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I Just Gave the Buyer Permission to Keep Shopping!!

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Plus

We have all done it. Well, I'll bet almost all.

Here is the scenario: I am the listing agent, you are the buyer agent.

 

ME: Ring, ring . . . hello Joe, just looking for some feedback on your showing of 123 Sell Me Please St!

YOU: Hi Angela, yes my buyer did like the house and they are thinking it over. But I don't think they're ready to   make a decision yet.

ME: Do they have any questions or concerns that I could answer that might swing them in our direction?

YOU: No, but they really like it. Please give me a call if you get any offers, OK?

ME: Sure thing, I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the showing!

 

That's it, I just gave Joe's buyer permission to continue to shop for a home and also assured them that I would let them know if another offer comes along. There is a LOT wrong with this picture. Not the least of which is the liabaility for telling someone I'll keep them posted on any offers that might be coming - and then not following through.

There are a lot of different ways of looking at this - obtaining multiple offers isn't necessarily a bad thing, when they are naturally occuring because of a great new listing. But when they are 'forced' it could spell trouble. One really good offer is all anyone needs - only one buyer can be THE buyer. I'd love to hear which way the wind blows on this one in the Rain.

PS I have also said those words as a buyer agent!

 

Comments (4)

Brittany Stewart
Luxe Realty Group - Plano, TX
Making Dallas Home

It happens!  I guess you can look at it as a positive if you do receive another offer.  Good luck and hopefully you have mulitple offers this week!! lol

Aug 04, 2010 04:56 PM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi Angela~  I don't think you gave the buyer permission to keep shopping.  If they were that interested, they would have made an offer! Don't you think?

Aug 04, 2010 04:59 PM
Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

If the buyer is not ready they are not ready.  I would call them back if I did get an offer.

Aug 04, 2010 07:46 PM
Sandy Shores FL Realtor®, Melbourne Real Estate
M & M Realty of Brevard Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Brevard County Real Estate, Florida's Space Coast

Hi Angela, The conversation you had with the buyer's agent didn't sway their buyer's thinking, nor did you give them permission to go out and continue looking. They are going to do what they choose to do anyway.  As Vickie pointed out, if they were ready to make an offer they would have, at that time.  And yes, ideally, if you do get another offer it would behoove your sellers to have more than one offer on the table at the same time.  But, it's really the buyer's agent's job to keep their buyer posted on which homes are for sale and which are under contract.  You can't guarantee your listing will still be available if and when they are ready to proceed ahead.  You handled the situation professionally.

Aug 12, 2010 05:29 AM