Real Estate Views from St Pete

Hi Sharon,

We all know things like that just happen. I thought you were going to say they were a "no show", but I'm glad to hear at least she called to cancel.

Lynda - very positive comment. I always appreciate the agents/clients who call when plans change.

 

If I were God and could give both the Owners ( not the Sellers) and the Agent for the Buyer a message, here is what I would say.

" Hi " This is God speaking [to the Owners ( not the sellers )]." If your house was left in such a mess, the agent and buyer did you a favor. You should know better than to have your house on the market and then leaving it in that condition. Shame on you!" " Further more I taught you to accept an apology like you often ask of me" ,  " What if I just said, nope, I don't accept that you are sorry for your errors, then what? " 

" Hi " This is God speaking to the agent. "Thank you for making that call, I appreciate that you had the professional courtesy to call and apologize for your Buyers. Thank You , you did the right thing ".

God's discussion with you Sharon: " The agent doesn't control the Buyer and I ( God) know you REALTORS all have had these situations come up. For all you know Sharon, the agent could have driven them over there and they didn't like the place and the agent tried to spare the Owners ( not sellers)  feelings ". He would further add," The sellers started off Ok by accepting the apology. By imposing the new showing restrictions, they made clear they were not satisfied with the explanation nor did they accept the apology and it shows what kind of people they turned out to be. I guess I'll have to teach them how to be more loving and forgiving" . " You are all human and I gave each of you a brain, emotions and a heart. What you do with it will determine how happy you are. I did all I could. The rest is up to each you ".  GOD

Doesn't that beat all?   I suppose we have to try and be understanding to both sides. For one...make sure the buyers are wanting to spend HOURS on showing appointments.

Dear GOD - among other things, we need to learn to be humble. Thank you for your gracious guidance!

      p.s. if they don't call back to see it, you may be right about sparing the owners' feelings.

I gave each your a brain, emotions and a heart. What you do with it will determine how happy you are. I did all I could. The rest is up to each you. God, that's good advice.

 

Sally -  we also need to put some flexibility in our scheduling, especially if we're out with someone for the first time and don't know if they're 5 minute lookers or 30 minute lookers.

Sharon, stuff happens!  I try to prepare sellers for this kind of event.  I also read them the riot act about how they have to live while their house is for sale.  If it's hard to show, it sends a message that they might be difficult about other things during the transaction - although it's hard to blame them for not wanting to take short notice showings.

Hi Sharon,  I corrected the little mistake in my words. I thought you might like enjot that . We learned in our business life that sometimes you have to defer to a higher power. I don't think they would have taken it to the level I did but our careers are a balancing act of other people's feelings and sometimes you may just need to vent. So I sort of did it for you, :-)

Sharon, I had it when this happens. I also hate it when buyer agents call for quick appointments but in this market all my sellers scramble to accomodate them.

Patricia - yes, we do try to prepare them. I didn't read them the riot act because the situation wasn't typical - when any of us have just come back from traveling outside the country, there are likely to be suitcases in the process of being unpacked, lots of laundry, sorting out of things - I just happened to hit them in the middle of this. Normally the home is always prepared for a showing.

William - I really did enjoy your comment! It's wonderful when we can smile and learn at the same time. Didn't even notice your mistake in words. I was a bit surprised, though, that God spoke to the Owners (not Sellers) and both agents, but not to the Buyers (hoping to be).

Missy - indeed, the sellers did scramble to accommodate the request.  

I too thought you were going to say they were a no show.  It does go with the territory unfortunately.  That doesn't excuse it though & yes it is hard.   You want your sellers to say yes to all showings and when a seller goes out of their way to accommodate in a tough situation or bad timing, it is nice if the buyers show up.  

Steve - it does, particularly if the seller is accommodating short notice and you tell the agent the circumstances.

I have had similar where they did not call at all.  It is streeful enough when you are selling your home.

Randy - so true. We need to put ourself in their shoes.