Let me paint you a picture. You’re a buyer, and you show up at a property thinking, “Let’s get in, see the house, and maybe this will be the one.” But no—things don’t go that smoothly. The buyer’s agent you agreed to meet is fumbling around for 10, 15, sometimes even 30 minutes, trying to explain (something they barely seem to understand themselves) and desperately trying to get you to sign the agreement. And it’s not like you’ve known this person for years—nope, this is the first time you’re meeting them. Cue the awkward silence, the forced small talk, papers being shuffled, phones pulled out, and—of course—the pens are mysteriously missing.
Now, don’t get me wrong: when properly explained and under the right circumstances, an exclusive right to represent can be the best move for all parties involved. It ensures that everyone is on the same page, committed, and working toward the same goal—getting the deal done. But let’s be real: buying a home is a big deal, and like any agreement, it needs to be mutually beneficial for both the buyer and the agent. It’s not something you want to spring on someone in the driveway.
The reality is, the dynamics of this business haven’t really changed all that much post-settlement. The rules are a bit tighter, but the basics of doing business remain the same. What’s really happening is that part-timers and the less prepared agents just don’t seem to understand what they themselves have signed up for. If you’re in this industry, you need to know your stuff, and that includes knowing how to present and explain your agreements in a way that benefits everyone—especially your client.
Agents, let’s get real: take care of your paperwork before your appointments! Scheduling time to meet clients ahead of showings, explaining the agreement, and securing that all-important signature is not optional anymore—it’s essential. If you’re waiting until the front lawn of a house to start flipping through your buyer’s agreement like it’s the menu at a restaurant, you’re creating problems for everyone involved.
And buyers, here’s some advice for you, too: Know who you’re meeting. Do your research and ask around before going to meet some fly-by-night agent who’s paying Zillow $1,000 a month just to have your call forwarded to them. You want someone who’s prepared, who understands the market, and who’s going to look out for your best interests, not just chase the next lead.
The post-NAR settlement world is less forgiving, and honestly? It’s probably for the best. We’ve all seen agents who’ve skated by with a lack of preparation, and this might just be the shakeup the industry needs. Sellers and listing agents don’t want to wait while you try to get your life together on their time. So, if you’re one of the agents out there who’s struggling to get that buyer’s signature at showings, it might be time to reevaluate how you’re doing business—or risk becoming part of the herd that’s inevitably going to thin out.
At Jones Hollow Realty Group, we understand the importance of professionalism, preparation, and putting our clients first. Whether you’re buying or selling, our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the process. With Jones Hollow, you’ll get a dedicated partner who knows the market, values your time, and ensures that every agreement is mutually beneficial.
Trust us to get it done right the first time—because in this market, preparation is everything.
