Is it just me, or is feedback gone the way of the Edsel? Seems today's REALTORS® are too busy showing the vast active inventory available to return feedback. Many times sellers have asked me, "So what did the buyer think"?
I nicely say that I have emailed to agent, faxed a form to the agent requesting feedback and even done something difficult and tried to reach the agent by old fashion telephone. You see, many agents say they are available, but in truth they have voice mail boxes that are full or unchecked. Often the email address we have for the agent is incorrect because they haven't updated their email in the local MLS system. If I can't reach them how many potential buyers/sellers are unable to reach them?
True, times are different than the "good old days", but common courtesy is just that, common courtesy. The sellers were nice enough to accommodate a quick last minute showing, the least today's agent can do is return a message to the listing agent who is requesting feedback.
Your thoughts? Your experience?
JOAN:
Thanks for emailing your feedback. I too like to respond to feedback requests when I get them. The bigger problem, like I mentioned, is that many agents in our area are not active emailers. Their email addresses are out of date or mailboxes full. I feel sorry for their clients.
PAT:
Nice to hear from you. Seems like email is simple, straight to the point and efficient.
I always give feedback when asked, although it is usually difficult to get it when the shoe is on the other foot. I like email feedback so I can refresh my memory of which property it was; sometimes, an agent will call weeks later and unless there was something stunningly unique about the property, it's hard to remember.
I don't like getting requests for feedback, though, from listing agents who want to argue about it. LOL Don't shoot the messenger!
And I don't like getting a call while I am STILL WITH THE BUYER! LOL Being prompt is great, but calling a half hour after I left the house is just nuts.
MATT:
So is honest feedback to the listing agent against the Golden Rule? Or a fine line to be watched in agency law?
Should the buyer agent inform the sellers agent about anything the buyer thought about the property? Should the selling agent even try to gather feedback for their client, the seller?
I think it could work for or against both sides if not careful.
David Elya
Common communication courtesy is essential to long term success! I dont understand why some people find it an impossible task and an inconvenience!?!?
To your success!
Susan
LISA:
I hate it when I ask for feedback a day after the showing and the "Good" agent can't remember the property? I probe their memory by saying things like "It's the one with the orange shag carpet" or I try again by saying "It's the house with the badly peeling paint, cracked porch, overgrown lawn" still with no recollection.
Makes me wonder how that agent remembered their way home?
Is it because many agents/REALTORS are not professional, or is it because they were "raised" that way? It may have started in their youth?
CHRIS:
Thanks for your input. A tip that may work for you that works very well for me is to get a Nextel incoming calls free plan.
I love it when a buyer calls me and I can talk forever if necessary. I post my cell number everywhere. Maybe you hit it on the head, many agents don't want to waste minutes(money) on their cell phone plan?
David, I can't agree more. It's bad when the buyer's agent has a fax, an email, and a voicemail and I still have to call him and talk to him personally to get feedback. I don't always give immediate feedback but make it point to call them with something within 24 hours. To me this is just lack of professionalism.
TODD:
Seems like the deck is stacked against sellers agents in a buyers market. Buyers and their agents are in the drivers seat. DOM is is used against the seller, feedback is non existent.
So much for the code of ethics.