Yes! I’m happy to work with you, Mr. Buyer - No Obligation Required!
I’ve been involved in several online discussions lately about the “necessity” of requiring a new buyer client sign a Buyer Agency Agreement upfront, before the real estate agent will agree to show the buyer homes.
For the uninitiated, a Buyer Agency Agreement obligates the buyer to the real estate agent for a specified period of time. If the buyer purchases a home during the contract period, he is contractually required to pay that agent a commission. Nothing really wrong with that; we don’t get paid until closing and it’s reasonable that we might want some sort of assurance that our efforts will be compensated at some point if we perform.
But it’s also reasonable that a buyer might balk at committing to a real estate agent he barely knows. I whole‑heartedly believe it is my duty and obligation to prove myself to you before even suggesting a formal relationship. And, once I’ve proven myself invaluable, you aren’t going anywhere unless you’re a flake… and then a piece of paper ain’t gonna change that.
You have the right to evaluate me, just as I have the right to evaluate you. We real estate agents carry on and on about how we shouldn’t waste our time with unqualified, unmotivated, unfaithful buyers, but we expect those very buyers to commit to us before they know a darn thing about OUR qualifications, OUR motivation or even OUR faithfulness. Do I know my markets, my contracts, my systems? Do I return my phone calls promptly? Do I have 25 other buyers taking up my time?
These are valid concerns you may have about me. And I can’t TELL you the answers, I have to demonstrate my worthiness. If I don’t convince you that I’m the man (er, woman) for the job, you should have every right to look elsewhere for assistance.
Besides, buying a home is an emotional experience. There is such a thing as a bad personality fit, even if both parties are terrific people. Good rapport is essential to a successful home-buying experience (for both of us!!).
So, Mr. Buyer, call me with confidence. We’ll check each other out and see if we’re a good fit. And, we’ll have some fun looking for your next home!
