Realtor Exclusivity - Are you kidding me?

[Jack Bobeck]

So I had a local agent, a young one that has not seen a downturn in the market, reach out to me and ask me what I was looking for in a house. I have been approved by my mortgage person for up to a certain amount, and I told her. She then said she wanted for me to be "exclusive" with only her. She would be my "buyers agent".

I told her there were 11,000 realtors in the NE FL area and I am loyal to the deals they bring me. I am not loyal to the agent, cause anyone can setup an MLS Search (MOST LAZY AGENTS DO THIS) and think this is the *VALUE* an investor or SFH buyer needs in this market. I was married to a Realtor for 14 years, so I know what to expect and there is way more to adding value than just an MLS search. I explained that since ours was a new relationship, I don't really know what "value" she will bring me, I suggested she bring me some deals first before I look to give her my business.

Don't fall into the trap of "being exclusive" with only 1 agent. Instead tell the agent, I will be "exclusive with you and the DEALS you bring me". After all, what good is a sales person if they cannot bring you a deal? Many of these Realtors NEED to go through a downturn to appreciate having "a bird in the hand, versus two in the bushes". So don't settle on agents asking for exclusivity. Have them bring you deals to warrant giving them more and more of your business.