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Are You Working with an Agent? Do You Know Why I Asked You That?

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage BRE#01732313

Agent with BuyersYes, I am in sales and I do have to find new clients to work with. But it goes far beyond that.

If I meet you at an open house, especially if it's one of my own listings, you may have questions. As they relate to the house, I am happy to answer those for you. If they are questions about what the seller might want to see in the way of offers, I will be guarded in my responses. You see, that seller is my client and I have fiduciary, confidentiality and loyalty obligations to them.

In addition, if you already have an agent, I would not want to interfere with that agency relationship. 

I realize that buyers viewing open houses encounter many different agents and personality types. If your experiences have not been good, you may be reluctant to engage in much conversation.

The fact of the matter is that some buyers and sellers attend open houses to meet agents, and see if they find someone that is a good match for them. Someone who knows the local market, and would represent them professionally.

If you are already represented, terrific.  I'm sure your agent would appreciate it if you mention their name. If not, I would be happy to answer your questions, or set up an appointment to find out how I might best serve your interests in buying or selling a home.

Yvonne Van Camp REALTOR
To Buy and Sell Real Estate, see me at Southwest Missouri Realty - Springfield, MO
"Home"work, I have the Answers!
So many buyers and sellers are actually shopping for an agent, not a house. Amazing how that works!
Nov 13, 2011 01:03 PM
Bob & Leilani Souza
Souza Realty 916.408.5500 - Roseville, CA
Greater Sacramento Area Homes, Land & Investments

Karen, this is definitely a "must ask" question for buyers! We also only work with clients on exclusive buyer-broker agreements, which makes both of our expectations even more clear. :)

Leilani

P.S. Yes, we came from Livermore and Brentwood before moving up to Placer County. Loomis is a beautiful town with most of the homes on a minimum of 4.6 acres.

Nov 13, 2011 01:38 PM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

Yvonne, it's so true! And what better place to check us out. We don't know that's the case, and they can see us in our element, perhaps in the way that we'd represent their house if on the market.

Leilani - Ah, country living. Someday.....

 

Nov 13, 2011 02:20 PM
Gary Williams
Keller Williams Realty Central - Frisco, TX
Frisco Texas Homes For Sale

Good reminder.  We meet a lot of people at open houses.  Some turn out to be clients, but others are already clients of other agents, and we need to remember that.

Nov 13, 2011 02:22 PM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

Gary, - at a good open house, yes we meet a lot. But I find that the lesser attended open houses, are the ones where I meet the most potential clients. Perhaps because we have more time to spend with them, and aren't distracted by multiple parties.

Nov 13, 2011 03:45 PM
John Cannata
214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX
Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Too many agents do not see the benefit of an open house. Sure, you may not sell the home during an open house but you can pick up some clients and you also have the opportunity to show the house to potential buyers. It may not sell, but if 'could' sell. Good point about people coming to open houses to actually meet agents.

Nov 14, 2011 10:02 AM
John M. Scott
BRE # 01442690, Scott Keys Properties - San Francisco, CA
Broker / Owner San Francisco Bay Area

Excellent post Karen. And a good response to buyer's questions. I've had this happen, so I know exactly what you are talking about.

Nov 14, 2011 03:16 PM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

John C. I had a really quiet open house on Sunday. But I met a great couple. Those could potentially be both seller and buyer in the future :)

John S. - it's true. We all experience the same things, but with a variation here and there.

Nov 15, 2011 03:31 AM
EC, JF, Double R and Zoey the Cool Cat
Russel Ray Photos - San Diego, CA

I bought my condo at an open house during halftime of a football game. I was hoping to find out everything I could about the condo, HOA, etc., so I signed on with the listing agent. That was the wrong thing to do. She totally abandoned me after she had my signature. I still bought the condo. Unfortunately, she abandoned the seller, too. He and I did everything on our own, but she still got her paycheck. She was one of those bad apples that exist in all industries.

Nov 15, 2011 10:52 AM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

Eric, I've never heard that quick of a sale before!  Must have been a nice place for you to choose so quickly. Sorry you didn't have a good experience. You've probably learned a ton being in this space, eh?

Dec 03, 2011 03:48 AM