Hi Catherine,  Last year I had a client who wanted to see every condo in 2 particular areas north of DC. We went out every Saturday for 8 weeks and saw 8-10 a weekend. He ended up wanting to write on one of them at the end and the condo he chose had 2 contracts other than ours. He got nervous and would not do the things that needed to be done to get the deal. He had to come to my office twice just to write the contract. The first time he almost got sick with nerves and had to leave. He came back the next day to finish up and it was then that I found out from the listing agent that there were two other agents that had written on this condo. Well after we lost that one, he couldn't go any further. He told me that he would have to take some time off of the search and I am still waiting to hear from him after a year. What an interesting job we have!

Mac McCord~ Thank you for sharing.  Yes, our job is very interesting.  A lot of uncertainties as well.  Don't lose hope.   I have a lot of "uncommitted clients" right now.  I continue to keep in touch with them.  Clients do appreciate our hard work and they will let us know when they are ready. 

My record is 78.  I was so tired of showing houses after those clients, I seriously wanted to quit.  It was beyond ridiculous. 

End of story - we looked for four straight months, and they ended up buying the second one I had showed them.

<sigh>

Jayne Dodgson ~ Thank you for sharing.  Wow 78 homes! I don't think too many real estate professionals would stick around that long.  You are admirable. Your clients must appreciate all your hard work.

Catherine, thanks! 

My manager actually gave me a little "fake award" for being the most tenacious and patient buyer's agent she has ever encountered.  She kept telling me to give it up, they weren't going to buy, etc.

BUT I GOT THEM CLOSED!  YAY!

what a beautiful photo - congratulations on getting those funds into escrow!!!

Catherine, great story about persistence!  Incredible photos in your blog BTW.

I guess it depends on what type agent you are.  Some would throw them out after 20.  As long as they are real buyers I will stick with them.

Catherine My hysband and I have been licensed more than 30 years - years ago it was not at all unusualt to show 40 or 50 house - there was no online properties - my current average is 6 or 7, Karen

Jayne Dodgson ~ Way to go!

Barbara Jo & Bill ~ Thanks. I am fortunate to have a talented friend who is a photographer.

Gene Allen ~ I am there with you! I stick with my clients.

Karen Kruschka ~ You are right! Tech savvy clients don't require too many showings.

Thank you all for the comments!

Catherine,

Way to stick with it and make it happen.  I think every situation is different and that is what matters most.  You had limited time with this client as well as the other limiting factors like computer access, cell phone and limited resources.  These are the clients that absolutely make me feel the best when you find a home for them and they are happy. 

I do not know a single realtor who supports Hillary care for the exact same reason that anyone who thinks you can get something for nothing are the same people who think that Realtors work for free. Our time costs something and we deserve to get paid just like Doctors do. We don;t expect Doctors to work for free, if we need medical care we expect to have to pay for it. Part of the blame for this is our own marketing. It is often said that you should work with a Realtor if you a buyer because it is "FREE". This marketing has a double edge and we are now discovering that.

I have dealt with the problem head on explaining to people that I do not work for free and that they will be required to sign a buyer representation agreement before I will work with them. the pitch is everything. I've never had a client tell me they will not sign who was serious about buying a house.

In the end, the number of homes shown is relative. Time is money and if the payoff is worth the extra investment of time then go for it. If not, cut your losses. Each agent has to make the decision for themselves as to what that cut off point is.

Kim Peasley-Parker ~ You are right.  Thanks for the comment.

Todd Amelio ~ Buyer's Brokerage Agreement is a necessity.  My clients do sign one  Thanks for sharing your thoughts.