From time to time I read stories about difficulties with buyers. Either it is their behavior while looking at homes, or it is how they treat a Realtor, or they simply don't do their part supplying information required to close a deal. Whatever it is, frustration and embarrassment can result. We as Realtors and lenders need to train buyers better about what is expected of them when they are ready to purchase a home. Since it is a buyer's market right now, especially in California, I am afraid matters will get worse before they get better.
Starting from the beginning:
•1. Be Honest. When a buyer calls requesting information or help from a Realtor they need to say exactly what they want. If they are just curious, say that. If they are working with a Realtor already, say it. Realtors are just people and require the same basic considerations that every buyer would expect in return.
•2. Make an appointment. Don't expect the Realtor to drop what they are doing and run out to show a property immediately. Sometimes a Realtor is available to do that, but more often their days are scheduled and they will need to wait until there is an opening. They are professionals, and as such, expect clients to respect their time. And when you do make an appointment, be on time.
•3. Provide basic information. Don't try to make an appointment providing only a first name. When making an appointment with a dentist, you don't simply say, "Jack is on his way". If you expect a Realtor to schedule a time in their day to meet , then provide a full name and phone number.
•4. Plan and Prepare. When planning to purchase, meet with a Realtor at her or his office to discuss exactly what you need and want. Know what you can afford. Or if you don't know, allow the Realtor to suggest a lender to help get started with financing. Be prepared to provide information about your financial situation.
•5. Prepare to look at homes. Make sure to have eaten recently, you are not too tired, and go to the bathroom before leaving. If at all possible, call a babysitter for the children. This is a very tiring activity and children have little tolerance for all the driving around and getting in and out of cars. And, no matter what, DO NOT BRING THE FAMILY PET, unless needed as a seeing eye dog.
•6. Be Polite. When looking at houses to buy, remember, you are in someone else's home. If the sellers are there take a look through the entire house, even if it is obviously not what you are looking for, and don't make negative comments. If they have opened their home to strangers, they need to be treated with respect.
•7. Don't handle things. Remember everything you see belongs to the occupants of the home. Do not pick up and handle things. If you have children with you, instruct them not to touch things, stay with you, and stay out of closets and other hiding places.
•8. Say very little to the Seller or Occupants. You don't want to either insult or get their hopes up. Remain as stoic as possible, then discuss what you've seen after you are back in the car pulling away.
•9. Making an offer. When ready to make an offer, arrive with the checkbook in hand. There must be sufficient funds to cover the check. Hmmm, I wonder why I included that. Be reasonable with your requests. And don't even bother if you are not serious about wanting the house.
•10. Take this seriously after the Offer is accepted. This is the last point I want to make. Buyer and Seller have entered into a legally binding contract. Time is of the essence. All parties have to perform certain requirements within certain time frames and if they don't the contract can be cancelled.
I came up with these 10 pointers because of some of my outrageous experiences. I encourage everyone to add to the list if you've had things happen that were not addressed here. Let me know some other buyer etiquette you would add to this list.
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Thanks for this list. My husband and I are first time home buyers and it's really difficult for us to know what is considered good etiquette. For the most part, I think we've done okay, considering your list. However, there are simply some things that we could not have known.
At this point we feel like our realtor doesn't care about us as buyers. We wonder if it's because we're not spending as much as she'd like, and we've felt a little pressured to spend more than we had initially intended.
It's a tough call. We also feel like she's not being very honest. We'd really just like to work with someone who tells us what they're thinking and is upfront about it all. Is that even possible to find? We're not unaware of the fact that the agent wants to make their commission and so will behave in a self-interested way. Is it inappropriate to find a different agent at this point? So far we've made an offer and after the inspection came back showing irreparable structural damage, we retracted the offer. Now we're looking again.