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The Reaction of Asking for Proof Of Identification Can Be Interesting

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

The Reaction of Asking for Proof Of Identification Can Be Interesting

When you are in a restaurant, and the next table over a fellow patron is asked for proof of age before completing an alcohol order, you either hear someone flattered or routinely riffling through their wallet to get the ID.  In some situations, you need to prove something about yourself.  If someone who wanted to buy alcohol was carded in that same scenario, but got all huffy and puffy about it and insulted, what would you think?  Well, if they looked young, you may think they were trying to pull one over on the restaurant.  Or that they were very put off by having to prove themselves.  Get over it.   We've all been there. 

It's not uncommon in our market to run into other buyer tours coming and going from the listings we show.  Most agents are respectful and give each other space.  In winter, you may take different levels to view.  In summer, you may wait outside.  If an agent has gained lockbox access and retrieved the key, it is unprofessional to hand it over, or let another party in, without verifying that there is a licensed agent present.

Two weeks ago, when in a home, I had a family pounding on the door I'd locked behind my tour group.  It's a habit for me to lock doors behind me.  Safety first.  When I got to the door, a middle aged lady in jeans, leather boots and a furry vest tried to walk past me to gain entry to the home, a family behind her.  I stopped and asked if their agent was with them.  She was so insulted as she spat out, "I AM THE AGENT," and flashed her credentials.

Couple of lessons here.  Number one, don't be upset if I ask for your credentials.  I don't want to let just anyone into a listing.  And I'm sure as a Listing Agent, you'd appreciate that.  Number two, dress like you are the professional.  I shouldn't have to guess who the agent is.  Jeans and leather boots with a furry vest?  Come on!  You can do better than that.

Comments (6)

Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

I think I would never have thought about locking the door behind you, but it is a great idea.  Thanks, Chris Ann!

Dec 28, 2011 05:09 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

 

Hi Chris Ann - Isn't it strange that acting in a completely professional manner can elicit a reaction like that? And it would have been not only professional, but polite, to ask about entering while you were already there, rather than just barging in. The dress code bit I'm a little easier about - we tend to be pretty informal here most of the time, but that's a function of local custom.

Dec 28, 2011 05:13 AM
Kate Elim
Dockside Realty - Spotsylvania, VA
Realtor 540-226-1964, Selling Homes & Land a

Hi Chris Ann...Even though the weather may have been on the cold side the agent should have been much more respectful and, if you were showing the house, should have asked if you and your clients minded if they came inside.

Now, as far as the dress, at Lake Anna that would not be surprising.  What I wore when I was a Realtor in Northern Virginia is not what I typically wear here.  We are really in the country and we might start out looking at houses and the next thing you know you're tramping through the woods checking out waterfront or water access lots.

Kate

P.S.  I really need to congratulate you on the number of points you have EARNED.  I remember when we were pretty close in points (unless my memory is faultier than I realize) and now you are way up in the stratosphere.  Good for you!

Dec 28, 2011 05:16 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Ron:  It's a habit from previewing vacant properties alone.

Dick:  I certainly understand a bit of a lax dress code in certain areas, or climates.  It was just odd that her clients looked more dressed up than she did.

Kate:  When I show property that is not in subdivisions, or show foreclosures, I don't dress up either.  But if she had been dressed up a bit, I doubt I would have had to ask who the agent was.  Either way, her reaction was for the birds.  And yes, I remember chasing you on the VA points board.  I love this form of marketing, so I'm at it every day.  It adds up.

Dec 28, 2011 05:41 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hi Chris Ann,  i never get unset when a place ask me for my ID when I am paying with a credit card.  I always say thank you.

Dec 28, 2011 05:50 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Will:  That's another where folks huff and puff.  I don't think they ask for ID's often enough.  My husband's credit card account was jacked twice this past year.  Asking for ID's would certainly have alleviated that.

Dec 28, 2011 06:08 AM