Don't Just be a Real Estate Agent, be a Professional!

Buyer Broker Agreement? What's that? Most agents don't ask their potential buyers to sign anything. It is too... well... you know... uncomfortable. Hmmmmmmm.

A professional is viewed as a professional for a reason. They value their own time and energy as well as their clients. Of all the paperwork required, I often wonder why the Buyer Broker Agreement isn't required.

Personally, I take anywhere from 40 to 50 phone calls per day from my listing signs. Most of these individuals do not have an agent or they are not happy with their agent's performance. When someone calls without representation, I also extend an offer of my services, but there is a catch, they must be willing to sign a buyer broker agreement. Why? It is the right thing to do. I often hear agents griping about how people run them ragged and use them up and then go and buy from someone else from a sign or perhaps a for sale by owner. In my opinion, this is the agents lack of educating their clients on the value, they, the agent, bring to the deal.

Even though I have a high energy level and run at high speed most of the time, there are times when it can still catch up to me. Prioritizing, organizing and actually roping in time, is certainly a challenge. One of the ways this can be done is to fully commit to my clients and like a good marriage, why would the commitment only be one sided? After all, if I was committed to my husband and he was not committed to me, it seems a bit unequal, unfair, and even unhealthy to continue in such a relationship, doesn't it?

Many people talk about commitment as if it is stomach gas. First they feel committed, then they don't feel committed. I don't think commitment is a feeling at all! True commitment is a conscience decision to follow something through to completion and give it your all to make it work.

I met a man once that wanted to do business with me. He continued to talk about his high level of commitment and integrity. He didn't talk about it in a way of saying he valued integrity, he talked about how he just had integrity. Integrity, like any character trait is not something we have... .people don't just have patience. These traits must first be recognized and then developed.

When it came time to do business with this same man I asked for the terms we had agreed to in writing. He became angry and said his word was his word and he didn't need to put it in writing. He said I was questioning his integrity and he didn't like it. In return, I simply stated that everyone that I knew that had integrity, didn't have a problem putting it in writing. Hmmmmmmm. This didn't make him happy. But of course, it is not my job to make other people happy is it?

The next time someone asks you to look for a home... take a minute and say, I have a slot open to help you find a home... and... let me tell you how I work... at this point, explain the buyer broker agreement to them in depth... tell them it is not about obligating them... it is about YOU committing to them fully.

Professionals protect their clients and want what is in the clients best interest. If you are not giving your buyers your commitment in writing, you are not doing them any favors. Buyer Broker Agreements also protect your clients from the wolves out there that will hound them and beat them up. Do what is right and best for everyone and take control of your business. Be a professional! Use a Buyer Broker Agreement with all of your clients.

Michelle Shelton lives in Gilbert, Arizona on horse property with her husband Paul and their five children. Michelle is an author, educator, recruiter and licensed Arizona REALTOR. If you would like Michelle to assist you in purchasing or listing a property in Arizona, please visit her website: http://www.askmichelleshelton.com

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