Working Well with Real Estate Agents on the Other Side of a Transaction
Holy shit….if ever there were something that I wanted to climb on my soapbox about, this would be it!!!! Successful transactions often rely on effective collaboration between the agents representing the buyer and the seller. Establishing a positive working relationship with the real estate agent on the other side of a transaction can lead to smoother negotiations, improved communication, and, ultimately, a more successful outcome for all parties involved. Listen, I get it....this is sometimes really hard to accomplish because not all real estate agents are created equally, but it's important for the deal you are in and potentially countless others down the line. Here are six key points to remember:
1. Communication + Setting the Stage
Set the stage so the other agent knows what to expect. Open, effective, and timely communication is essential in any real estate transaction. By fostering a positive working relationship with the other agent, you can establish clear lines of communication, ensuring that information flows smoothly between both parties. This can help prevent misunderstandings, delays, and potential conflicts, leading to a more efficient and successful transaction. Keep it all in writing. I'm not saying there shouldn't be phone calls or text exchanges, but take those conversations and follow up with an email recap.
2. Collaboration + Cooperation
Connecting with the other agent upfront can make everything easier for all parties. Deals can be messy. People and lives can be messy. When agents work well together, they find mutually beneficial solutions, overcome obstacles, and negotiate effectively on behalf of their clients. A cooperative approach can lead to smoother transactions as both agents strive to achieve the best possible outcome for their respective clients. And for goodness sake, do not take any of the transaction personally. This is not about you!
3. Building Trust + Why it Matters
When agents trust each other, they work better together. They share information with their clients in a more positive light as well. The trust you build with an agent in one transaction can also benefit you for years to come. Good agents want to work with good agents and will communicate with the clients the importance of having a strong agent on the other end of the transaction. Building trust with agents in your market opens a world of opportunity for you and future buyers and sellers.
4. Efficient Problem-Solving
Be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Unexpected challenges or issues that require quick resolution are almost a prerequisite these days. When agents have a positive working relationship, they can approach these problems collaboratively, seeking solutions that satisfy both parties. This can save time, reduce stress, and prevent potential deal-breakers from derailing the transaction. Educate yourself before taking a stance on something. I often see agents creating roadblocks simply because they don't know what they are talking about. For example, if you don't understand a certain repair that a buyer has asked about, talk to your own contractors or the home inspector before jumping in and asserting your opinion on why it is ridiculous.
5. Don't Shoot the Messenger
Regardless of what side of the transaction you are on, we are all messengers, and sometimes that means we have to deliver information or make requests that are likely not going to be received well. We've all been there. Don't get pissed off at the other agent for doing as their client has asked them to do. Go back and read #2 here- keep lines of communication, have a collaborative mindset, and don't take any of it personally.
6. Positive Client Experience
Ultimately, working well with the real estate agent on the other side of a transaction benefits the clients, and that is what our job is all about. When agents collaborate effectively, clients experience a smoother, more transparent, and less stressful transaction. Contributing to a thriving and professional real estate industry should be something each of us thinks about. Playing nice in the sandbox should be given!
