Oh, how times have changed

stating they are willing to buy the property “as is.”

On the day of possession, the new owner arrives to find all the appliances, kitchen cabinet drawers and doors removed.

So, I asked a young friend in her early twenties if that was true from her perspective.

I’ve been in real estate for 20 years now, and during that time have seen my share of changes, but none more dramatic than the way customers treat agents and their clients.

Not that there wasn’t the occasional bad apple in those two decades, but these past few months I have listened to my colleagues tell story after story about poor behaviour.

I think the isolation and upheaval experienced during the pandemic, and the rise of social media platforms, has contributed to unhealthy ways of dealing with stress and differences of opinion.

Every day we see someone trying to aggressively assert themselves over others or in 1960s vernacular “stick it to the man”.

One example. A couple is taken to court by their lender for nonpayment of their household mortgage.

The judge agrees to let them stay in the home until it is sold if they pay the utilities and promise to cooperate with MLS showings by realtors to potential buyers.

They comply, but only when it is convenient for them, often turning down requests for viewing.

The lender requires the eventual buyer to sign a schedule to the purchase agreement

Now, I ask you, what use are a bunch of used drawers to anyone but the owner of the cabinet boxes they were built to fit?

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised as I have seen light fixtures, carpet, sinks, hot water tanks, and even toilet paper dispensers removed, even if it wasn’t a distress sale.

People, give your head a shake! How would you like to be treated? I am pretty sure not like that.

The consensus in the media is the newest generation of adults doesn’t trust anybody.

Her reply? “No, we just don’t know who to trust!” Sit back and think about that for a minute as I believe it is a true statement.

There are so many agendas striving to be heard. So many people who want to manipulate others to their way of thinking.

Environmentalists want us to believe climate change is caused solely by human activity.

Politicians want you to support their unceasing grab for more power over our lives.

Every religious leader preaches their doctrine as the only true path to follow.

So, why trust a professional realtor when they give you reference sales, recommend pricing to sell or buy by, or suggest appropriate diligence measures to be undertaken before purchasing a property?

Far better, you get your information from some faceless individual or group on the internet. Or from a friend who has never bought a house. Or family who live in another city (and market) hundreds of miles away.

Hey, you might even be able to make a TikTok video out of your experience.

Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation. Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.