As a byproduct of following the real estate market since 2008, I know a lot of realtors. Some I know through friends and other social outlets. Some i met at open houses and they latch on to me. Often, I get an email from one like this one:
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Icarus:
I saw your note in Crib Chatter that you’re thinking of finding something in the near-northwest suburbs. Like one of these?
Let me know if you have any questions, comments or updates to your requirements.
Sincerely,
ChiTownGal
She sent me a link to her ConnectMLS report which had about 40 listings of various types of houses. All realtors these days have this package, some software developer made off well packaging and selling this to brokerage firms once the industry finally conceded that typical buyer/sellers are using the internet more than agents to buy houses.
For the purposes of full disclosure, ChiTownGal is the realtor who found me my current abode. Unlike many realtors who disppear once the commision check clears, ChiTownGal has stayed in touch over the years.
Okay, you asked. So in letter form, I sent the following back.
Comments:
1) I get these Powered by ConnectMLS reports from every realtor I’ve ever met since the dawn of time. [At any given time I’m also “stalked” by any realtor I’ve met at an open house, party or even on the running path, but that’s another discussion.] I’m also signed up on ZipRealty, Redfin and use a few other sites to do my searching. Since the MLS became available to ordinary buyers it is rare that a realtor trumps me on a home that is out there.
2) Some of my criteria just isn’t codeable and no agent is going to weed through listing descriptions to find me the perfect house — that’s my job.
3) No Agent is gonna review my notes on 40 plus properties. I’ve made comments like “wow, love this house let’s go see it” and “I’ll buy it today” and yet no response.
4) take MLS #07912198 this is a fugly looking house. There is no way i would buy it. I wouldn’t even live there for free or if you paid me (only a slight exaggeration). But if I check not interested, it will still come up in the next email when they delist and relist or drop the price $1. There needs to be a Never Show Me This House Again option.
Perhaps this Post-Boom Market is a good time for all the realtors to come together and fix some of the things broken in the system.
regards,
Icarus
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