Right now I'm in a situation that I never thought I would be in, I have a client that trusts me almost to the end of the world. (Well, it feels like it anyway.)
He says, "If you see my home, put an offer in and fax it to me in the Philippines and I will look at the pictures, the video, and start to order the inspections and appraisals."
I'm not sure how I feel about this, and I've told him that I'm in a wait and see pattern on this one. This isn't an investor who buys homes just based on numbers or I wouldn't have a problem doing something like this. This is a person trying to buy his own personal residence.
But, it did make me feel good to have a client trust me enough to give the ultimate trust of finding him his dream home. 
Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)746-9573
I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard. All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.
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Such a blessing in disguise. I think the risk of loosing one deal is much more tolerable than loosing the lifetime of business and referrals of a good client! But it is his call, so let them know he needs to be able to make the decision himself. If they want a buyer in this market, they'll be willing to wait. if not, something better will surely come along!! good luck!
Brian Wentz
I couldn't do it... I don't think... I can't imagine what it would be like or what one may have to go through if they return from their vacation and blame you for not having the perfect home.
too many CYA's here...
As honorable as it is to have someone trust you implicitly... I see too many "future" pit falls...
Todd, I have run out and previewed a few homes for a customer that is moving here. I take more pictures and his friend comes out with me. Yes, they are willing to fly in last minute before making the final offer. I don't think would be that hard to do, if they knew the area etc.. I have sold 2 homes, site unseen for clients one from Germany and one that was here, didn't find anything and then something came on the market in the sub that they wanted. So they wrote it.
Both were scary when we did our walk-through because, "What if they hated it?"
Todd,
There is no way you should put your name on any AOS docs on behalf of that client...better to use all the latest available communications techniques, email, cell phones, overnight courier, etc....but let him make the final decisions!!! JMHO, Thanks, Fran
Brian - In the end I sent him videos, pictures and told him I would take his offer from the Philippines as long as he put in it subject to interior inspection. He then has since come back early and he is seeing the property for the first time on Monday. I'll update everyone to what he thinks.
Jason - It does look like it working out real nice, he drove by the property on his way from the airport and as he put it, it is better than I described.
Sara - I do this a lot, but it is usually on investment properties, where it is a number game more than a visual thing. But, so far looking good!
Luke - Trust is a huge thing in real estate. If a client likes you and trusts you that means they will be willing to refer you to their friends. They may think you did a great job, but if no trust then the referrals will never come.
Cathy - The weird part is I don't feel that pressure, I just do what I do.
Terry - So far no burden and now that they are here and seem to be even more excited than before lets me know that I was listening to their needs.
Suzi - Wrong coast! I like my sunsets and cold and windy beaches.
Missy - I think the reason they trust me so much is they know I've told them to walk away from homes that they have loved! The home looked perfect, but I talk to neighbors and find out the truth of the home. Then usually the inspection confirms my suspicions and what the neighbors have said about the home.
Fran - My names are on no docs besides where it says agent. They are faxing and e-mailing everything back, just as if they were here.
Danny - Soon as I see him, believe me that testimonial will be going out with my future buyer books.
Derrick - That is why we will have the final walk through, but I've been working with him for a long time and have had a few fail sales because of seller title issues. So I've learned exactly what he likes and he knows that.
Roberta - He fired another agent to have me as his agent, He fired his agent after meeting me and called me a week later to tell me that he had. He said from the first conversation he had with me about a property that he was calling on he could tell I was different than any other agent he had talked to.