I was reading a blog post today from a fellow Realtor about the lack of courtsey Realtors have in leaving feedback when they show a house. I admit, I am (or should say was) one of those Realtors who would get upset if another Realtor did not leave feedback and would ALWAYS make a concerted effort to write something back to a listing agent when I showed one of their properties. I would say that half of my business comes from listings and the other half comes from buyers. So, i always believe what comes around goes around. Thus if I wanted feedback on my listings; I needed to give it on the homes I showed my buyers.
Today after reading through the blog and the controversy of comments it sparked I have rethought my position on this. I am not totally against feedback but what is considered appropiate and not appropiate. When I take a buyer out and have explained working with a real estate agent with them in North Carolina; they decide whether to want to work with me or not. If they do I am now representing them as a buyer's agent. NOT a sellers agent.
Thus by a listing agent asking me what my client thought of the property takes away from my responsibility to the buyer. If my client likes the property I can be compromising their negotiating position on the house. If they do not and I tell the listing agent that; does it mean everytime I do not give feedback that my client likes the house? It is a catch 22. So, is there a right or wrong answer to giving feedback?
First, I only provide feedback if my client elects for me to do so on thier behalf. I represent them and not the seller. I have always done this. I ask them if there was anything they would like for me to relay to the seller about the house. If not, I may give my objective opinion and inform the lisiting agent here is what I thought.
Second, I NEVER devulge if my client has any interest in the house. It can be compromising to the negotiations on the property. I have and do send feedback; If after viewing the house and talking it over they decide they are going to put an offer in on the house. I will send feedback letting the listing agent know that an offer is being prepared for the house. A good listing agent will then inform me if there are other offers on the house. I can then prep my clients to make a descision on how to present with an offer.
Last, in Charlotte MLS agreement we as Realtors sign an agreement that says feedback is required. Not that I doubt anyone files a complaint. But, even with it required I was told a few months ago that they only get feedback on approximately 60% of all showings. Newer agents tend to place feedback all the time and experienced agents tend not to. Whether that is ethical or not is a question for the Realtor board.
My theory on this; is say something. It does not have to be representative of the buyer. You can say MY OPINION is that the house needs X, Y, AND Z, or the house shows nice and well kept...or something along those lines. Yes we have a responsibility to our buyers. But giving our opinion is not representative to what the buyer thinks. it is OUR OPINION.
Dave diCecco
Realtor/Broker
www.davedicecco.com
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