Agent: ‘Team’ Approach Has Its Drawbacks

Regarding “Realty Agent Has Success With ‘Team’ Approach” by Robert Bruss (Nov. 11), from an agent with eight “team members”:

The concept was born out of the franchises several years ago in their attempt to do more in improving market share.

According to the [letter] writer, his percentage of selling his own listings is “more than 90%.” This means that all the commission comes into this particular office and the agent himself. It also means that all of these sales are what we refer to as “dual agency sales.” Hopefully the agent is diligent in disclosing that to his sellers.

As a listing agent, the biggest problem I have incurred with this type of agent is that they are available to sell a listing, but try to find them after that. They do not return calls and are hardly ever available to answer questions regarding their clients’ responsibilities during escrow.

Buyers and sellers select who they will work with in this business, and spending some extra time in that selection can often be worth its weight in gold.

JOHN C. LOWREY

Montebello