Sorry, this one’s a rant.
Why do real estate professionals, especially agents get a bad rap?
Because they deserve it.
A little while ago I checked on the MLS for possible investment properties. I found ten that I wanted to look into. I dropped all ten of the listing agents an email to get more information. Not a single one of them returned an email. I figured maybe my timing was just very bad and they were all sold or under contract. Two weeks later, virtually every property was still listed.
Occationally when I’m driving, I see a property for sale that looks interesting. When I call the number listed on the sign, If I have to leave a message, I only get a return call about 50% of the time.
Now, if these properties were selling that fast, I might be able to understand. They are not selling. The properties just sit and continue to be vacant.
If an agent never wants to really deal with commercial real estate, fine. The residential market is such that agent need not be concerned much with repeat business and customer loyalty. Statistics show that very few people go back to the same agent after they buy or sell a home. That’s understandable, because people move to new areas, or different states where the agent doesn’t work.
Commercial and investment clients are different than residential ones. Commercial customers will be repeat customers, if treated right. They will usually be on the look out for new investments and new opportunities in the same area. A little good service can go a long way.
If an agent won’t even call me back, I can’t expect them to give me professional service in the future. If I don’t call agents or investors back, I can’t expect them to trust me, either.
Don’t leave money on the table. Just return your calls, people.
That’s it. Rant over.