“No Strings Attached” Real Estate
Strings? What strings?
While reading a recent comment by a fellow Realtor® on another site, I noticed their use of the phrase “no strings attached.” Immediately, my mind shifted into consumer mode and thought, “well if they’re selling real estate with no strings attached, what are the other Realtors® doing?”
Maybe I was just being sensitive, but the phrase bothered me. The implication that others might have some strings attached to their way of buying and selling real estate brought me back to the age old “used car salesman” theory and the way we conduct the business of real estate and more particularly, how I conduct my business of real estate in San Antonio.
In order to find out, I hit Urban Dictionary to see how the nuances of the definition might affect my post.
Urban Dictionary – “No Strings Attached”
I found three listings with valid definitions and a strange sort of bio for a band called “No Strings Attached.”
1. Doing something for someone without asking for anything in return.
2. Used to describe an agreement or commitment that uses no hidden clauses or catches.
3. Free of conditions, restrictions, costs, or any other obstacles.
Dispelling the myths of “no strings attached” real estate.
1. Doing something for someone without asking for anything in return.
If you contact me and ask me to sit with you to discuss real estate, whether buying or selling, the fact is I am going to ask for something in return. Your business. This is what keeps my business thriving. Without your business, I’m out of business.
2. Used to describe an agreement or commitment that uses no hidden clauses or catches.
The contracts used in San Antonio real estate are standardized forms. I don’t write in clauses (or “catches”) and I will explain every piece of paper that you put your signature on. I will tell you how agency law works in Texas, explain my commission structure, and tell you what I expect of you and what you can expect of me. We will discuss all of this before we become client and agent.
3. Free of conditions, restrictions, costs, or any other obstacles.
The most common misconceptions in real estate revolve around Realtor® recommendations. You need a loan, I know a few lenders. It’s time for your inspection, I know several who do great work. There are many points in a real estate transaction where I can help you find the person (or company) to get the job done. Some people fear that Realtors® recommend people because they’re getting some sort of kick-back. The idea of a kick-back is ludicrous in these days and any agent dumb enough to be caught up in this sort of thing deserves to be punished severely by the law (and there are many that govern this side of real estate). If you choose to work with someone I’ve recommended, great. If not, great. The only time I might try to convince you otherwise is if you choose someone who is well known for failing to get the job done. I’m here to assist you and any obstacles in our way only make our work more difficult and can cost both time and money.
I’ve also seen some Realtors® who charge “transaction fees” or “broker fees” up front. Personally, I find the practice distasteful and although real estate agents are allowed to run their businesses their way, I think it shows a lack of trust in the client. That’s no way to start off a relationship in my book.
It’s just a phrase.
I think most agents who use the phrase “no strings attached” don’t mean anything harmful by it, but I do wish they’d take a moment to look at what the phrase implies. It also doesn’t do much for the “used car salesmen” reputation of Realtors® (which I hate, but realize it still exists). The world of real estate needs to be aware of the affect of phrases such as these and the damage and distrust they can build with the public. I’m sure after reading this, you’ll be a bit more cautious around the next person that offers you anything “no strings attached,” especially if it involves real estate.
photo courtesy of Michael (mx5tx)
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Comments
I just found this post and it’s actually timely. I just saw an agent yesterday who was doing a “no strings attached” campaign and I said to myself, “what the heck.” I’m not a big fan of this phrase and, like you, think it’s a bit used car sales manish. I don’t know of any agent who would want that stigma attached to them.
Like you said, I don’t think these agents mean any harm, I just don’t think they are thinking things through.
Rodney – I think the problem is that the agents that use it feel their combating the negative thoughts and stereotypes in consumers’ minds, but in the end, they’re just helping reinforce them.
Thanks for stopping by again!
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