FAQ #3 WHY CAN'T I SEE THESE GANANOQUE HOMES WHEN I CALL?
We're living in such an instant gratification society that makes this a VERY Frequently Asked Question of your favourite Gananoque Realtor, Susan Emo
I am often quite taken aback by demands such as this, by Buyers but also by Buyers Agents.
There can be many reasons as to why you cannot immediately be granted access to a home listed for sale. The main reason is this, and it is quite simple . . .
Because people have lives!
And by people I don't just mean the Sellers but also your Agent.
Most business owners I know (Realtors are business owners), actually plan their day in advance, their week even.
Most will have a schedule to follow.
Most are dealing with more than just one client or customer and manage to schedule time for each of them.
Most will also have family obligations as well as extra curricular activities!
But most importantly, professional business owners (Realtors) will not suddenly drop what they are doing and become what is known as a "Pop Tart Agent"!
We like to meet with our new clients.
We like to discuss their wants and needs.
We like to determine if they are as yet approved for financing (or if financing is required?)
We like to find similar properties for them to view and compare.
We like to do CMAs (comparative market analysis) on the home in question.
We like to get all the preliminary paperwork completed. (Buyer's Representation Agreement) Documented photo ID, etc
Then, and only then do we contact our Sellers (or Sellers Agent) to set up an appointment for the Buyer to view the home(s) selected.
The Sellers may agree to the time suggested but they have the right to decline or suggest another time more suitable. Especially over the past few weeks when people have had holiday weekends with guests arriving for graduations and weddings, etc. Swimming pools are being opened for the first time, being cleaned and repaired, flowers gardens planted, etc.
Most of our Sellers expect 24 hours notice, because they realize the Realtors shouldn't be so readily available to not have their business day planned well in advance. 
Many Sellers are part of a family and with families come birthday parties, wedding anniversary parties, deaths & funerals, family reunions and pets; do you want to intrude upon a huge protective dog that the Sellers couldn't get home to remove?
Perhaps it is nap time for a new Mom and baby?
Did you ever consider there might be a sick child or an elderly parent needing care that can't be disturbed on that day?
If you are already working with a Realtor, and they have skillfully arranged a tour for you, this will not usually be a problem for you. You will have already met and worked through all of the above. You will happily see all the homes available and not be stressed for a moment!
If something new pops up in the system and it is in a hot and desirable neighbourhood that you've been lusting ove r, your Realtor will know this and they will move heaven and earth to get you in as soon as possible. (I have called people who've been in the shower and I have insisted they throw some clothes on and meet me in 10 minutes at the listing!!! And we've won the home because of it - but exception , not rule!) In order to do this, the moment you think you might be in the market for a home, arrange to meet with, and HIRE yourself a Realtor!! Your Realtor can only help you if you help yourself by hiring someone to do all the leg work for you - long before you want to see inside a home for sale. We Realtors often know about them before they hit the system but we are not above appreciating a phone call about a For Sale sign you just saw going up in your neighbourhood either!
Please, both Buyers and Buyers Agents, don't mistakenly believe the Seller isn't too interested in selling their home simply because they cannot accommodate your last minute request for a showing. And don't use the line about the Buyer only being in town for the day - really? Too often they've stuck around to see the home the next day or the day after that - it is well used that line! We all work with relocating Military and we know well in advance and plan their Home Buying Trip accordingly!!
There will always be exceptions to the rule and it never hurts to call and politely ask for a last minute showing.
However, be prepared for the answer to be no and be ready with an alternative time!
One final thought; there might be a tenant living in the property for sale and they are legally provided a minimum of 24 hours notice!
I work as both a Buyers Agent and a Sellers Agent so I have approached this FAQ from both sides of the problem. Most Buyers and Sellers are very accommodating and do not wish to be disagreeable. What I have always found can be quoted from one of my favourite movies: Cool Hand Luke . . . "what we got here is failure to communicate"
If you would like to follow the series:
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