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they must not be realtors then because those are ethics violations (all of them!). I would turn those people into the commission if they are harrassing clients. That makes us all look bad

Sounds like a normal day in a tough RE Market to me :)

TLW...ROAR!

There are always bad apples.  I don't chase expireds or withdrawns.  I don't deal with rejection well.  I do my best to keep my business foundation in referrals.   I too hate to be "hounded" by store clerks, or telemarketers.   I hate it when our "profession" uses telemarketing tactics.  We are real estate professionals.  I don't like to think of myself as a "salesman".

There are definitely some real estate agents who make the professionals look bad by their unethical and unprofessional behavior.  It is very frustrating but I would never stoop to that level.  I will let my reputation speak for itself and work on gaining a bigger referral base instead of wasting my time annoying potential clients.

Diane: Apparently, they make excuses...they don't look at the listing for explanations on the withdrawn, they don't care if the seller is upset for calling their cell....because they gave it to someone out there for them to get it. Vultures, slimey and on and on.

TLW: Okay, so slimey is normal in RE? Not for me :)

Christine: Some may find it 'cool' to get a bunch of listings in that manner. I too work of referrals and the other part direct contact from relocations. I agree...I am a professional. Thanks for your input :)

Sally—I agree with you 100%. After I listed our house for sale you wouldn't believe the vultures and sharks that emailed, snail-mailed letters and even appeard on my door step! It was digusting and there was zero respect. I understand people have to make a living in an incressingly difficult market place, but being pushy and disrespectful is uncalled for even in tough times. I get the same feeling when I'm in a department store and an unaware salesperson spritzes me with cologne. When they do that without my permission I want to yell at them—not pretty! Sometimes I take the time to "educate" such folks that are in the biz, but most of the time it falls on deaf ears. If they are truly awful I report the violation and hope someone shows them the light.

Yes, there are people that harass, but I think they just make themselves look bad!

Linda: I tell you what...it's not easy out there but there's no excuse for disrespecting people. If someone sprayed stuff on me I most likely would have some words as well. How do they know that people will not have a reaction? Thanks for your input!

Aloha Sally,

Well as you know, it takes all kinds! 

 But I can tell you (as an individual) I don't like the term agressive, nope not for one minute. Assertive, yes...agressive, no it's not for me. That just smacks of being too darn pushy imho.

Jenn: Annoying is a good word. How can one not figure that one out when they use those bad tactics.

Jubal: Well, it makes us all look bad when they harass people.

Hey Lynda: Yes, it does. I agree...I was debating whether to say assertive...or agressive. One thing is for certain...stepping over the line and pushing over someones personal boundaries is not right. If anyone gets that close to me...I step back. :)

Sally, you're right. So is Sandy. I look forward to the day when realtors behave so well that the general public has a good opinion of us.

Maria: It would be nice...it's one thing to be all we can be...another to step on toes and be slimey about it. ewwww!

Sally - I couldn't agree more- i treat people the way I like to be treated; and pushy doesn't get me in the mood to do business .

I hate pushy, obnoxious "salespeople" so this would certainly be no way to earn my business!

Jennifer: Me either. I suppose everyone has their way to do business...i'm glad I'm getting everyones opinion. :)

Kelly: Me either. Nor would it earn my business with a client or make a friend like that either. :)

Hi Sally~ If someone tries to push me too much or back me into a corner, I just refuse to buy from them or work with them, period. I simply treat people the way I want to be treated. It's real simple!   

Vickie: Exactly! I have walked out of stores when people follow me around. It's so uncomfortable.

Even  I get those calls until they find out I'm a Realtor(R)...they know I'll just be wasting their dime.

Woo-Hoo: I do NOT like anyone being pushy or aggressive with me, be it in the grocery store or on the phone. HATE IT. AND, I've never been that way with a client or a hope-to-be client. Just not my style.  I will NEVER need or want business that badly.  ALos, those types make US all look like creeps.

Sally, first I have to say thank you for the wonderful picture of the Illikai, I lived in the apartments on the mountain side and spent more than my share of time at the top of the I when it was Annabelle's, dancing the night away. 

I don't know anyone that likes to be pushed, whether it is real estate or other.  Thanks for the reminder, with all the type A personalities in real estate we need to be bridled once in a while.

Well, you certainly have to go after the business and by all means ask for it.  There is line though and most of the items you indicated to me mean that the line has been crossed!

Neal: Well, you're an address and phone number...you'd think people would try and check instead of a mass mailing thing.

Kat: Not mine either. I'm glad. :)

Kathy: You're welcome. I went to dinner at the I with my dad in the 70's. He felt bad for me....I was supposed to run a big track meet and had a full length cast from dislocated knee. What a dad :)

I think we all need to reevaluate our business model for 2009 anyway. Who likes looking desperate?

Cristal: I go after business...but somehow manage to have them coming to me after putting forth loads of effort and hard work :)

Sally, Those are the folks that give us a bad name.  Just think, I was hoping this market could at least get rid of those types of folks.  I can't imagine who would want to work with them?  Such a turn off!

Hi Sally,  I think your premise says it all: " We do have to be agressive  assertive or we may lose out."    Remember, there are a lot of well known sales programs teaching ezactly what you are posting about !

Sally it all is about professionalism and respect for each other. Some people are just lacking in those areas.

Such a fine line between assertive and aggressive, persistent and pesky... Is it wrong entirely to knock on the door of a home you know the sellers did not get sold when you <em>know</em> you have the knowledge and willingness to get it sold? Generally I think we all agree that to succeed in a slow market, we have to do some things that are uncomfortable (like door knocking). Once that contact is made, I think the sensible (professional) behavior should guide us to reading the receptiveness of the listener.  If they don't want to know, smile and say 'sorry to trouble you' and move on.  I'm out there to help, not badger.

Sally, I just offer to take them fishing... usually works!  :-)

No, seriously..I HATE pushy and rude. I've seen pushy, rude agents burn all their bridges and have to move to another town. You think they'd learn!

Sally, it is so frustrating and unprofessional when an agent tries to cut down the other agent.  It kind of teeter-tooters on being an ethics violation.

Audrey: I wondered how come they're still around. :) Ew?

Bill: Well, I sure wouldn't be in that group :)

Gary: Lacking is the word :)

Lynn: I think you have the 'assertive' going on....and bowing out gracefully. I have done much in a slower market. That just wasn't one of them but if it works for you...by all means..I think you handle yourself well....and aren't the badgering type :)

There are some people out there who actually respect the pushy, in your face, relentless pursuit tactics so prevalent in the market right now. Many of the people out there, potential clients living in the real world, hold jobs or own companies where they themselves have to act in an inexonerable, persistent, even rude manner to do their job competently. Maybe they sell automobiles, cell phones, furniture, or mortgage backed securities. Hassling, harrassing, and just plain bugging the life out of people is the soup in which they swim everyday and they want to work with someone who carries themselves by that same code of conduct.

And boy am I glad there are vultures out there looking to do business with clients like that, because I don't want to!

Thank a vulture today.

Linda: I'm in the boat with ya!  Some may have to move to another island after all the bridge burning here :)

Leolinda: It IS an ethics and real life moral and values thing .....how they act in business reflects the person they are in ....real life too :)

Stanley: Great insight you have there! You are so right.....birds of a feather my friend :)

Woo Hoo, Well said. There is a line used in prospecting that a REALTOR should not cross. I have heard little of the 'Do not call'  list but I hope everyone is still aware that it is alive and well.

Being aggressive ( better thought of as timely ) while certainly not wrong but it has some inherent traps that must be avoided.

Having a proven business and marketing plan is the way for a seller to be able to differentiate between those that would seek to represent them. And it would pay dividends if the seller knew it in advance of signing the original listing agreement .

The practices you cite as Diane mentioned, are all Ethics violations.

Sally...

The simple truth is, the aggressive agents get the business. It flies in the face of common sense, decency, and all things good and proper!

Cut throat, back stabbing, greasy, slimebag, scumsucking, wormy, parasitic, pathetic, amoral gluttonous swine! Whew. That was fun!

I actually feel better now! I recently had this happen to me. You hit the nail right on the head...don't get me started again!

I totally agree..thanks Sally.

Deb

Oh my gosh - how perfectly said! We cannot possibly expect sellers (or buyers for that matter) to view us as professional if we do those things that set us in an unprofessional light!

Kathy

Featured @ Club Chaos

Sally, I can relate. I'm usually very easy going and kind. I had an agent emailing me with all her buyer's questions that she needed research about our county. Mileage to a certain store, school highway, etc. Finally, I told her she needed to come over here and do the work herself or join our MLS board. Very nervy agent! I've got enough work to do.

I have a hard enough time just picking up the phone to call an expired listing, the opposite end of the spectrum.

I think that calling on expired or withdrawn listings is challenging BECAUSE of those overly agressive agents.  Sellers just automatically think you are going to harrass them.  GREAT post.

You really want my opinion? I can be one of those obstinate people. Especially if I'm in pain. I know the other person doesn't know that I'm being short with them or maybe even rude, because I'm distracted by pain. But to tell them just sounds like an excuse. Now to make it worse, the pain causes anxiety. And when I'm anxious and in pain? Forget it! Do not make the mistake of knocking on my door or calling me. Now to be honest, I won't open the door if I'm not expecting someone. And if I know I won't be able to be pleasant and focused, I won't answer the phone either. That's why we have voice mail. Which brings me to one of my pet-peeves, which seems to be the opposite of yours. I hate it when people repeatedly call me. Like I said, that's why I have voice mail. I get VERY annoyed when people just keep calling instead of leaving a message.

All that being said, I'm trying to say (as you already know) that there are extenuating circumstances that people don't always want to discuss. So out first impressions can be very wrong. I'm guilty of judging people, based on my first impression of them. But it's wrong. It's selfish of me to think I know someone's personality, based on what I see of them, in a single moment in time.

OK. That's all. Sorry if sound rude. Yes, my back is actually hurting pretty bad right now. But that's probably what's giving me a different perspective at the moment. You know I still love you! ;) And this is a good post. =D

Sally,

Not to mention some plain old fashioned common sense ethics!!! Thanks,   Fran

Well I see that allot and the real estate agents that act like this or practice this way are getting a BAD reputation. Yes they may pick up the crumbs but they never will make a career with their actions.

I see them lie ( make false promises), I have heard of them putting down others in the market.

The honest fact is they are amateurs in a professional field. They will not be able to keep up with the honest people in the business or people that respect their clients. I have no pity for these people nor do I have any respect.

Since they have made it a point to be rude , I show them what they deserve, NOTHING!

I hope these will be slight bumps and that they fall back into a proper field telemarketing or something were they don't have to create such a problem.

Best to you and yours.

Sally, Great post.  I certainly wouldn't want to be hounded...people like that make me RUN in the other direction.  I wonder if people realize what they are doing?  And sure hope these poor people don't feel "stalked."

William: I was sure of it! You just validated that there is a line ...a very distinct line I might add. :) I sent my client the link for the Do Not Call list and I totally agree that they are ethics violations indeed.

Richard: No they don't ...they get the agressive client LOL! And they are welcome to those :)

Deb: Goodness....I kind of figured something happened lately :) Glad it's off your chest now. :)

Kathy: No kidding...and the one that wins out using these tactics surely know that...what goes around comes around :)

CTS:  WooHoo!

Lizette: No kidding. Makes one wonder huh?

Kerry:  I just knew there were ones like me. I find it hard to pick up a phone for that purpose as well. Now, if they contact me through my contact form etc I have no problem. Sending our postcards no problem. I'd rather work on something that won't intimidate the seller...or for that matter a buyer too. :)

Lisa: Wow...sorry you're not feeling well.

You said:

Which brings me to one of my pet-peeves, which seems to be the opposite of yours. I hate it when people repeatedly call me.

I'm wondering where you got the idea I like when people repeatedly call me or me call them.

The first impression part was for the rest of the story...how we portray ourselves on our first meeting with a client or any person for that matter....if we are behaving badly the seller, the lady in the checkout line or whomever.....may not want to even hear why we're nagging or whatever.

In any case...I hope you are feeling better tomorrow and maybe read this over again. Maybe tomorrow will be a brighter day for you :)

Fran: Common sense for me or you may not be the same for another. IN any case...I will continue to sleep well at night.

Timothy: Sounds like a few of us have crossed paths with many of these types. I agree that badgering for business is NOT a great tactic. Then again, that's me. The rewards at the end of the transaction are more about how I did a job well done....and a satisfied, happy and content client. The others are clearly out for a paycheck? Who knows ...

Carole: I certainly don't want to be hounded as well. And most likely don't understand the significance of good service vs. "I just wanna a paycheck" :) :)

hi Sally,

I absolutely agree with you. Have you heard of Jennifer Allen and "Sell with Soul"?  I ran across her on Active Rain and she is right up our alley. I encourage you to check her out by searching on AR or googling her. It was so refreshing to find someone who has the same philosophy as me.

Hi Sally:

I agree with you.  We all need to have a mutual respect for each other.

HA!  Listening to me with buyer hardly justifies the function label "sales".

I've shown 9 homes in the past week and listed the defects of all.  Seems that in today's market, my buyers are buying homes with the fewer defects.

Works for me.

Morning Sally,

I need and like my space and treat others the way I want to be treated. I make contact and present my case in the time allotted by the contact. I don't get everyone, but I do get my share. I feel good about those I gain and don't fret over the others.

I do not like pushy people either, sales persons or otherwise...and I am probably more direct in my response to these rude time wasters!

Sally - Unfortunately even in our profession there are all types - I try to avoid the rotten apples!

Hi Sally, Great post - as you pointed out, there is a difference between being aggressive and assertive. I think we must be cautious of aggressive salespeople, however, some people become intimidated and become these types of people's "prey".  It's sad.

Oh no way! If I tell someone that I'm good...I'm seriously good. My response to pushy salespeople is to move on. I have never had to be pushy to make a living, and I've never responded to any pushy salesperson. GREAT STUFF!! ~GBU~

I think most are turned off by overly aggressive behavior. There needs to be a fine balance with being a tiger but also being tame enough not to scare away the potential client.

Gotta go to the PO....I procrastinated.....now I'm going to face long line!!

Will be back to answer...thanks!

You have to think 'what is the agents strategy'?  Yelling at the seller is bonding with them?  Don't know what to say other than 'that's our business'.  A sad commentary.  I think when it says relisted in the MLS (like we are allowed to do) the agent CHOOSES not to pay attention to it saying:  The agent could be lying!  NO, it's relisted idiot and no one takes them to task at the board office.  It's usually the bottom rung that always does this stuff I've noticed. Aggressive vs. confident?  Confident vs. obnoxious?  Who do you want to be to the seller?

Sue: Sure have...been here awhile :)

Toula: The only way to fly!

Lenn: Okay......

Hal: I'm with you on that...

Russell: Seller/Buyer beware!

Barbara: I avoid unhealthy people anyway....does nothing good for the soul :)

Sandy: Don't like intimidators either. If someone starts badgering me I look at them weird and walk off lol!

Thanks Elizabeth...for your input. Pushy is not an 'in' thing :)

Bill: Purrrrr lol!

Lyn: At this point I think....ewwww. No bonding....jsut badgering. Some may think that constant nagging will get them somewhere. Some talk smack but in the long run are only proving ....nothing. Showing true colors at that point.

Use people's cell phone numbers sparingly! Don't call a prospect without his/her permission on their home number or cell.

Hi Sally. Checking back... on a day that's worse than yesterday ;) Wrapping Christmas presents put my back in incredible pain. And I actually did not return the phone call of one of my sellers today. BUT, he's a long-term client who won't be upset that I didn't return his call today. He's busier than I am, most of the time. And I apologize for misunderstanding the repeat phone call part.

BTW, a few years ago I had the extreme displeasure of working with the pushiest agent I've ever met. She herself, wanted to buy one of my listings. She kept calling me over and over again, trying to put the words in my mouth that she wanted me to say to the seller. I told her I would not be pushy. And get this... she wanted to know why not!?! Unbelievable. I told her I had the house listed for a year (which shocked her) and that I intended to maintain a good relationship with the sellers. I told her I would be more than happy to be assertive, but I would not be pushy.

Throughout that entire transaction, I was constantly trying to set boundaries with her, and she refused to comply. So I eventually stopped returning some of her calls. When I would finally call her back, she would demand to know why I hadn't called her back sooner. And I would tell her that I had received her message, and had no new information... bear in mind, she just wanted me to be pushy, which I refused to do. She was a piece of work. And she lied all the time!

Just thought I'd share. I had forgotten about her. I'm sure it was selective memory. lol

Sally, I wanted to add something about the phone calls. I got your e-mai and you sounded upset. I'm really sorry for that! I think I got my posts mixed up. I thought I read something about having to repeatedly call an agent because you (or whoever it was) couldn't reach them. My comment was an attempt to explain a possible reason for not being able to reach that agent, and that's why I like voice mail.

Do any of my coments make any sense yet? Maybe I should just move on to another post.

Sally,  Not only is behavior like that unprofessional, we have to be careful out there. You never know when you will come across a seller who is having a really bad day and how he might react. Could turn to violence.

I don't believe that there is any appropriate time to cut down another agent. If you don't respect the agent atleast show respect for the profession

We must all remember we reap what we sow. So many times we do not live by the Golden Rule and it will come back around! We take an oath to be Professional and yet many times that too falls to the way side.

Celeste - I'm with Pamela 100%.  You're definitely gouing to "inflow" what you "outflow."  If you're ugly, pushy and rude - you're going to get it back down the road.  On the other hand, we can't be Elmer Milk Toasts and not ask for business.  It's all in how you do it.  Laraine

Lisa: Not upset...wondering where your first comment came from. Didn't sound like the last couple....anyway, just wanted to know where you were coming from ...thanks for explaining :) but all that wasn't necessary ....

Barb: Could be true there....no matter what...we have to be aware of all around us and behave professionally

Remo: Right on!

Pamela: Well, the majority hold true to their profession....and keep it that way....

Laraine: Throw out junk....get it back...it's the way of the universe. What goes around comes around. There just is a proper and professional way of doing it. Ethically...

I was never one for cold calling. It's better to work on building relationships - then tactfully contacting them at the right time.  Nobody likes a  pain in the ars!!

Colleen: Me either. I have done the same...doing it that way requires less stress ...:)

I am not a cold calling type of person.  Good blog.

Some aggressive pursuits may be considered stalkers by a judge and jury!  :)