Stupid is as stupid does

Recounting a tale from the trenches in the Charlottesville Realtor/real estate world …

Another Realtor was showing buyers a development in Charlottesville and an agent was onsite holding an open house. As the buyers looked around, the Buyer’s Agent (BA) and the sellers’ agent (SA) got to talking.

BA: This road in front of the development:  It goes into a neighborhood, correct?
SA: Yes, but you don’t want to take them that way.  It looks much better the way you came in.
BA: I understand, but I want them to see what’s around this property, going both ways.
SA: If you go back the way you came, you can show them how close the grocery store is.
BA: Thanks, but I can do both.
SA: You should really go out this way – it’s much better.

When the Buyers and the Buyers’ Agent got in the car – the wife asked, “Which way are we leaving?” To which the Buyer’s Agent replied – “this way – I want to make sure that you see what’s around the house.  Then, I’ll show you how close this is to grocery store, restaurant, etc.”  Turns out, the wife had heard the Realtors’ conversation.

1 – Your Buyer Agent is supposed to look out for your best interests.
2 – Had this been a Dual Agency situation, do you think the buyers would have been more or less likely to see the “other” areas?
3 – Realtors don’t have an obligation to assess an area’s safety level, but they do have an obligation to be the “source of the source” – provide references by which the clients can determine for themselves.
4 – Recognize two things – not all Realtors are focused solely on “making the sale”; but some are.