Nonresponsive Real Estate Agents - Just Busy Market?

Question

I've been looking for some multi family properties for about three weeks. Trying to find an agent that responds well has been a huge undertaking. People don't respond to phone calls. Or will call you a week later. I'm sure the market is pretty hot right now. I'm just trying to see if I'm the only one in this boat. Agents are asking for me to send them zillow deals. Telling me they'll set up alerts and take days to do it. I ask for a call but they won't call till a day later.

What gives? Even using recommended agents from BP.

Lucia Rushton · Answer

@Michael Lee somethings slip through the cracks but if you are constantly chasing them up, they are not the Realtors for you.

Not all treat their trade as a business, it’s a hobby and they have gotten so busy the last two years they just don’t know what to do with themselves. Bad habits have gotten worse. Entitlement has gotten worse.

People are not taught business etiquette ( in most businesses these days ) but realtors are self-employed and there are such a range of brokers that there is no standards or consistency. The cream does rise to the top. Search out the successful realtors in your area.

I work with other realtors everyday and sometimes it is incredibly frustrating how unprofessional they are.

Best wishes !!

Joel Wilson · Answer

Hey Michael, Sure slow responses can happen in this market, but no response isn't acceptable. Communication is completely free, but many don't use it as generously as they could.

That being said, to sympathize with agents at the moment, buyers are not hard to find, and sellers (or deals) are a rarity in this market. Anything listed (here in OKC at least) will have plenty of cash buyers looking, and on larger deals or multifamily even institutional money is ready to offer.

It's a hard time to meet agents as a buyer. You may be very serious, pre-approved, or even ready to offer in cash, but agents don't get paid for writing offers, just ones that they contract and close. This doesn't make it excusable, but understandable in some peoples perspective.

Once again I am a real estate broker and a property manager so I am not making excuses for poorly run businesses or agents not willing to take time to communicate. If you have a specific market you're looking in I would be happy to see if I have any connections that could be of service. Sorry this has been your experience lately!

Chris Pereira · Answer

@Michael Lee - Hi Michael, Sorry to hear you are having trouble finding agents that can give you the attention you deserve. If you are looking for property in LA and surrounding - please message me directly. I am happy to help you on your search and you can trust that I won't leave you hanging or waiting.

Kushaal Malde · Answer

Hey @Michael Lee sorry to hear you have had much trouble connecting with an agent. Are you looking for a primary or a rental? You mentioned you are already preapproved, does your lender have any realtor partners they can refer? Have you asked any friends or family for their real estate agents referrals?

Referrals sound like a great way to shortcut your frustration!

Doug Spence · Answer

@Michael Lee When you find one that is responsive, do not waste their time. Be clear on your criteria and the amount you will pay, and when they find you something that fits your criteria, make an offer and get it under contract.

Are you already preapproved by a lender?

Quincy Lockett · Answer

@Michael Lee

If you’re a serious buyer and pre-approved with proof and down payment, I would only contact the agent representing the property I want to make an offer on. That agent would be more responsive because they would get double commission.   If you’re just looking for an agent to find properties and arrange viewings for an investor, good luck.  Agents know that most “investors” are a waste of time.

Michael Lee · Answer

I’m in the LA market. Oh I’ve already said I’m an immediate buyer already pre approved ready to go.

David Malik · Answer

One of my vetting tests is how long it takes a biz to return a call. Frankly, this is an important test. I have a motto, "If I don't return your call in 24 hours, I am dead. If I don't return it in 48 hours they have already had the funeral. We try to return our calls within 2-4 hours." Even though I try to return a call in that four hour window, I am fine with someone calling me the next day.

They could call you to tell you when they could actually speak to you EVEN if it is after normal business hours or even tell you that they just can't help you at this time because they are swamped, if they are interested. If they are that successful, they could hire a personal assistant to assist in returning calls.

Sometimes organizing, takes organizing overtime.

Joshua Janus · Answer

@Michael Lee What market(s) are you looking at? Some places are very crazy right now and if you don't present yourself as an immediate buyer, agents will walk away as there are so many people ready to buy at any minute.

Michael Lee · Answer

Thanks yeah I’m just frustrated. This kind of a venting post for me. It’s like I got a busy day I would like some hand picked properties you know? Don’t just ask me to send you deals so you don’t have to do your job. But I see your point thanks.

Nonresponsive Real Estate Agents - Just Busy Market?

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