Cindy's Blog

Well, I'm probably not going to tell you anything you don't know here, if you listen to the news, watch tv, or read the paper. If you do any of those things, you are sure to be aware of all of the craziness in the investment markets, and how that has everyone freaking out. However, the rates are still terrific, and it is still a great time to buy. (I feel like that is a constant mantra, but it really is true!)

There are still plenty of homes on the market, though, and sellers still "needing" badly to sell, but not interested in dropping the price enough to gett it sold. I have been in a number of situations lately where I've had clients come in at a point that would be considerably lower than the sellers wanted, but each time the sellers "stuck to their guns" thinking that someone is going to come along and meet their price. I've got to say, there are just not alot of people doing that recently.

So, again, it's still a great time to buy, but it is tougher on the selling side- unfortunately, though, there is never going to be a perfect time to buy and to sell in the same market.

AGENCY

The other thing I wanted to touch on was the notion of procuring cause. I think there is a good deal of confusion around exactly what agents do, how we work, and how we get paid. When we take clients around, or at least when I do, it is because I really want to help them find the right house, and the perfect place for them to raise their family, meet people, or not. However, when I do that, it is also my job, and how I earn my living. While I am quite devoted to what I do, I would very quickly be unable to do that were I not able to support myself.

When I work with clients and take them around showing them homes, it is obviously my expectation that they are going to work with me when they are ready to purchase. This is, of course, what usually happens. What can happen, though, is if you, the client, walk into an open house and have a significant discussion with the listing agent, you may have removed the opportunity to have the agent come in and represent you.

If you are working with an agent, the best thing to do is get very clear idea of the expectations you have of that agent, and an understanding of what he or she expects of you as well. Once you get that done, it should be a bit more clear, and safe everyone alot of strees and heartache.