Baseball And Real Estate

My two favorite past times

It always makes me alert when an agent calls regarding a listing and asks, “How long have you been in the business?” I’ve been to the show before. My first thought: Long enough to know why you’re asking. Long enough to whip you into a frenzy and kick your crappy offer to the curb. Don’t worry, you aren’t going to get away with anything. Instead I politely say, “Eight years. How can I help you?”

“My clients are interested in your listing on Carson. Are you taking offers as they come?” Certainly not, you who are making an assessment of my abilities with every question. “Actually, no. The response has been significant. We have a date set.”

“Oh. Well, I see you’ve requested ABC Title Company. Is there a particular reason?” “Yes. They…” “Oh. Well, that can be changed.” I can see where this is going and how it’s going to end up.

On The Field

“You requested the contract be written on a CAR form. Why is that?” “Because it’s more favorable toward the sellers.” “Well, you’ll accept an offer on a PRDS, right?” Review it. Accept it? Probably not. “I prefer the CAR contract.” The players are on the field.

It’s Outta Here

A listing agent calls to tell me that her sellers have ratified on a property. Not only have they ratified but they have to remove their contingencies before my clients, the buyers, have to remove theirs. WTF? What are you thinking telling me this? “Can your clients remove their contingencies early?” Oh, yeah, sure. NOT. “Well, you know that it’s our job to make sure this gets closed.” You must be kidding. It may be your job now that you’ve compromised the sellers’ position, but it ain’t mine. I just hit it out of the park.

Gotta love it

Baseball has been very very good to me.