What I thought would be an easy assignment was the most eye opening as well as horrifying experience of my life! To say that the first two agents I heard from made me want to run screaming is an understatement.
The first agent sent me a copy of his listing agreement. One page with just names, addresses, listing price, commission amount and a 1 year listing date. I stood in awe looking at what was before me, is this guy for real? His email jokingly told me that our attorney would probably laugh at the contract because it's so short but that he believes that either you're in it or you aren't. I just couldn't believe that the lack of legal mumbo jumbo that is common in a listing agreement is there for a reason. Over the last three years I have seen many different agents versions of listing agreements and none of the successful ones would even consider using this format. Was this guy for real?
The second one was given my information after I emailed the broker/owner of an agency that is part of a pretty well known national name. I had looked them up right away during my search because of my experience with this national brands agents, they've always had a great reputation with me and I couldn't imagine any of them not being top level.
The email reply I got from this agent didn't impress me from the moment I saw the greeting. Dear Mrs. Johnston it started. Wow, my last name is one of the most common last names and you can't even manage to get that right? I kept reading and I wanted to scream and call this guy and ask him if he was on his smartphone, on the road, driving with one knee and drinking his coffee (or maybe something else) at the same time he was writing that email because surely he must have some excuse for this mess. I stared at that email over and over again that night, in pure disbelief. I almost forwarded it to his broker to ask him if this is the way he lands a more than half a million dollar listing, because I know that isn't how I would do it.Whenever I write in this blog I always talk about a lesson learned. This time isn't any different, I know I don't need to detail it out for you, but I will anyway.
- Invest in your paperwork - if you can't write up a decent listing package to help you close the deal then get help. Remember, a listing contract is just that, a contract. It should cover you as well as the seller and make everybody comfortable that the sale will go the way both parties want it to. One page doesn't do it.
- Put Down The Smartphone! - when replying to your leads by email, make sure you are able to send an email that makes sense. Don't do it on the fly, and for sure don't send it without reading it over again to be sure you don't look like a fool. You're first impression is the one that counts and you may lose a sale, and the commission tied to it, if you don't take the time to be sure you are putting your best foot forward.
