The Deal Closed In Spite of You, Not Because of You

To those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, this post is a departure from my more typical upbeat topics.  This one has been weighing on me for awhile.


 


To the Agent Who Almost Blew the Sale for Everyone Involved,


Out of respect for our code of ethics, I promise not to reveal when the to-be-mentioned transaction occurred, nor to reveal details that would compromise your identity.  Heck - I won't even mention your gender here.  I just felt the need to get some things off of my chest.


As I think back on that sale, I still wonder how you managed to get a license in the first place.  You are a prime example of everything that is wrong with our industry, and why the bar should be raised.  I never contacted your broker to complain, although I probably should have.  I'm too nice for that, I guess.  Your broker clearly needs to spend a LOT more time training you, or should I say that he/she should spend SOME time?


You took a contract to the title company to receipt the earnest money before it was even signed by my clients.  Really?!?  You also short-sheeted your own client by giving such a short option period.  You didn't bother to help your first-time buyer client by suggesting an inspection.  There's no real danger of being accused of looking out for the client's best interest in that case, huh?


My clients had a stressful time throughout, as did I.  When I found out that there would be delays for the financing (no thanks to you, of course - I had to speak directly with the lender on at least 12 different occasions), you attempted to unilaterally extend the closing date by about 2 weeks with.....a text message.


You were virtually unreachable during the weeks when I was forced to communicate with you.  Small questions?  No response.  Major questions?  Nope.  It was like pulling teeth to get a response from you.  I don't often find myself looking up other agents' license numbers to see how long they've been in the business, but I did with you.  You obviously had a full-time job, but you had a litany of excuses with regard to why you were out-of-pocket:



  • showing out-of-town clients
  • in a class all day
  • picking your nose

Consequently, I was forced to allow my client to contact your client directly, which I almost never do during the course of a transaction.  Because of our real estate laws, I knew that I couldn't really go around you to get information from your client, but my sellers could, since they are principals to the contract.  This turned out to be the one thing that salvaged the deal, thankfully. 


At the closing table, my clients went out of their way to disparage your name in front of the escrow officer.  Under normal circumstances, I would have defended the other agent, but I kinda agreed with them in this case.  Truthfully, I did have to restrain my client from calling the real estate commission or your broker, at least until after we were finished with the sale.


I think all of us were a little surprised that you showed up at all for the closing (glad you were able to get the day off from your real job), but we weren't surprised when you left your client there alone within about one minute of the signing.  I don't think you intended any harm, as evidenced by how oblivious you seemed to the tension in the room.


I cringed inwardly when I saw your commission spelled out on the closing statement, but I was also happy to be finished with the sale, and with you.  Harsh?  Perhaps.  True?  Absolutely. 

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