A number of years ago, I listed a beautiful home for our stager. She had a great flair for helping our clients and her home was no exception. It was so appealing; I knew it would sell quickly. She wanted to go looking for her new home in the Biltmore area and told me that as soon as we were in escrow, we would look in earnest.
Then she called on a Monday to say that she had been to an Open House on Sunday and although it wasn’t the one for her, the agent at the Open House suggested they go see another home at 4:00. She did and loved it. Now the dilemma; she wanted me to write the offer.
I told her I was sorry, but it would be against the rules, not to mention dishonorable, for me to step in. The other agent was what we call in the business the procuring cause, and deserved the commission.
My client was distraught. “But I don’t even know this person.”, she said. I told her I would be able to advise her in the background, but she would have to go with the other agent.
Just think about it; My own employee, someone I knew and who knew me. But she had failed to call me in and now she had an Agent of Chance.
This happens all the time. When you call the number on a yard sign, you end up talking to the seller’s agent and if you go see it on your own, that agent becomes your agent. Plus, that agent now represents both you and the seller.
If you pop into a builder’s model home without your agent registering, you are left dealing exclusively with the builder’s employee. No representation at all.
If you click on an online listing, your information is most probably shared with multiple agents. We call it “speed to lead”, and your email, your phone, your text is about to explode with agents you don’t know, wanting your business. These are Agents of Chance and you have no idea what you’re getting.
Is there a better way? Of course. Choose your agent. Choose them early. Pick someone you like. Pick someone with experience, skills, and a preferably a team behind them to provide you with everything you need, starting with great representation.
What happened with our stager’s purchase? It went OK. She called me a number of times. I helped her agent twice. She got it closed and my employee loved the house.
If you choose Those Callaways, just call 602-796-5751. That’s my 24/7 cell number.
– Joseph Callaway