Blanche, I am a mortgage broker in Scottsdale, AZ and enjoy reading your articles on a regular basis. I have Realtytimes set up on my browser, listing new articles. Thank you and your colleagues for bringing additional visibility and clarity to many realty issues that the consumer needs to know. Being a consumer and owner of real estate in several states, I cringed reading about Terry's horrible ordeal with that 'agent'. Sad thing is, I have seen this movie many times. You bring out 2 key problems I see a lot of; (1) agents pushing in-house listings and, (2), pushing for the close, even if it is not in the client's best interest. The problem we see here, and possibly elsewhere, is the lack of professionalism, training and the need to chase a paycheck over building a client base. History/experience is the best teacher. Terry has already endured the worst, now she can take her experience to find the best (relatively speaking). My suggestion, now that Terry knows the ropes a lot better, would be to interview agents. Terry is asking someone to assist her in making in all probabilities, the largest financial decision of her life. Quiz these 'buyer's agents' (pure marketing hype) on their track record, ask for past clients (at least 3-5) and find get their experiences with the agent. Check the local dept. of RE (the associations tend to be very self-serving, doing their best to hide the mistakes). Terry did a lot of the legwork in canvassing for properties. Some of this energy needs to be refocused on finding a good, honest, professional agent (they're out there) to bring this chapter to a happy ending. For my customers (90+% are referred by past customers), I have had the opportunity to cut this nightmare off before it happens. Part of my job, also, is to what is in their best interest, even if it is getting them an agent that will represent them (as has happened many more times than I have rec'd a referral from the realty community). Do what is right and the business will follow. "I don't subscribe to the thesis, 'Let the buyer beware.' I prefer the disregarded one that goes, 'Let the seller be honest.' " Isaac Asimov Best regards, Bruce Specter _______________ My Philosophy: My business has grown primarily by referral. This allows me to spend almost all of my time serving you. As a valued customer, you benefit from this dedication. As your mortgage resultant, I ask that you refer me to family, friends and colleagues. My success is based on your satisfaction. Thank you for the opportunity of serving you. _______________ My Philosophy: My business has grown primarily by referral. This allows me to spend almost all of my time serving you. As a valued customer, you benefit from this dedication. As your mortgage resultant, I ask that you refer me to family, friends and colleagues. My success is based on your satisfaction. Thank you for the opportunity of serving you. - Bruce T Specter.vcf

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