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Her husband was a builder so she could walk in a house and easily assess its quality. Should we choose agents based upon whether their significant other is a b

Her husband was a builder so she could walk in a house and easily assess its quality. Should we choose agents based upon whether their significant other is a builder? Why not have an actual trained expert in home construction and maintenance be a part of the buying process, instead of relying upon the remote chance that an agent that will earn a five-figure commission may possibly have some value in that realm? The real-estate industry is absolutely dominated by soft-skills -- the sales and people skills (ABC, etc) that dominate other sales industries (cars, mattresses, drug company reps, etc). It is not a credible argument in favour of agents that they may possibly bring some other incidental skill: Roll the die and find out.

matwood 14y ago
Should we choose agents based upon whether their significant other is a builder? Why not have an actual trained expert in home construction and maintenance be a part of the buying process, instead or relying upon the random, remote chance that an agent that will earn a five-figure commission may possibly have some value in that realm? I looked at upwards of 30+ houses. For each one I would have loved to bring in an entire of team of people, but that's simply not feasible. Having a primary person with lots of experience and knowledge to help me while making the large cuts was invaluable (I looked at short sales in various stages of construction, new homes, old homes). I would also hope that any serious RE agent takes time to learn a lot about the construction process. The fact that my agents husband is a builder was a plus, but not a requirement. What is a requirement is that any agent can see potential big issues without my having to spend additional money for experts. And while you're right that soft skills dominate, my agent absolutely knew her stuff. She was like a walking Trulia anytime I went out with her. Perhaps she just preps well, but who cares if that's all it was. I'm also fine to accept that what I found is rare. I know it is rare and why I recommend her so highly to anyone I know looking to buy a house.
smackfu 14y ago
Do you want that trained expert to be there on every showing? That just doesn't seem possible, unless you are willing to pay for it.
- corresation 14y ago
  While I agree, the argument was relative to the notion that agents are valuable in general because one agent had a rare, second-hand set of knowledge. And FWIW, I do believe that seller home inspections are a good idea. It would be better still if it were a strongly regulated, accredited industry.

matwood 14y ago

Should we choose agents based upon whether their significant other is a builder? Why not have an actual trained expert in home construction and maintenance be a part of the buying process, instead or relying upon the random, remote chance that an agent that will earn a five-figure commission may possibly have some value in that realm? I looked at upwards of 30+ houses. For each one I would have loved to bring in an entire of team of people, but that's simply not feasible. Having a primary person with lots of experience and knowledge to help me while making the large cuts was invaluable (I looked at short sales in various stages of construction, new homes, old homes). I would also hope that any serious RE agent takes time to learn a lot about the construction process. The fact that my agents husband is a builder was a plus, but not a requirement. What is a requirement is that any agent can see potential big issues without my having to spend additional money for experts. And while you're right that soft skills dominate, my agent absolutely knew her stuff. She was like a walking Trulia anytime I went out with her. Perhaps she just preps well, but who cares if that's all it was. I'm also fine to accept that what I found is rare. I know it is rare and why I recommend her so highly to anyone I know looking to buy a house.

smackfu 14y ago

Do you want that trained expert to be there on every showing? That just doesn't seem possible, unless you are willing to pay for it.

corresation 14y ago
While I agree, the argument was relative to the notion that agents are valuable in general because one agent had a rare, second-hand set of knowledge. And FWIW, I do believe that seller home inspections are a good idea. It would be better still if it were a strongly regulated, accredited industry.