Bad Agent

I have had two very similar inquiries over the past couple of weeks that bother me a little bit. Both were of couples looking for homes here in the Greater Des Moines area. They both were buyers that were represented by other agents.

The first was fairly rutine, they came to one of my open houses and after a nice conversation offered up that they were working with another agent. I praised them for their loyalty and sent them on their way wishing them good luck. Within days they called saying that they were not happy with their agent. Apparently he was of a different generation and was not showing them the houses that they wanted to see. Even after explaining to the agent what they wanted and didn't want several times, he continued to show them homes that they did not want to see. They wanted me to be their agent...

WOOO I told myself. I quickly recognized this as one of those ethical situations that can get very ugly. I was walking on eggshells...

I did the right thing and asked them if they had told their agent that they were unhappy (as that is what I would want my clients to do). She said no but they wanted to move on. I said that I am not in the business of taking other agents clients, but explained that they are not bound by contract in the state of Iowa as a buyer (unless the agent had them sign an exclusive agency agreement). Eventually I agreed to be their agent under the condition that the buyer call the other agent and expalin to him why they are using someone else.

As I was working on closing the first transaction, I get a phone call about one of my listings. I shared the information with the buyer and he says that he is working with another agent. I told him to have their agent show them the home anytime as it is vacant. He shocked me by saying that he was unhappy with the way his agent was handling things. It appeard to him that the only homes he was showing them were ones that they had seen in the paper or driven by and told him about.

Da-ja-vu...

I once again explained to this buyer that in Iowa a buyer is not under contract with any agent (unless an exclusive agency contract is made) and it is their right to use anyone that they feel is right for them. However, it is only fair to tell the agent that they are not happy and give them the chance to make it right. I also explained that it is not uncommon for an agents search of the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to limit the number of homes available. This is due to the number of "needs" that are entered into the system and is usually the most effective way to reduce the number of homes down to a manageable number. The buyer was very happy and thanked me for my honesty.

I worry because it took very little effort on my part to make this person happy. I hope that other agents are using honesty in a similar way to make our buyers happy!