Yes, "they" did a report and the score was terrible. They asked the question, "would you use the same real estate agent again?" Only 22% of buyers were happy with their agent. Bad percentage. But I certainly understand it, as an agent myself, I am only happy with about 50% of agents. Why? Agents don't return phone calls!! I understand busy, I can write a book on it, but common courtesy dictates you return a phone call. ESPECIALLY when another agent wants to show one of your listings!!
But back to the report. There are alot of reasons why people are unhappy with the last agent they used to buy a house. It could be, they didn't have their own agent, just thought they did. The listing agent (the one who listed the house) cannot be your buyer agent too. It is illegal in Kansas to represent buyer and seller. So, chances are, the listing agent wasn't representing you, because they couldn't.
Or, you just didn't get the deal you wanted. Maybe paid more for the property than you planned on. I guess this is the agents fault? Not really, market dictates price and if there is competition for the the same property, there might be a bidding war and the highest offer wins. That is not always the case either, sometimes the best terms win. So many variables in real estate. Sellers might not have budged. Sellers want the best deal as well as buyers.
Maybe, the house you purchased, just didn't meet your expectations. Blame the agent? Yes! No! Really, the agent hasn't lived in the house, only knows what the seller told him/her and inspections (your agent better have told you to get) revealed. It was your decision. Unless you feel the agent pushed you, then you have a legitimate gripe.
Maybe, just maybe your agent, if he/she was your agent, just didn't know HOW to represent you. Some agents don't want to be buyers agents and don't know the first thing about it.
Or, maybe there was a lack of communication with you and your agent. Hard to know what the problem was.
Whatever the situation, it is bad news for our industry that that only 22% of buyers are happy with their agent.
That makes us all sad.
Next time, use a REALTOR!
Mary Welch
Broker/Owner
Preferred Choice Realty of Harper, Ks.