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Originally Posted by Portland Real Estate
I agree, though I find it rather difficult to execute in a market where most agents do not ask for an agreement. It's just too easy to locate another hungry agent who's willing to chaffeur endlessly. I remember years ago before I became an agent, a Century 21 agent asked me to sign a buyer's agreement before I get to know her. I refused to sign for I didn't know if I wanted to get stuck with an agent whom I might not like. Or worse, an agent who might not work to my best interest. I remember asking her if I absolutely had to sign and her answer was no. So I didn't. In retrospect, I'm glad I didn't for she was awful.
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Portland, just because others in your market are not using this tool, don't let that discourage you. In BC, we all must go over agency and our Working With A REALTOR brochure prior to going out or writing on a property with a client.
Many agents are uncomfortable with how to approach this simple brochure. Maybe you could try using the same explaination I use for both WWR and Agency agreements...
"As a professionally licensed agent, I am required by law to explain agency relationships to you and have you acknowledge that I have done this..." After I answer all thier questions, I have them sign to witness that I have indeed gone over this step and file it with my office.
Many people are surprise when I do this right when I meet them because 90% of the other agents they have dealt with never took this step. It sets me apart as a professional who is serious out the regs and gives them insight that when they work with me, they are working with some who takes thier business very seriously--which I do!
The next document I pull out is the Agency Agreement and I explain
"....this agreement HIRES me to work for you, to negotiate with ONLY your interests in mind no matter who else I may be working with...this makes me 100% legally accountable to you; it makes me responsible to return all calls immediately, explain all aspects of home buying and help you find the professionals you need to make an educated decision; to activley search for a home fitting your unique needs..." I go on to explain my Buyer Services in greater detail and give them a visual presentation, then I ask them if they are interested in HIRING me to work for them. Most are eager to sign up with me at that point...if someone is hesitant, I try and find out what thier concerns are and we go from there. If they don't sign up, I don't waste my time.
Once people understand I am not here to be used, that I take this very seriously and roll out the red carpet for my clients, I rarely have a problem getting them to work with me. It weeds out the flakey buyers who like the idea of buying a home but just aren't in a postion to actually do it because I mean business and they know they'd be wasting my time.
Since I packaged my buyer services, I've never had a problem with clients 'HIRING' me under agency. Everyone who lists a house signs a contract outlining services and the details, why should buying a home be any different?
Cheers,