How to respond to strange/angry realtor? Dual agency (commission, accept, property)
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I had contacted a listing agent about buying his listing. I don't have a buyer's agent, that is a very remote rural area I'm not familiar with, with few agents, long driving distances, etc. I had someone from his office show me the house, and I liked it. The guy who showed me the house told me to continue working with the listing agent.
I texted that listing agent that I'm interested and want to talk on the phone about some questions. Soon I noticed, however, that something online wasn't matching the info he gave me. I asked him if there's a reason for it, may be there was address discrepancy (common in that area, many places have 2 addresses) - he said there can't/shouldn't be any discrepancy, didn't give any explanation of it but basically was saying I should trust what he says. - I only mentioned what I was seeing online and said I was going to call that company, when they open after the weekend, to find out why the info is different online.
I was very polite all the time. In response I got very rude angry message, suddenly accusing me of calling him a liar and dishonest, basically, etc, etc - which I never did or implied. Errors and discrepancies are common things. I actually been already in that kind of situation, twice, where I made a very long drive to see a house based on similar info given by realtor, only to later find out it was not true. I responded that he shouldn't accuse me of such things, pretty serious stuff, and shouldn't put words in my mouth, also I mentioned that I don't want to be treated like a 2nd class person (I'm a minority for that insular rural community).
Eventually he texted me back with sort of an apology, basically, with very long emotional message.
I'm nervous about this house, the area itself now too (reputation for one of the most insular in the country) and that agent now. I don't think I'd be welcomed there.
Sounds like dealing with a listing agents directly/dual agency is a very bad idea.
I can't imagine buyer's agent going off on me like that, I dealt with a few buyers agents in my life.
What's the good/proper way to respond? Not respond at all or say something polite, like it was a misunderstanding?
Honestly, it is hard to say unless you provide more information as to actual potential discrepancy and exactly what you and the broker said to each other. And, I understand if you don't want to provide those details, but opining on a response strategy isn't of value with only a vague summary of one side of the story.
That being said, you said you are now wary of this particular property and the area. So, if this is now not the property for you, simply respond that you are no longer interested and move on with your search.
Honestly, it is hard to say unless you provide more information as to actual potential discrepancy and exactly what you and the broker said to each other. And, I understand if you don't want to provide those details, but opining on a response strategy isn't of value with only a vague summary of one side of the story.
That being said, you said you are now wary of this particular property and the area. So, if this is now not the property for you, simply respond that you are no longer interested and move on with your search.
I don't want to give more detail as it can make it more identifiable. Basically, it's about key info that could render house useless for me.
I'm not born in the US and just trying to understand the business communication etiquette here. To respond with something polite and generic or not respond at all.
I'm wary of the property in part because of how emotional the agent was and the subject of honesty/dishonesty constantly being brought up, I never dealt with that before but yes I know that the area is very insular, newcomers are rare, crime is high (drugs) and have a feeling that the intensity of agent's response might have to do with me being an outsider or even being a minority. Which makes me wonder what kind of community is that and how they might treat me down the road. So yes, I became nervous about the area, especially since I'm a woman living alone, don't know a soul there, etc. I moved to unfamiliar rural area once before (though less remote and much less insular) but had a good agent (dual agent too) who was very welcoming and nice to me, helped me some after purchase too and I felt welcomed, now I think he's the one who defined that.
Hi OP.... are you still interested in the property? Without knowing more details, we really can't know if the issues are material for you or not. If you are still interested, I'd work it out with that agent or find yourself another one. Just know if you bring another agent in at this point there may be an issue over commission. That's OK... You don't have to worry about that, let your buyer agent deal with it and smooth it over. <-- best advice.
"Thank you for your time. I am no longer interested in the property."
Short, to the point, and polite.
Makes sense. I might say I had something come up and will have to focus my search on another area. Just trying to be as polite as possible not sounding like I do not accept the apology (I do accept it, just no longer comfortable with the whole situation, got that 6th sense now telling me to stay out)
You definitely need a representative for all such transactions. You are uncertain of the culture, you worry that people might “categorize” you, and there will be an extra legal hurdle or two when you do the closing paperwork. If you like this property ask the listing agent if he would like you to have a separate agent. Hopefully he’ll say yes because otherwise he might not work out being a dual agent. If you get a buyer agent make sure it’s from another firm.
Last edited by luv4horses; 02-20-2022 at 05:46 PM..
I might say I had something come up and will have to focus my search on another area. Just trying to be as polite as possible not sounding like I do not accept the apology (I do accept it, just no longer comfortable with the whole situation, got that 6th sense now telling me to stay out)
Don't lower yourself to the agent's level. Don't make up a story. Just as "EM" stated above, "No longer interested."
You don't want to deal with that unprofessional agent, anyway. They showed their true colors, earlier.
Listen to your "6th sense." (In motorcycling, we call this, the "Spidey Sense.")
It IS powerful. Something to be respected.
If this property just HAS to be yours, then get another representative. Sorry to say.
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