After she tells me this deal just landed in her lap, she was appalled that a boundary survey was not in the $400 to $500 dollar range that she had expected. She wasn't mean about it but her shock and surprise just irritated the $hi+ out of me...I almost started in asking how much she stood to make for making photocopies, etc., but held my tongue and ended up giving her the usual reserved professional response trying to "educate" her.
The property is 8 wooded acres, on water, in an area with very few surveys.
Just once, I would like to say what I really think but unfortunately, I'm in an area where word of mouth work makes up a lot of business.
> After she tells me this deal just landed in her lap, she was appalled that a boundary survey was not in the $400 to $500 dollar range that she had expected.
You pretty much have to have some stock answers ready. Mine are along the lines of "I guess if I didn't know anything about what land surveying involves, I might think this survey ought to cost some [cheap price that you mention], however, with as much experience as I have, I'd be kidding us both to tell you that it could be done for that."
"Say, why don't you have your client give me a call so that I can make arrangements with them to have this survey ready for your closing?"
Good on you for holding your tongue. When people act or seem shocked over estimated fees, I generally send them down the road with something like, "Oh, you're really not interested in having the property surveyed, you're apparently just interested in closing."
Don't waste time on them. Crisis-ho' realtors are a dime a dozen.
ps - Remind them that "Their title is no better than their survey."
> Don't waste time on them. Crisis-ho' realtors are a dime a dozen.
Yeah, probably the best advice is just not to negotiate anything with realtors. They definitely are NOT your clients. If you think they are, you are in for a rough ride. The object of any conversation with a realtor asking about a survey should be to get the actual CLIENT to call. That person is the real player. Can't talk to them? Odds are against there being any happy ending in that deal for the surveyor.
Is this where...
Humphrey Bogart comes in and says, "The problems of two Realtors don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world of ours."
Good points, Kent and Paid...Thanks. There has been an opportunity to speak to the local association of realtors in the past, and although I'm not the best speaker, I may just try and put together a presentation.
Most of the realtors around here are more knowledgable regarding surveys and appreciate the importance of knowing what is being transacted but the reaction from this realtor made me realize that there are still some out there that are completely ignorant to all that goes on besides signing on the dotted line.
I have heavily restrained myself from verbally assaulting real estate agents, bankers and attorneys on many occasions.
That has not stopped me from mentioning a simple fact such as "I know that their mentor was used to doing business in the 1940s thru the 1980s and that among the things that have changed is the cost of living for real estate agents, bankers and attorneys charge and so it has been for surveyors".
I remember when candy bars cost a nickel. Now they cost a dollar.
> I remember when candy bars cost a nickel. Now they cost a dollar.
I remember when realtors charged less than 3.5%. Oh wait, no I don't.
I agree with Kent. Seldom do we do work for realtors anymore. Most of the time we work directly for the buyer or seller. Realtors are an unnecessary middleman in the surveyor/client relationship.