Lynn B. Friedman - Atlanta Real Estate ODAT - CDPE : December 2011

2011 December Blogging Challenge
Day Twenty-Nine YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?
Atlanta Metro ODAT Realty CDPE Advanced
Buy Lease Sell Buckhead Atlanta GA

The call came via my Zillow zip code sponsorship two days ago. The caller wanted to buy a pied-à-terre to avoid the drive of 1.5 hours each way to work everyday. Planned to sleep there Monday to Thursday nights - something small and simple - near the business. Something in excellent condition, in a safe area and under $30,000 ... YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

Then I remembered that about a year ago an owner called to discuss selling six properties in that same neighborhood.  The homes inventoried are all WWII returning soldier 800-900 square foot basic homes on 0.18 - 0.22 acre that have not had much maintenance over the years.  NOT EASY TO SELL anytime but especially now.  We didn't make an agreement for two reasons. First, the owner was not willing to be realistic about the Listing Prices. Second, no willingness to put down a retainer.  So - a pleasant good-bye and on to the next...

Now here is the Buyer, willing to pay a retainer and the minimum commission to us interested in the same area.  Great! So we went around and into some listed properties. Then we walked around the other person's vacant properties.  Not one suited the Buyer.  We are still looking.

Unbelievably - today - last year's prospective Seller called out of the blue to ask me to put a contract in on another property!  I reminded the person about the reluctance to retain the firm last year. "Oh, yes, now I remember," the reply came.  Again I stayed firm on the Buyer's Agreement and the Retainer. Then the person went into a long explanation of being badly treated by another firm this month.  I listened. I listened. I gave active listening responses. Then was asked again if I would write up a low-ball offer for yet another home near the others. YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

Very politely - and firmly - I reiterated my willingness to serve once we had a written agreement. "OK, send me a copy."  I did send it and now we'll see.

Plans for 2012? Sticking to the retainer and the minimum commission policy. How nice I got to practice again so close to the new year!

Have a happy day -
Lynn

2011 December Blogging Challenge Day TWENTY-NINE YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT? Atlanta Metro ODAT Realty CDPE Advanced Buy Lease Sell Buckhead Atlanta GA