Don't Call the Listing Agent if your Buyer Agent isn't Around

It's a shame that many agents don't do a good job up front of educating their clients about agency and what it means if they call the listing agent just because they're not available. It also tells us a lot about how the public treats our time and profession.

OMG - Talk about sketchy relationships - I've had transations where the listing agent did nothing, but wait to collect the commission. Had sellers call me to negotiate and overstep me to talk with the buyer!! Seller was a loose cannon and so out of control it was scarey. Several times even mislead everyone, refused to sign a legitimate rescission and an escrow cancellation form!! I might have to blog about this when I get the final resolution...

I am glad I list, sell 95% of our real estate deals. Been that way for 31 years and don't have the MIA, AWOL "other agents" cruising in at the last minute looking like what the cat just dragged in. One is a simple number and the buyer and seller, lawyers and banker know what is going on, who's in the kitchen, on first to get to the long conference table with all the high back black leather cushy chairs. We don't use many of those chairs on this end, corner of the country.

Phil,

You need to drop what your doing, show this buyer, hold his hand, and even think about calling the buyers agent to give them some feedback on what their buyer, thought about your listing. Maybe you can even write a contract, and offer them a bonus while your at it.

I wish I could say this post surprises me, but it's happened to me before, and sure it will happen again.

I wish I could say that educating the buyers takes care of this issue.  Sometimes no matter how much we tell them this, they do their own thing anyway.  Of course, if a client wants to see a house when I can't show it, we either work out an alternate date ( usually this is what  happens ) or if it is an issue that I am on vacation or something, then I will try to see if there is one of my associates who can assist them.

Educating the buyer still doesn't work in many cases. I, too, have received this same call more than once. I also alwasys think "...and why are you bothering me, if you have a REALTOR?" If I remember to verify they are working with another agent, I do not show but recommend they wait for their active agent. Great topic! :)

Philip, totally agree with you.  We recently had a buyer (who had a buyers agent) but kept calling us about one of our listings.  Each time he called, we gently told him he needed to call HIS agent.  "But she never calls me back" was his answer.  So, WHY is she your agent??  I wanted to ask but didn't.

You are right, agents don't educate their buyers which they should do especially if they will not make themselves available. And I kind of like the idea of a reduced commission if the listing agent is called to show the house.

The buyers agent probably instructed him to call the listing agents on the signs of homes he liked, just to avoid showing them . . . LOL  (too synical?!?)

Buyers need to establish a trust relationship with their agents. I am always happy when my buyer calls and says " I saw X on line, what do you think of it, and do you think we should see it." Now thats respect!

JP - BRAVO!!!  GOOD FOR YOU!!!  I too think that if a buyer's agent intends to get paid a commission then they need to work for and that includes a whole lot more than simply writing an offer.  Buyers agents duties start with showing properties and ends with handing keys to the buyer.  Going MIA throughout the whole process exceptto write and submit the offer and collect their commission check is inexcusable.  This whole practice is such a huge pet peeve of mine but then that's a whole other post.

Phil:  I am the same.. In my excitement in wishing to sell my seller's property - I need to ask  'are you working with someone.."  I wish to sell all of my listings but I am not someone to be used... they are paying the buyer's agent for that..

Hi Phil - I had a buyer call me last week who admitted that he had an agent, but his agent was away on vacation, so he wanted me to show it to him.  It took me 10 minutes to get through to him that if his agent was away on vacation, he should call whomever was covering for him or at least his office.  I happened to ask who the agent happened to be before getting off the phone.  About two hours later, I got a call from the agent asking to show the property the next day.  Doesn't sound to me like he was out of town at all!

Phil, you tell them how it is done. I always enjoyed when a buyer trys to schedule the appointment on their own and the agents just tag along. I often asked if the buyer has any buyer representation, if so, I ask their agent to contact us to schedule a showing...

By the way, that is a funny photo of Mark?! HAHA

In situations like that, it's hard to know if it's the buyer just going off on their own because their agent was busy with someone else that day - or if it's a case of a lazy agent. Either way, they need to be told "No."

I agree completely with you and I also think that can go to the listing agents too!  Have you represented a buyer on a bank owned home lately?  whew!

Phil  - I am here from Donnes Sunday post. We see this all the time don't we? Buyers agents just don't educate their clients well enough. I can see if they are just starting out but if their is a relationship established shame on the BA.

I had a call yesterday on a lead. "Are you working with an agent"? We'll my son will/may be a part of it.
"We'll then I am not the one for you. Or, if you want to see this home today I will need a buyer broker agreement that shows I represent you on this purchase". Boy do they get defensive but even if it is a $2million possibility, and all cash mind you, I can't commit. Even on a holiday weekend. I deserve a break too.

Here Here!!  I have a post that I am writing that is a similar situation.  Drives me crazy when a client has an agent and doesn't use them.  Geez...:)!

Hi Phil ~ I agree that consumers need to be educated. They just don't understand how it works. And the buyers' agent also needs to be told too, that their client called the listing agent and  so either educate your buyer or surrender them to someone else who will work it right.