Hawaii Real Estate | Hawaii Relocations | Hawaii Home Buying & Selling

Thanks for the attitude affirmation. Sometimes it's all in the presentation. A positive mental attitude goes a very long way. Add a layer of proper "languaging" and communication, and you have the cat by the tail.

Vickie: Bottom line....I REALLY keep my cool....for one...it's not going to work with me buying into the junk. For another...I keep my ground...do what's best for my client....and they usually come to grips. :)

Celeste "SALLY", Congrats for the Sale. I enjoyed hearing, that some agents are still trying to posture in todays market, but you straightened him out. Hurrah for your! I wish someone would bring me an offer on my listings. I would be talking let's make this work.:)))) 

Sally - GREAT post! Indeed, it is time to return to planet Earth if you SERIOUSLY want to sell your home!!!!

Sally,  yes there are so many nay sayers out there that think they are doing the clients a favor by being so negative with everything that comes their way.  It is like they do not want the property to sell.

I had an agent tell me with attitude that he would have to get back to me to confirm if my showing request for 2 days later, would be convenient with his client.  I said to not bother, I would not wish to inconvenience them.  I am sure the seller down the street would appreciate being inconvenienced.

Hi Sally,

Wow, do I hear you. I have a listing, been on the market about a month. It is priced at the high end of the market for the area. The owner called after having it listed for two weeks and said, "I would like you to sell this place soon, I am tired of keeping it clean!" Well then, hire some domestic help. Go figure! 

Great Post!  And it can be oh so true sometimes, that is the unfortunate part about it.

Your message rang loud and clear!   Why kill a transaction before its even started?  

We are dealing with some VA people right now. At first it was challenging as they were under the assumtion that they wouldn't be paying any closing costs. There are some costs associated with the buyers at settlement.

Sally - It's amazing how many deals are blown before they even get written ... if an agent is not up to working with offers why are they in the business ... in an offer situation the biggest assest an agent has is their ability to negotiate.

Sally.

Folks talk too much. 

Sally You are sooo right.  The agents and sellers who act like this will not survive for long or sell the house.  Great post.

Sally this is so well written and the lay out is perfect. Like you I like to add some humor to my posts (especially when I am writing about something that can be irritating! I am going to try and flag this to be featured (my first time) I always look forward to your posts and thanks again!

Sally - I don't know who's in the twilight zone more these days the sellers or their agents.  Your post is a great reminder of the power of a positive attitude. 

Hi Sally - I got a call from a guy who has a million dollar home (in his opinion), he doesn't want a sign, doesn't want it in the MLS, doesn't want any agents (I'm okay) showing his home, doesn't want to have be inconvenienced in anyway for showings, on and on and on.  If I can find someone to buy his home he will take care of me.  What is he thinking!?  He figures he only has about six months before he runs out of money.  Wonder when he will wake up?

It IS a buyer's market right now, in fact I spoke to a client wh said I've beem waiting for a time like this to come around again .

Hi Sally,

I have seen many agents talk themselves right out of a sale by shooting themselves in the foot! :)

It's unbelievable what some sellers and seller's agents will come back with...especially during these times!

Sally, it's really what's between our ears that determines whether we make it or not in this market, isn't it? Naysayers both Sellers and Agents - will lost in this climate.

I can feel the positive energy coming off the page of your blog - you and everyone like minded will be successful in any market. So will positive realistic sellers.

As for the ones who can't be inconvenienced, don't want to ever adjust the price, don't want to do what happens to make the deal work - oh well, they will be left in the dust!

Sis - VA Loans are a very attractive option, always have been.  I'm not sure why folks want to steer away from them so incessantly at times?

Lil Bro: Because they're not edumacated :)

Endre: Actually, I have two VA transactions right now. :)

B & B: No kidding....some are still living in the past.

HI SALLY!!

Oh, you're so right, unless..."the seller is not poor and doesn't have to sell.  He can hold it with no problem!"  I've been told this...recently!  Imagine that!

YVETTE!

Sally,

"You got lucky. My seller accepted a VA loan transaction".  When did we get to the point that "negotiation" is about saying NO until I get what I want?  It doesn't work any more.

Fortunately for your buyer, he or she was represented by a professional!

Mike in Tucson

Sally,

You're the kind of agent a VA buyer just can't say no to!!! :) Thanks,   Fran

Absolutely right Sally. Why try to read your clients minds, let them make their decisions. Guide when you can. Good post.

Sally - Thanks for the post and their are some people that can really make or break a deal. There are some very picky buyers and seller and the real question is! Do you really want to buy a home or do you really want to sell. Stop playing games and make it happen.

Sally wow what a great post. I agree with you with some of these listing agents speaking for the seller before they even present them with an offer or request for repairs. Sellers are completly out of the loop sometimes. I recently had an offer declined by a seller whos house was on the market for almost a year. My client wants a 60 day escrow because she is retired and needs her family to help her so she needs a little extra time to move. They agreed on price and closing assistance but the seller would not budge. They have waited a year what is 60 days more, we went back and forth for about two weeks when my buyer finally found another property that was the same price but about 12 years newer. So they lost their solid offer and will probably lose thousands of more dollars as the property continues to depriciate and sit on the market. Incredible.

Keep that postitive attitude!  I just don't know where agents get off speaking for the client without even getting the client's take on a given issue!  They are violating their fidudicary duty to the seller and they are supposed to "represent" the seller NOT speak for the seller! 

Hi Sally,  I think that sometimes the listing agent thinks they are beginning the negotiations by trying to give you the impression that their seller won't go for the deal.  Then, the theory goes, your buyer will be very excited if they counter, and accept whatever they come back with.  I've heard some agents recommend this.  Smacks of phoniness unless it is genuinely meant.  As for stubborn sellers, I guess we are so immersed in our business and every scrap of news on the market that it is hard to remember that there really are folks out there who never read a paper or watch the news and who take pride in that!  They really ARE clueless.  You are way ahead of most, with your positive attitude through it all!

I agree with you Sally. It seems like the sellers don't realize what kind of market we are in.  I deal with a lot of VA loans, because in Morehead City,NC we are only 20 minutes from a Base.  I have done fine with these loans. Yes, they exspect all repairs to be done and right! In NC the appraier has repairs that have to be done before he will approve the value.  Communication between seller and agent is very important and I never speak for my clients without their imput.

Woohoo, I just make it a practice to not listen to sellers, buyer or other agents when they say things like these. I just put it writing what my customer/client wants and we go from there. Every one is entitled to their opinions but they really have no bearings on the negotiations. At least in my opinion:)

Sally, The punch line had me laughing. I can't tell you how many listing agents still think the seller has the ability to call the shots and close a transaction, (little less a door) in today's market. When VA,FHA  and rural housing loans are the only ones actually moving smoothly in my area the seller better be thrilled their home made the top of the list!   

Sally- Is it too late to put an offer in on the home shown here.... LOL :)  I think you have been over here and seen some of the Sellers in So Cal in order to write this Post.  Next time you're in CA stop by :) :)

Sally, a great post, which reinforces that sellers need to be realistic especially nowadays.

Spot on Sally. We need more VA-friendly lenders and agents here on Kauai. Especially with PMRF as one of the leading military operations on Kauai, there are many personnel who can take advantage of their VA status. Aloha from Kauai

Sally looks like that beautiful house might a little bit of candidate for a 203K Loan :)

You would think that Realtors would be more concerned with getting an offer on a property than the type of loan that the Buyers are going to use.  It the Buyers qualify, and the Seller is making the same amount, then what is the problem?

You got to love some of the people in this business Sally.

Larry: I often wonder if they really believe they're doing the right thing :)

Randy: No kidding. With my current listing...he is willing to do as much as possible to have the unit open for showing. He also keeps telling me he appreciates me. I appreciate him for that too!

Hal: No kidding. Do they realize it's for them? For their home?  Geez.

Carol: Well, not all are like that. I may have been on the other side of the stick in a few of the scenarios...but I'm lucky that the last few sellers I've had have been wonderful. Don't we wish all could be that way?

Kris: No kidding....the one thing I can't figure is my buyers are all wanting a place to live. They just relocated here and have great credit, approved by a local lender for a VA loan and then we have to get the assumers. geez.

Rob/Jeannie: yup...100% financing doesn't mean with closing costs too. There's always the escrow/title fees, prorated property taxes, maintenance fees (if condo) transfer fees etc.  Just like any other loan.

Kathy: Exactly! And why be a KILLER negotiator :) :)

Lenn: There's a difference between talking and talking out their oops.

Paddy: We are here to give the best possible service to our clients...and ALWAYS think in their best interests. Talking before consulting with client is not a good thing.

Russell: Well, thanks kind sir. Anyway, this did get featured...maybe you had the touch :) :)

Donna: I look at it this way...if they are going to kill the deal before it even starts....then by all means.....my buyers will be provided with many homes/units to look at....I'm getting on the phone!

Ann: Sounds like he'll wake up after the six months are gone. :)

Sharon: No kidding. And it will ALWAYS depend on the circumstances. I have clients who want in NOW...not piddle around playing games. Nope....I take care of them...asap.

Suzanne: No kidding. And then what? They start complaining how the home is on the market for so long. duh.

Emily: Go figure. I can't figure it and refuse to even try :)

Sharon: I have always believed that we are chameleons....able to change no matter what's going on in the market...local, state, neighborhood, nationwide. We are professionals all working together to meet a common goal. Closing the transaction while thinking in the best interests of our clients. Success? I do believe it starts from within.....and surely bursts outwards :) :)

Yvette: Gee, wonder how hard they'll work for that one :)

Mike: Darn right! ....Like a good neighbor...sally is here :) :)

Fran: Well, I know one thing...my clients KNOW they're being watched over.

I like this post and the comments......have you thought about my offer for that house yet LOL :)  I have one like it here but it's in the middle of the Salton Sea.....I prefer solid ground :)

Sally, It is a buyers market for sure, I can't understand that sellers who truly want to SELL make it so difficult!  I see homes here put on the market and they haven't even cut the grass---I have to wonder what they're thinking because I'm SURE their realtors have advised cleaning up.  Great post....I hope sellers read it and some may see themselves in it.

SO SO TRUE!! My favorite one of late is when the listing agent called me and asked if my clients were Hispanic...that the seller did not want any offers from "THOSE PEOPLE". Where do 'THESE' agents get their R.E. licenses?? GBU, my friend!!

Sally, I can not understand agents who speak on behalf of their clients. Have had this happen to me many times, but I don't take no for answer unless it is signed by the client.

Fred: No such thing as reading anyones mind....let alone our clients...why don't we just try and ask and listen....sure keeps the drama to a minimum doing so :)

Robert: Ah....the games people play :)

Adrian: I just can't figure that out!  Why bicker over a few extra days???

Joan: That's where I'm coming from!  Where IS that fiduciary duty to the seller if they're speaking without talking to the seller first!

Susan: Well, I guess I burst a few of their bubbles don't I?  Hearty har har!  I just can't believe some of these stories I'm reading here ...wow!

Vickie: Which is as it should be!  I guess in other aspects of life they talk and only hear themselves :)

BB: You're right there...so all I do is say....hey, check your email .. all you can do is present it to your seller. Which is what I do when I'm on the other side as well.

Cat: I love that! Yup! The seller better be grateful that we picked theirs above the other 256 :)

Kathy: No kidding...it has more sq. ft. than mine lol!

Gary: No kidding....we all do actually :)

Hey Ron....okay...what's with all the button thingies?  Yeah...gotta look for em...I bet they're out there!

George: I love you!  Hey....I know what you mean....but I really don't gotta love em :) :)

Kathy: Can you believe some of the examples???  Wow! Actually, that picture is what the sellers are going to be facing with their ONCE beautiful home.....especially if they have an agent that's killing it before it gets started.

Carole: Believe it or not...some don't suggest anything.  I know one thing....it sure does make a difference to spruce it up....just a little :)

Elizabeth: I realllllyyyy hope you contacted someone about that one...nope...that don't fly with me....nope.

Mana: Exactly as it should be. The gall of some people don't ya think? :)

Some people (listing agents) just need to zip it, don't they?

Some sellers need to <blank> or get off the pot! :)

Sally you stick to your guns girl :) :)

I love when listing agents tell me what the seller will or wont do.  I always say, really?  Did you just ask them that?  But I have said in my Southern voice that something is to die for.  That means it is the best.  I always tell buyer agents, just write your offer and I will present to the seller and we will see what they say.  How hard is that? 

Kelly: Okay...I guess you've seen some of this :)

George: Uh...I'll leave that to TLW :)  lol!

Audrey: You have a southern voice?  I didn't imagine that :)  Gotta have it in writing... doesn't mean didly to me without something to show. Serious buyers submit contracts.

Sally, you are welcome, I did click the flag and fill in the form but truly it was very good as are many of your posts. Have a great week!

Sally, Great post.  Very thought provoking.  I'm dealing with a seller who has way too much junk out and I've flat out told her she needs to declutter.  She had her cleaning girl come in and help her, and now she calls to tell me she hopes the house sells fast, cause she's tired of keeping the house clean.  Yikes.

Russell: Thanks :)

Bob: Yikes is right...what's the deal with can't keep it clean after it's been cleaned? Wow.

Sally:  Isn't it amazing how agents get in the way sometimes of their buyers and sellers intent rather than educating them properly as we're actually HIRED to do!?

The most important thing that you said here, "...Positive attitude you attract like-minded people"  That is OH SO TRUE!

We all step on our feet sometimes,  You did a great job on your sell.  Keep it up

Debe: No kidding! I love working with people who have wonderful attitudes. Sure makes everything more worthwhile and rewarding :)

Allen: It's actually two buyers and one seller :) :)

Sally - maintaining a positive attitude is key, and you are right if you are positive, then you will attract positive people.

Hi Sally.  This is so sad that the Realtor is that way.  It is a good indicator that the sellers are like minded with him just as yours are with you.  You are a great asset to your clients and to all of us.  Many blessings!  :-)

Well said. It is the seller's agent who should be educating them on the market. Then again, if the agent can't figure out if they really want to sell how can you expect the education?

Some people say attitude reflects personality, while others insist that attitude IS personality - regardless of which side one takes, yours is awesome, Sally!

BTW - my folks just came back from Kauai for the first time.  They were amazed and amused about the chickens there...and were commenting on the difference between those that chose to enjoy and be amused by them, and those that were annoyed.  Their take on it:  some people just aren't happy unless they're miserable, and miserable they shall be.

An attitude is a chosen thing!

So many sellers (or their agents) can ruin a deal before it even begins with comments like those indicated in your post.  It is indeed a buyers market and there have are many sellers that are not realistic when it comes to selling their home in this market.