Desperate to pay their own bills and mortgages... many real estate agents in this market are placing them at risk by not qualifying buyers. I assume like anyone else, they are anxious about paying their own bills and mortgages, and in doing so...may let their guard down. More and more agents are meeting supposed buyers outside the office setting and in vacant homes and properties. This is never recommended for anyone in real estate, even if you have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. These agents are needlessly placing themselves at risk for personal harm.
There was time in real estate when a broker would never allow their agents to meet a person at a home, or vacant property. A broker would advise agents that should only meet at the agent's office, most especially for the first few meetings. The reason for this was safety of the agents first. However it also serves another purpose, this is great opportunity to qualify the prospect, ask them a few questions before you show them homes. It may save you a few months of your time before finding out the person is not in a position to buy. An in office loan officer or a relationship with a nearby mortgage company is perfect in this arrangement. Then you will be able to find out if they can really buy, what can they afford, and a timeframe for the purchase. If they are wasting your time, and just want information or a door opened, pass on it! There is no crime in saying "No!" to someone that is trying to mislead you. Evasive buyers have another agenda! It really makes you wonder, if they cannot afford to buy, why do they want to meet you at a vacant property in the middle of nowhere?
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Jim
You could be right. Or it could be the the change in the way we do business and a lt of brokers have not caught up with the changes which puts their agents in peril.
I always want to meet my potential clients at my office or some other public place if they don't want to come "all the way out there". Always better to be safe than sorry.
Ted Tyndall- FL Homes for Sale-Palencia, World Golf Village,Nocatee,St. Augustine (Davidson Realty Inc.) Just a few years ago an agent friend of mine was shocked to find out the buyer she was working for 2 weeks was the same guy their was an All Points Bulletin APB for vicious assaults. He left one agent near death! The MO? Not meeting at the office - but at vacant homes.
Kim Curran (RE/MAX Unlimited of Northern Virginia) They have a policy in my office meet at office and make a photo copy of the drivers license before showing. It works for rentals, why not home sales? If they refuse? B-I-N-G-O-!
This is so true! So many times, we (as agents) don't want to lose a prospect (or suspect - who knows) that we just high-tail over to properties and throw caution to the wind.
This post is a good reminder to WAKE -UP! Thanks for posting Jim.
Tiffany L. Young, CDPE - South Florida Short Sale Specialist - Broward County (Keller Williams Realty) When we do....we take our own lives in our hands.