www.brianbrumpton.com biography featured listings Boise Relocation Information Local Boise Events Search For Boise Homes Free Reports About Real Estate

I got a call from an upset potential buyer this weekend who happened to see my sign at a property out in the country and took it upon himself to head down the driveway and announce to the owner that he wanted to see the house. 

I wasn't there so I don't know what exchange took place but according to him the owner refused to show him the house, and asked that he leave.  He also said there were some expletives exchanged. 

Now I'm not condoning the seller's behavior if he was a bit gruff with a potential buyer.  He may very well indeed have cost himself a sale in doing so. 

Here's the flip side to that coin and something I think buyers should consider when approaching a home for sale.

1. If you're driving around and see one of my signs and you're not represented or not able to get hold of your agent please be considerate of the sellers privacy. You can: 

Please give me a call, and I'd be happy to schedule a showing. 

2. For safety and security I tell all my sellers that if someone shows up at your door, unannounced, requesting to see the home, you're well within your rights not to show it to them.  Ask that they:

Please give me call, and I'd be happy to schedule a showing.

3. If you're in the habit of approaching properties unannounced, please be considerate of a sellers personal situation.  They may be losing their home to foreclosure and it takes a serious toll on people.  They might not be their normal, chipper self.  Proceed with caution.  Or even better:

Please give me a call, and I'd be happy to schedule a showing.

Sometimes in our haste we can forget our manners or fail to see how are actions might be perceived by the opposite party.  If you're questioning what are the appropriate steps to take when you see a home for sale that interest you; the number on the sign and the flyers are there for a reason. 

Please give me a all call, and I'd be happy to schedule a showing.

 
This post has been included in Idaho Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Keller Williams 'Rainers
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Short Sale REALTORS®
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!

10 Comments on Your seller was mean to me when I showed up unannounced!

SEP
08
2009
535,210 Points 38 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Brian,

If I ever heard one of my clients had shown the house to an unescorted buyer, I'd cancel the listing! Why hire a professional then do something this stupid? I was never worried about my commission I wirte binding counteracts, but I wouldn't want a sign with my name on it associated with a crime and these sellers are asking for trouble!

Bill
6:52pm • #1

Brian, if I were the seller, I would have not shown the property to stranger. What was the buyer thinking ? he is not a FSBO ?? Carzy one perhaps.
6:52pm • #2
567,950 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You know that I don't hesitate to give you a call!  It would be a very rare seller who would welcome an unannounced visit by a stranger prospective buyer.  It doesn't seem reasonable that someone would not understand the basics showing protocal - call and schedule an appointment.  Someone appearing at the doorstep unannounced would send a variety of red flags up.
6:55pm • #3
1,095,743 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Brian, this is a very good post for sellers to be aware of...I may just reblog.
7:07pm • #4
222,333 Points 9 Featured Posts

The best part was the buyer actually called my partner first and left him a voice mail stating and I quote "if that's the kind of sellers you represent, I'm going to tell everyone about it so they don't buy your listings."

I'm sure he was shaken up by the incident but by the time I called him back he had calmed down.
8:07pm • #5

It is unbelievable how rude people can be sometimes.  Why can't people just have respect and consideration for others??? 

Nice post Brian!
9:09pm • #6
SEP
09
2009
156,166 Points

Great post on a subject that never goes away.  I always tell my sellers to "turn-away" anyone who appears on their doorstep looking for a quick look at the home.  And, I tell my buyers to NEVER approach a seller with a request to see their home.  Period.  Without an agent present, safety is compromised.
9:01am • #7
222,333 Points 9 Featured Posts

Thanks Tom, I'm not sure people would think it's normal behavior to pull into a driveway, especially as far out as this listing is.  It's definitely not the norm that far out for unexpected visitors and anyone coming down your driveway is going to be met with caution.
11:22am • #8
462,437 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Makes total sense. That's why the sign is in front and not the rear of the home. Use your cell phone and call the listing agent. Easier on everyone involved.
3:31pm • #9
SEP
11
2009
1,348,164 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I've had many buyers call me but none go directly to my seller.

 

I love the picture to go with your post.
10:33pm • #10


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam Prevention:
 

Find ID real estate agents and Boise real estate on ActiveRain.