Real Estate Blog - Can't Get Annoyed!

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Can't Get Annoyed!

I am notoriously on time, early most of the time. Having said that, a lot of agents are not. Sometimes they can't help it and other times they are just as notoriously late as I am punctual.

Where is this one leading?

I have a listing with a dog and alarm system and a bunch of antiques and expensive stuff. It is one of those listings that, unless the owner is going to be home, I have to meet agents for previews and showings.

So yesterday, I met a colleague there who wanted to show it today. And we set an appointment for this afternoon.

I got there early to turn on lights and make sure it was perfect. He got there late, as his clients lingered at some of the other homes on the list (he may have saved my listing - the best - for last.

He emailed me on my I-Phone from his Blackberry, and I couldn't get my email open for some screwy reason.

But you know what? I could not get annoyed with him.

I'm the listing agent, and I took it knowing I would have to let some people in. I control access and set the ground rules.

And I have to be on time.

They don't.

I like this agent. His client seemed to like the house. So it's worth it.

Posted by Patricia Kennedy on 10/15/2009 06:38 PM

Comments (22)

Showings in the Sales Strategies / Tactics Channel

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22 Comments on Can't Get Annoyed!

OCT

very good attitude but I would still feel the disrespect, like their time is worth more than yours.

I try to schedule those types first, so that we can be on time, but sometimes you just can't help it. What I thought would be a 15 minute house turns into 30 or the other way around and we're early! At least he did try to get ahold of you!

I still don't understand the "agent must be present to show" stuff. We are realtors and can be trusted. Having to be present at a showing seems to me to be saying we don't trust each other. If you have a string of listings to show, it is dang-nigh impossible to be on time for every one. Having said that, I admit that I'm like you, on time! But I can understand NOT being on time in this instance.

Good luck with it Pat. We wear many hats in this business and as the listing agent this time you are at their mercy. Let's hope it sells to these buyers or sometime in the near rather than distant future.

Evening Pat, Sounds like you like things to run on time. Good for you. But this train ( showings ) is rarely on time is it ? Your seller is lucky to have you as their agent !

Pat, Been there but have learned not to take it personally! I hope those folks liked your listing so much they buy it! Nice post!

Hi Pat ~ i have to confess to being someone who hates being early. I was quite proud of myself this morning for getting to my class at 9:01 despite morning traffic. Lo and behold the class started at 10, not 9. It was an eye opener to see how early some people come to these classes (not an hour early - only the organizers and I were there then) - something I never would have known.

I just get really itchy at the idea of "wasting" time by being early. I'm sure it would cut down on stress so maybe I'll have to think about turning over a new leaf.

Liz

Five minutes early is late for me. I get so annoyed when people don't respect my time!

As for the listing, why haven't you asked your sellers to pack up their valuables? That's not good staging to have so many breakable and stealable items throughout.

I had someone call me today to see one of my rental listings (they don't have an agent.) As she started talking I realized that she was the same person who stood me up a few days ago. When I pointed it out to her she seemed surprised I would remember who she was. I don't have time for this type of nonesense.

Pat, I hope it turns into an offer! Good job!

It is what it is, been to a Doctors office lately or bank rep and don't even try an attorney. I don't think time is of any consequence anymore. People and young people for sure think they have all the time in the world.

Pat..Thats a great attitude..and a tough listing..hope it sells quick for you..Good luck

HELPFULHANNAH

Pat - The only thing better than a showing... is feedback...and the only thing better than feedback is an offer. And the only thing better than an offer is a closing. If I have to be a guide(which I have ) I will. Hoping you close this one :) Best to you

Pat,

And I can understand that when you are showing several properties, scheduling is a problem. You do not want ot be rude and push customers, and they may have very different perception of time, or none at all. You have a great attitude.

Good luck with it.

I wish I could be as agreeable about this as you are. I have some buyers now who LINGER, LINGER< LINGER...even when it's clear they're not interested in buying that house. That messes up all the subsequent appointments. ARGH!

Good luck with the listing, and I hope the late lookers come back to buy!!!

Hi Pat... You definitely have the right attitude about this. I am always amazed how many listing agents who take "Agent to Meet" listings don't seem to "get it".

It is so difficult to judge the time people spend looking at each home. Being on time is also important to me. I hope they call with an offer.

You are a real professional and I admire the way you handled this. Often it is difficult to move the buyers along... I give the the "5 minute warning" and then the "2 minute warning" and they still linger some times. It is often not the agent's fault.

It is very difficult when showing properties to time it all properly. This agent was courteous enough to keep you informed. I also hate being late or anyone else being late. But you did the right thing and it paid off.

I feel better knowing you have a buyer on the hook. Very high end listings in Houston are accompanied as well. I can't imagine showing up to "every" showing request!

OCT

Bummer, Pat that you had to wait. BUT, i gotta give the guy credit - he did TRY to email you and he DID show up! Fingers crossed that his buyers fell in love and you have a superb offer by the end of the day!

You are so right on this Pat. But other than that, I really like your illustration to highlight your post. I have something similar hanging here in my "chili pink" home office - very similar looking figure on a star shaped "clock" with a wand that can point to "Sprinkle Dew Drops" "Pull Weeds" "Swing on Garden Gate" "Beware of Snapdragons" and "Gather Wildflowers." It sort of represents future goals - my "To Do" list for when I hit retirement age.

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