Blog Stories Keeping your WORD in Real Estate

Keeping your WORD in Real Estate

By Tracy Dau, May 8, 2018

Keeping your WORD in Real Estate….

 

Most of us consider ourselves good people. We generally try to do the right thing when given the opportunity.  I was raised by parents who instilled the notion that every time you give your WORD, you’re putting your honor on the line.  . You’re implying that others can place their trust in you because you value integrity.

But I’ve had a recent rash of agents NOT keep their word when co-oping real estate deals.  And it’s got me thinking.  A whole bunch.  About what it means to give your WORD.

It seems to me, that for many people, the area of personal integrity has become more blurred when considering what it means to make a commitment. When you say you are going to do something, or promise something, then do it.  It feels like its becoming increasing easy to break promises (not for all of you, but some).

Case in point-  I have had three recent real estate transactions where the buyer’s agent has written an “AS-IS” clause into their offer.  Their offer is padded with the promise that they will NOT ask for ANY repairs or credits during the transaction.  They know that the house has multiple offers, they are willing to go above asking, they just LOVE the house, and they want their offer chosen.  The added clause is an enticing a “perk” to a seller.  Mind you, these agents are not forgoing their home inspection (you should always do an inspection folks).   When I have grilled these agents about how they prepared their client to write so freely, they answer quickly, “We noted all of the systems that might fail.  Plus my client is extremely handy.  He can build a boat engine. We have talked it over and we feel GREAT about the condition,” they say.

Me — “So, you are really really comfortable writing your offer AS-IS?  Do you understand that the house needs a whole lot of love?  That the roof is shot (we have bids), the sewer might be broken (there are rat holes in the front yard), its needing a bunch of work.”  YES!  they respond.  “YES!  We want it just the way it is.”

What I would like to say to agents and their buyers, if writing AS-IS doesn’t feel 100% right to you, then you should withhold those two words.  I want folks to realize that commitments matter; if you are consistently breaking your word, your relationships with other agents will falter. Tiny fissures develop in relationships by broken promises.  Even when you blame it on your client.  It’s a slippery slope in this industry.  I don’t hold score but unfortunately my memory is keen.

“Breaking commitments? Speaking half truths? That’s just how it goes. Wait… I am a good person. No, really, I am.”

 

Tracy Dau
Old House Enthusiast
971-275-0387

Tracy Dau

Broker | Earth Advantage | OR

She/Her

When you meet Tracy Dau, it doesn’t take long to realize where her true passions lie.  She loves houses and loves matching her clients with the place that’s perfect for them.  Ask her clients and they’ll tell you she’s a whirlwind of energy, a juggler of projects, a creative force, a good listener and a tireless advocate.  She comes to the job with a vision for what’s possible and the background to make that happen. Maybe it’s because she grew up in the breathtaking town of Juneau Alaska, where it rains 250 days a year.  It’s the kind of place where you either give into gloomy weather or dig deep and find the will to preserve. Maybe it’s because her folks instilled in her the drive to succeed. For the past sixteen years she has gutted and restored many houses, using any opportunity to work with her hands. Blending her formal training as a fine artist and designer with her experience as a builder, these old-house remodels have become her creative canvas. Her time as a product developer and architectural consultant at Rejuvenation House Parts introduced her to a community of like-minded folks who encouraged her to become a REALTOR®. She is drawn to vintage homes. The artist in her is drawn to their detail, the builder in her to their craftsmanship. Their charm and imperfections make them all the more fascinating and soulful. That’s what drew her to her first home. Stripped of all her painted-lady features, she sat sadly on a corner lot in SE Portland waiting to be loved and cared for. She had a yard full of shopping carts, a tree that had grown through her facade, motor-oil soaked mattresses and a basement full of the neighbor’s missing car parts, and yet, in spite of this her husband Nate and Tracy bought and fixed her up. This renovation lead to the next house-love-affair, followed by another and another. It only made sense to apply this knowledge and the valuable lessons learned along the way to help others looking to buy or improve their own homes. Which brings me to why she became a REALTOR®. Tracy chose this job because she is passionate about houses and loves the chance to develop relationships with her clients. When you choose to work with Tracy, she will advocate for your best interests, guide you through the home buying process and protect you from the stressful moments as they inevitably arise. She will advise you every step of the way to enable you to make good decisions, stay centered and reach your goals. Even after your  transaction has come to an end, Tracy is still available to answer your questions and help with your home projects. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. Her hobbies include teaching her children, Lander and Olivia, about nature, hunting for sea creatures, spotting birds, drinking bourbon in the winter and gin in the summer, eating chocolate and traveling to warm destinations.
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  • T: 971-275-0387
  • tdau@livingroomre.com

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