So today I was getting my hair fixed (for you non-Southerners, that means 'styled' or 'done').  =)

And while I was covered in foils (YES I COVER MY GRAYING HAIR), I overheard my stylist say 'boy, you should have called Leigh!' I perked up and asked what they were talking about (I was reading a gossip magazine and not really paying attention).  One of the ladies who works there was complaining about her agent.  Of course, I said 'so tell me about it'. 

She proceeded to explain that her buyer agent is trying to convince her to make a full price offer on a condo that she wants.  In a slow neighborhood.  In a market where we have competing offers occasionally but not often.  On a condo that has been on the market for over a year (I told you it was a slow neighborhood).  I asked if he had run comps to justify that recommendation.  Nope.  And she's a first time buyer, so really needs the hand-holding.

Turns out, her 'agent' is the husband of her lender-who is apparently doing a fantastic job informing her of the process and advising her on the mortgage side.  She hasn't signed anything with her agent, but is afraid to rock the boat with a lender that she likes. 

So what did I tell her?  Not a lot I can say.  NC recognizes oral buyer agency until time of contract...so since he's been showing her stuff, i can't step on any toes ethically.  I did advise her to be strong and request a CMA on the condo in writing, have him go over it with her, and not be pushed into making too high an offer if that's not what she wants to do.

It's frustrating.  She now knows she should have called me (and so does everyone who was standing around listening to the conversation)-and I'll get the future business of her and probably the others.  But I can't help her now and can't help but feel that she's in danger of paying too much.

Alas...the difference between Great Clips and a full service salon also applies to real estate!