"Let's Make a Deal"

I had an interesting call from another real estate agent yesterday. Although I don’t specifically recall her name, I do recall that she asked if a new listing I have in the town of Fircrest was still available. “Of course,” was my response and I asked “how can I help you?”

She indicated that she was working with a group of investors and, before pursuing the home any further, she wanted to check to see if my seller would consider their offer.

Going further, she stipulated that her investors’ offer would not include any contingencies. Furthermore, their cash offer would be at 65% of value less the cost of any needed repairs or modifications.

Of course my reaction was, “No, I don’t think that would work for my sellers.” Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that there are many types of investor type buyers hoping to “let’s make a deal.” With real estate, where it has always been “Buyer Beware,” perhaps it’s time for the saying to include, “Seller Beware.”

Of course, this is another time where those homeowners hoping to sell their property need to have the best Realtor working for them. Please also know that not all real estate agents are Realtors. There is a distinction.

Very briefly, a Realtor, by virtue of ones membership in the National Association of Realtors, has ascribed to a higher set of standards than nonmember agents. Firms like Windermere require all of their agents to be Realtor members. In order to hold down costs, many smaller firms do not make the same requirement. By a natural extension, “Seller Beware” should also include the agent or Realtor selected to assist them.

For the record, I am a professional Realtor and I’ve included the description “Real Property Specialist & Consultant / Associate Broker” as a further distinction my qualifications and the work that I do.