Vickey Wachtel's Blog

The seller asked, "Am I being over protective to get upset when I find out that an agent made an appointment to see my house but was alone and took pictures?" she said she was previewing.

Previewing is not exactly the same as showing but if the client has directed the agent in what they are looking for, the agent is trying to meet their needs so previewing the house would serve the same purpose as showing in this instance.  The agent should never take pictures without permission from the homeowner.

When I am showing or previewing I like the seller to be there, there are several reasons for that: 1. The buyer can ask questions that I can not ask or answer, about the neighborhood or the schools. 2. The seller can point out additional value of the home that the space in the mls description does not allow for. 3. I have found that puting a face on the buyer and seller helps in the negotiation process.  Most agents prefer the seller not be there, it can slow down the process if the buyer is looking at several houses in one outing. 

There is always the danger that the seller might say something that could damage the deal so sellers need to be forewarned to be careful what they do say, something as simple as that guy next door has two beautiful basset hounds, sounds ok, but if the buyer doens't like dogs or thinks that they might howl at the moon all night the deal can be lost.

Seller's shouldn't be afraid to ask when agents make the appointment if it is a preview or showing, in either case it is a chance for someone to see your home and possibly bring a buyer so it's all good!!

I would like everyone to know that we Realtors don't have a 9-5 job that we can just walk away from and not think about on Friday afternoon until we get back on Monday morning.  We lay awake nights worrying about all the little details that have to fit together just right in order get to closing so you can have an easy experience.  We feel guilty at closing when the sellers looks at the HUD and gets that look of total disgust that all his money is going to these two people sitting here, who as far as he is concerned did next to nothing.
You don't know that in most cases we don't get to keep it all, or the amount of money we have spent in advertising your home or the hours in classes that are not cheap either just so we can make sure you are protected.  You don't have a problem raising your voice to us when something happens that was out of our control.  You don't remember the conversations we had about why you should or should not accept or negotiate different aspects of the deal when it all goes south.
You also don't know that we are just as excited on closing day as you are, that when you smile at each other when the keys are put in your hands that we are fighting back the tears of pure joy that we had something to do with this moment.
You don't know that we are a special group of people that take great pride and pure joy in helping others find or sell a Home.  We fight for you and I mean real screaming fights at times just to protect your interest and make sure you are getting everything that your want, need and deserve.  We are like a mother hen keeping an eye out at all times for the dangers and herding all the other players in the transaction to the final closing day.
You forget us after awhile but we never forget you, we were your voice, your protecter, your counselor, your friend for those few weeks or months.  You told us things that even your closest friends didn't know and knew it would go no farther, you trusted us and that meant everything. 
This is why we keep doing the things we do and love every minute of it, no two days are alike, not two clients are alike, we have an amazing job that is like none other and we wouldn't trade all those sleepless nights for that 9-5 job.  Thank you

First off a big Thank You and Congrats on even thinking about getting designations and certifications you are steps ahead of the average agent just for giving it some thought.
 
GRI, is a great place to start, most you covered in your classes to get your license but this time it's more intense and to the point on how to be successful.

E-pro, is essential to learn how to navagate the web, I have picked up several buyers because of the sites I found out about in the course
 
CRS, is the #1 to me, you become one of the very best in the industry because of the strict requirements. As a CRS Realtor you have a constant flow of information available to you that others do not have easy access to, a referral base second to none. This year I have referred to 5 members located in California, Miami, Denver, Arizona and Dallas. By the way I only refer to agents that have at least 3 designations, I want my clients to be well taken care of and have found that those who continue to take classes beyond what is required tend to care more about their clients as well.
 
Green is the wave of the future and I enjoyed the class very much, we all need to think Green it's not going away.  Few have this designation right now so you would be amoung the first.

CNE, Certified Negotiation Expert, is one of the few classes that teaches Selling Skills, if you have not been in sales before this is one class I highly recommend, if you have it's a great way to refresh your skills.

ABR, is quick and most clients recognize it so it can be very useful.

CIPS,  what a wonderful experience, if you are thinking of working out of the country or just want to understand how real estate transactions are handled in other countries this is the course for you, I enjoyed it very much,

I also reccomend you get acctive in your local Association, join committees, I have learned much from other members in these meeting that I have been able to put to good use and it doesn't cost a dime. Sign up for the Leadership Program , I was in the First leadership group here in Houston and gained true friendships with Realtors from all over the area and now have a great source for imformation when ever something comes up, talk about Priceless. 

It all depends on you and where you want to take your career, designations are impressive, I get many comments on the number I have acheived, just shows that I care about knowing all there is to know about this business. It was my personal choice and I have no regrets.

Wishing you much success and joy as a Realtor

There is a house in my neighborhood that is listed with one of these companies, it's been on the market for several weeks now. The sign in front is "For Sale By Owner" simple sign, there is one on the main road that says the same, he is listed on the MLS and will be paying 3% to the buyers agent.

He has to take all the calls for showings and is not available to show until after 6:00 in the evening and on weekends. This limits the amount of showings considerably. This is a new subdivision with contruction still going on. The builders are making fantastic deals to get buyers, deals that this seller may not be able to compete with!
 
Is he aware of everything that is going on in this market? He has a full time job how much time do you think he has to keep up with all the back ground research it takes? Who is making sure that the "Buyer" who calls is really a buyer? Have they been preapproved for a loan?  What kind of Marketing is this Brokerage doing to sell the house?

If someone calls and says they want to come see the house, does he just open the door? Not to mention the financial part of selling a house but how about the safety issues!!

There is a reason it is so cheap, to lure you in, but be aware of all your options before you make your choice, interview some Realtors before you decide. It will cost you nothing to check it all out first.

Another thing that you might not think of is that FSBO makes a statement to buyers that the seller is not willing to pay for an agent, it also might put the thought in the buyers head that if they can't afford an agent they might not have been able to afford to keep the house up either...something to think about!