Agent/Client Communication Skills

Perhaps the reason I was drawn to real estate stemmed from being an aviation aficionado. What on earth do these two industries have in common (other than a disclosure telling your client they may hear airplanes flying overhead), you might ask?

I answer this conundrum with one word... COMMUNICATION

With technology today, a jet aircraft can safely land in conditions where the pilot can't even see the runway, that technology is coupled with constant communication from the tower-controller. That communication must be so constant, that if silence breaks for more than 5 seconds the pilot may need to abort the landing.

Buying or selling a home is no different, well perhaps contact every five seconds may be a bit much, but we all understand the concept here. It is reasonable for a real estate professional to estimate that at least 50% of clients are at bare minimum familiar with the process by means of the Internet and self-research; that is not, however an excuse to minimize or eliminate informative communication between the agent and the client.

Consider this real-life scenario:

You are interested in the opportunity to short-sell your home and you understand the basics of real estate and know the terminology of a short-sale, so you meet and list with an agent who 'specializes' in short sales. The agent lists your home and you don't hear from the agent for weeks. When you do hear from them, you are presented several offers they received, but no advice or guidance in accepting or countering these offers, not to mention you were never informed that some offers may contain special addendum with legal terms pertaining to the short sale status, or how to best counter your offer to better meet your financial needs through a short sale.

From the minute your home is listed, you're the captain on approach to your landing site. In markets like the one that exists today, the conditions on the ground are turbulent and a successful landing requires constant, ongoing communication between you and your agent...DAILY!

That said, it is not an uncommon story to hear when clients cite they were unable to reach their agent or broker. Calls go unanswered, e-mails not replied, and messages not returned. There is recourse!

Consider these options to facilitate a stagnant relationship with your agent:

• Contact your agent's broker (if they are not their own broker), cite your concerns and ask what they can do to expedite the communication process between you and your agent. Often times a 'jab' from the broker is all the agent needs to get a move on!
• If you're still not getting the results you need, and you are comfortable negotiating your own sale, see if your state offers an authorization for you to negotiate directly with the buyer or buyer's agent. You never want to contact the other party on your own without something in writing to ensure there's no conflict of interest, but most states should offer some means of self-negotiation. This won't negate your agreement to pay your agent's commission at the close of escrow, but it may be a solution to move the process along.
• As a last resort, you can explore 'firing' your agent or brokerage. You will need to contact the office and request this, and you may meet some resistance, however remember it is the fiduciary responsibility of your agent to seek only your best interest, and if they are not fulfilling that duty, you may need to see alternative solutions. Remember this option typically involves breaking a written contract, so be prepared to support your case, and don't hesitate to seek professional legal assistance.

No matter the circumstances, your agency agreement between you and your brokerage is dependent on communication, responsible business practice and old fashioned values.  As a client, you should demand nothing less!

The Greenleaf-Elving Group
Christopher Greenleaf, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Southwest
6180 Brent Thurman Way, Las Vegas, NV 89148
info@captaurre.com
Content deemed reliable, but not guaranteed, Equal Opportunity Housing Provider
 

The Greenleaf-Elving Group Presents 31 Plum Hollow in Anthem

The Greenleaf-Elving Group is pleased to present 31 Plum Hollow Dr in the Anthem Country Club, Henderson, NV during our 2-day open house.

This gorgeous 2-story home features over 3500 square feet of living space, swimming pool and spa on just over a quarter acre lot. This pristine home features a wonderful lifestyle within one of the Las Vegas Valley's elite golf clubs.  This guard-gated community offers the perfect balance between the 24-hour entertainment of Las Vegas and quiet suburban living.

The Greenleaf-Elving Group welcomes you between 12pm-4pm Saturday and Sunday, June 8 & 9. Guests should follow the open house signs down Anthem Parkway and check in with the guard at the gate. Our team will greet you and escort you to this property for showing.  Guest will also enjoy a candy buffet and other refreshments.

Please contact our team with questions on this or any other property to meet your home-buying and listing needs.




The Greenleaf-Elving Group
Christopher Greenleaf, Real Estate Consultant
Keller William Realty Southwest
6180 Brent Thurman Way
Ste 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148
(702) 900-4741www.the-greenleaf-elving-group.com
*Each Office is Individually Owned and Operated
*Equal Housing Opportunity Provider

It’s Not Just a Home You’re Shopping For

It’s easy to get carried away playing the ‘We are waiting for the perfect home’ game. Housing markets are highly localized and can fluctuate quickly. As agents, it’s not uncommon to see a client walk away from what would appear to be a perfect fit only to ‘play the market' and end up with something more amazing.

Unless you’re intending to purchase your home with cash, it’s important to remember; the home isn't the only thing you’re shopping for! It’s no secret that interest rates have been at all-time lows for some time now. Finding the right rate is equally as important as finding the perfect home!

These low rates and virtual ‘steals’ won’t last forever.  In fact, over the last month, interest rates have climbed almost 2/3’s of a point! It may not seem like much, but just that small amount can be the difference of over $100/month in your mortgage, or worse… a decrease in the total amount you may have been pre-qualified for just a month ago.

We know that the housing market is very localized. What is happening in Las Vegas may be very different than what is happening in Seattle; the same for Chicago and Cleveland, Washington DC and Boston, and so on.  The interest rates however aren't quite the same. They work on a broader spectrum overseen by the Fed at a national level.

If you are (or have been in the last month) actively involved in the home-purchase process, this may be a good time to reach out to your lender and confirm your rate and pre-qualification status.  If you are planning on entering the home-buying market, this is still a great time to purchase, but remember; you are not only shopping for a home, but also for a lender who can offer you the best deal on the money you’re going to spend on this investment.  Rates change daily, and it is critically important to work with a lender you feel comfortable with to ensure everything is done to secure you the best rate for you loan.

If you don't have a preferred or trusted lender, reach out to a trusted real estate agent. Often times they can refer you to a reputable lender with whom they trust and have received positive feedback from previous clients.

Christopher Greenleaf
The Greenleaf-Elving Group
Real Estate Consultants
Keller Williams Realty Southwest
6180 Brent Thurman Way - Ste 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148
(702) 900-4741
info@captaurre.com