Tips for Real Estate Agents when confronted with abuse

90% of the time, a Real Estate Transaction is thankfully a pleasant and fruitful experience. Ideally, your client moves into their dream home or walks away satisfied with a sale and you head home for the day having earnt your keep. Like all walks of life however, there is always the one situation that sticks out for the wrong reasons, especially when dealing with so many egos and personalities, motivations and goals of the respective parties involved.

As an agent, 90% of the time, a Real Estate Transaction is thankfully a pleasant and fruitful experience. Ideally, your client moves into their dream home or walks away satisfied with a sale and you head home for the day having earnt your keep. Like all walks of life however, there is always the one situation that sticks out for the wrong reasons, especially when dealing with so many egos and personalities, motivations and goals of the respective parties involved.

As an agent, I have been personally subject to Xenophobia (an irrational fear or distrust of foreign “folk” ) during my time as well as accusations that I have acted against the interests of the client on either side of the transaction. Generally speaking, people are unhappy with one aspect or another concerning the transaction and just want to blame somebody else. Unfortunately what starts off as an insecurity or a flippant dispute becomes extremely personal and the lost commissions as well as various comments that have been made are certainly disconcerting and potentially damaging. Many agents I am sure can relate. So how do you react? Despite walking away with a paycheck, you do not carry that same satisfaction and at times you may even contemplate the profession in which you ply your trade.

So what coping strategies can you utilize? In my years as a Property/Community Manager and Real Estate Agent, what would I suggest to stem the tide of inevitable criticism and distrust that seems to follow this industry around? The following four points are my mantra if you like.

1) Know and understand your role – Agents are often blamed by clients who are less knowledgeable for things that are not in their control. For example, matters that are better suited to a loan officer are reflected onto the agent who is then expected to answer questions that they do not possess the ability to. You are an easy target as a agent but you should stick to what you do and not be afraid to refer the matter to the appropriate party. After all, they are paid to answer those issues and have the nous to do so. Do not involve yourself in something you are not sure about just so you can look good for the client. We have our limitations and strengths, make sure those questions are sent the right way.

2) Acknowledge your limits – From a personal point of view, no amount of commission is worth a consistent torrent of abuse. You do not get paid until a deal closes so if somebody shouts at you for months, drags their feet (and you around 300 houses) and then ends up “firing you” after letting you have it, not only are you out of a sale but also you have endured a misery of a time (time which could have been utilized on other clients). Nip it, and nip it early. Either tell them you will not tolerate it or just simply walk away. Like with any abuse, the more you tolerate, the harder the trend will be to break and you will feel empty after it all. You are a listing or selling agent, not a prisoner.

3) Be the bigger person – You are entitled to defend yourself of course and your natural instinct may be to do so but in the event of receiving a long, derogatory and ultimately untruthful email, be the bigger person. Either respond in brief but polite fashion with a rational explanation or a simple request not to be bothered anymore. Or more so, just ignore it. Just like trolls occupy message boards in an attempt to wind people up, some will push your buttons. Don’t stoop to their level. There is sometimes no greater weapon than silence, especially when they will be more bothered that you ignored them!

4) Talk to somebody – Before you react, take counsel with a fellow professional or a friend. I am fortunate to have a network which offers me advice from time to time as well as support. Consulting those sources not only allows me to make a sound decision when dealing with the abuse but also helps me to feel better. If you have a friend in the legal industry that can be a bonus too as they can assist you in possibly silencing your detractors in the extreme situation that their actions become libelous or damaging.

Remember, for every bad egg out there you will find a multitude of gracious and enthusiastic investors or home buyers who respect and appreciate your advice and expertise. This world is too big to be bothered by those who seek to destroy, and also large enough for us all to co-exist without crossing each other again!

From a landlord to a tenant – how to protect yourself from the pitfalls of renting

DISCLAIMER – This is not legal advice nor am I placed to give such an opinion. This is a just a mere advice article designed to protect the rights of those entering the rental market.

Entering the Rental Market can be a daunting experience, especially for those relocating to a new area or venturing forth into your own place for the very first time. Whereas it can be an exciting time to move, buy your own furniture and snuggle down into your new home, there are many pitfalls which you should be aware of. Below a few tips from myself…..

Good Hunting!

– You are legally entitled to be aware of your rights and in Florida, you should receive a copy of the Landlord-Tenant Act from your prospective landlord or their authorized agent. When you obtain this, be sure to read it. It contains plenty of information on procedure, laws and obligations on the behalf of both tenant/landlord. It will certainly save on the hours spent on Google trying to find answers and is also a much better resource than consulting a friend or otherwise.Â

– Be wary of foreclosure action that may be pending on your prospective home. Either check the public records for any filings or consult with a licensed entity, whether it be a Realtor or Attorney who know how to research such a matter. Your rights may change drastically should a property be in foreclosure and also you may be prohibiited from usage of the common amenities should the relevant Homeowners Association be the creditor and thus the instigator of such an action. Many homeowners do not disclose the event of foreclosure to prospective tenants and in addition to generating ill will, it may also place you in a false position of security. Please know an agent cannot offer legal advice on matters such as these and that such matters should be referenced to an attorney.

– Conduct a walkthrough of the home with your prospective landlord or their agent and take note of any items that may need correction. It is advised that you notify your landlord in writing of any issues throughout your rental tenure and that you protect yourself (and your deposit). If you feel the need to, take pictures.

– Maintain and cultivate a lasting relationship with your landlord. Remember – a landlord is obligated to honor their lease term within reason but are not required to renew it. If you plan on making your tenancy a long term arrangement, apply the golden rule – treat your landlord or their agent as you wish to be treated. Act as if it is a professional relationship – would you talk to your boss in a disrespectful manner? Your landlord is a person and will most likely not renew a troublesome tenant. Business is business but people are people and will more often than not respond too well to an unreasonable tenant.

– Many leases require that if you were to repaint a wall or make any protrusions when for example, hanging a frame or attaching a fixture, you are to return the wall to it’s original condition. Before you start, make a note of the paint that was used and be sure to correct the damage otherwise it will most likely be taken from your deposit.

– Read every page before initialing and signing. Whether an agent or landlord has discussed certain matters with you, by signing you agree to what is stated on the lease and is therefore reinforcable.

–  Treat the home as if it were your own. And remember, it will be for some time! You never know when you will need a recommendation or reference from your landlord in the future. Let’s make it a favorable one.

I hope these tips are of use to some. I have been involved in numerous landlord-tenant situations over the years and felt that certainly, prospective tenants can be well advised of these matters.