allows me to thoroughly inspect the property on the first visit. Then on the second visit, I present my analysis and my marketing plan. In between the first and second visits I’ll conduct a very in-depth analysis and prepare a comprehensive report. In this instance, I put in over 30 hours preparing for the 2nd meeting with the reports, the research, taking photos and such. Because it was such a pressing issue for the seller to get listed quickly, I had all the necessary marketing materials (brochure, mailer, ads for the paper) mocked up and ready to go.
Both meetings with the sellers went well. They raved about the report I had prepared. Couldn’t say enough about the brochure and mailer. All in all I thought everything was great. Not to mention, I had successfully marketed several homes within a block of this house. It seemed as if I had this one in the bag.
So after presenting all my findings, I was ready to ask for the business. It just felt very natural. So I asked “would you like to sign the listing papers I’ve prepared and put the sign in the ground”? At this point the wife turned to her husband and said, “you tell her”. Surprised, I asked, “Tell me what?” At that point, Mr. Seller said, my uncle is a Realtor in Sterling Heights and we planned to list with him. We knew you were an area expert so we wanted your opinion on the list price. Did I mention that I had asked them if they were interviewing any other Realtors during our pre-meeting phone call??? Well, I had asked and was told “NO”.
Of course I was gracious about the situation. I wished them all the best and suggested that they call me should they have any need for help. I ended the appointment and went on my merry way.
Was what this couple did to me wrong? No, they have the right to collect information. For me, there is always a risk of this happening. It’s the cost of doing business. After cooling off, which took me all of 15 minutes, I realized that the underlying problem is an ongoing one. The underlying problem is that the general public really has no idea how much “behind the scene” work goes into each appointment. Preparing documents, taking photos, compiling the comps and preparing a report take time. Yes, I could churn out a mindless report, or take my best guess at the price. However, I take pride in my work and like to have all my ducks in a row.
Yes, despite popular belief some Realtors have feelings.
February 26, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Sara, I am so sorry you had to experience that. They should have at least offered to pay you something for your time, like a consulting fee. I’ve been down that same road before except many of those hours were spent showing them homes, wasting gas ($$$) and mileage on top of my valuable time only to have them change their minds about buying even though they insisted they were ready when I started with them (pre-qualification letter and all).
March 26, 2007 at 12:32 am
Sarra
We have all had similar things happen to us. It’s probably small consolation but working with people who have no problem lying to you like that wouldn’t have been much of joy.
July 20, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Sara
As a long time agent I have had this happen to me before. I do disagree with one thing you said. You said what they did was not wrong.
The truth is it was wrong..they flat out lied to you. Would you have done all the work you did if they had told you the truth, probably, but at that point it would have been your choice.
September 6, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Sara
Not an agent but love your blog. I know how bad these type things hurt. Just remember this no matter how bad it hurts, you did the right thing and as always quality work.
I wish for you ten people of quality for this one.
Love you,
Sylvia
February 14, 2008 at 8:32 pm
This happens to almost all sales people sooner or later. Once in a while there are signs as you go through your presentation that you are being used, but usually there are none. Yes, you can feel bad, they stole your time. You could mention that to them, but it would not do any good. You can hope that they mention to a friend or neighbor that you do good work. That would be positive. All you can do is vent your spleen, as you have here and get back on the horse and ride it. There are better days.