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Real Estate Etiquette

I would like to start a blog about suggested Real Estate etiquette.

In my travels today, I was visiting homes that were NOT bank owned and the owners lived in the same city but the house was vacant. However to get to the front door I had to walk through what felt like a foot of snow. I was not so worried about myself as much as I was embarrassed for my clients. They had small children who had to walk through this as well. After we attempted the first home....we went to the 2^nd home, and same thing happened. Now these were homes priced over $200,000.00. My clients decided if the client could not clear at least a path for us, they did not want to see the home.

Then we did visit a bank owned home, and this home had a cleared path to the door way, but when I opened the key box the key was gone!

Not a very good day of showings, to say the least.

So I got to thinking about etiquette in Real Estate.........sort of the Emily Post of Real Estate type thing. Not ethics, but etiquette. Ethics and etiquette do walk a fine line.

I think if this blog is used in the manor in which I mean for it to be used; it could be a good tool for new agents and well as seasoned agents. I am sure we all do something and do not realize how our actions affect others.

So let's all post etiquette suggestions, based on our personal experiences. Post them in a friendly way, in a helpful way.........not hurtful or mean.

I opened this to consumers, as I would love to hear their side as well. It would be nice to know what buyers and sellers have experienced, and what we can do better as the realtor. (In terms of etiquette).

Posted by Michelle Gordon on 02/04/2008 09:49 AM

Comments (64)

real estate, bueyers, sellers, etiquette

64 Comments on Real Estate Etiquette

FEB

2008

How about calling before showing as per the instructions on the MLs

Michelle, I think it is good for an agent to call if they are going to be late for an appointment especially if the property is occupied and I appreciate it when an agent calls if the buyer just pulls into the driveway and after seeing the outside did not want to come in because of location or the exterior of the property especially if the property is still occupied. Then the sellers aren't inconvenienced.

Vacant (not bank owned homes) need to have electricity. Buyers can't always see a home during the day. I agree with the "clear a path"...such a turn off. For occupied homes I have run into so many that you can't even open closets to peek inside because "stuff" is piled up in front of them. Or, everything is jammed in the closets and falls out when you open the door! Good topic, Michelle!

I think when showing appointments are made-- the listing agent needs to contact their seller. I have made many appointments through listing agents, shown up at the door with my buyers and the sellers had no idea we were coming and would not let us in because it was not convenient. That made an extremely negative impression on my buyers.

I feel bad. I have a listing on a house with some deffered maintenance and the lock box is on the back door. You have to walk around to the back on a sidewalk that is now mostly ice. There isn't much I can do! I've asked the conservator to put down some chemicals for the ice...and now it's supposed to snow today. YIKES!

Not exactly an etiquette issue, but in the similar vein to those homes who haven't shoveled the path to the front door: Yesterday, we arrived at a home (after making an appointment and leaving a message for the owner) to find a note on the front door: "I'm out of town and security alarm is armed". Of course, there was no info on how to disarm the alarm.

Well, we call the listing agent and leave a message. We call the listing office, who were kind enough to call the agent at home, but also had to leave a message. We didn't enter the home. And, I still haven't heard back from the listing agent. This home has been on the market for 6 months. It's a shame - this home may have worked for my buyers, who were slightly annoyed that we had all wasted our time.

Michelle, How about making sure that your MLS key is working before you get to the property instead of wasting everyone's time? 8-}

Yes, there are a lot of things Vendors can do to make sure the showing is successful.

A good showing is everything...and sometimes it just doesn't happen

The funniest thing I have ran into, is in Grand Rapids, people are very polite. so If I have male client, I feel like I should open doors for them, as he is the client. Sometimes we both go to open the door for each other, as he is being the gentleman, and I am being the sales person. So my question is..........do I step back and let him take charge, or do I say thank you, but I work for you, let me get the door for you.

Michelle, great idea! A number of my sellers have brought to my attention that agents are not leaving business cards when they come for showings -- sometimes they're not able to tell if anyone has even been there, plus they just like knowing who was in their house (even though I do provide the agents' names when scheduling showings). I had some cards printed w/out my photo (less expensive) that I leave when I'm touring. Leaving a card is a professional courtesy that everyone appreciates!

Peg, I think this is a BIG one. Yes, leave a card, you can get a real cheep or even free cards at Vista Print (on line) I think the 1st 250 are free. I am going to make a card that says Thank you for letting me show your home, with my name and address on it.

All utlities on PLEASE! I hope some bankers read this one from Leesa, even though she says if it is not banked owned. It is such a small charge to leave these things on, and the home would probably sell faster if they were on. As some of my clients wonder what is wrong with the place. I tell them they will be truned on for inspections, but it just does not give the warm fuzzies at the showing. And some can not afford to have inspections just to find out these things are NOT in working order and then they can not buy the home.

Calling to make appointments and keeping the time is very important, as I had a showing set up for 4:30 and the agent showed at 6:00, my clients were eating dinner, I keep the agents number with me of the homes we are going to see that day, sometimes you can not help but to run late, as you do not know how long you will take, but if you are running late you can call the agent to let them know. Good one Laura!

Preview, preview, preview.

I think it is important for us to remind our sellers that pets are not enjoyed equally by everyone. If you have a dog, either crate them or remove them for the showing. Also, cats should be contained and litter boxes cleaned. Nothing is worse than to bring a buyer into a home and have them fearful of one of the seller's pets or having them smell awful odors (in an otherwise clean home) due to a cat box.

Reading the Agent to Agent remarks would be a big help!

My big one is odor in a property. The next one is people are home during the showing because of the weather. Buyers feel they cant say what's on their mind.

Ordor and Pets....good ones!

I went to showing one day, where the cat was left out, and he hissed at us the whole time. Followed us around the home, made my clients nervous and more attention was on the cat then the home. Anything that can destract from the showing probably should be removed..such as order! The most extreme case of order I have had, was the home housed rabbits and cats...........the rabbits just had a litter of babies. Both the cats and rabbits litter box was in the house. The minute I opened the door, the smell knocked us over. We never went all the way in.

My clients and I were touring homes all day with their small 3 year old child. When we walked around the house there was a cellar door that was completely horizontal and the child stepped onto it. Just then it caved in and lucky my client was watching closely enough that he caught the child's hand midair. SCARY!!! Is it safe for children to go on tour with us? I don't know every little detail of every house. How can I better protect them?

Hey Michelle! Great idea girl! Note to sellers to leave a mat for us to take boots off so we don't ruin your floor. Something agents may not be aware of but can be very costly for sellers...If you or your customers use the toilet, please be sure the water is turned on, the toilet is flushed, and finally after the toilet is flushed that you wait until it the toilet stops so you know it is not running which can be extreemly costly to the seller, esp. in a vacant home. (When the noise stops the bowl is filled. If it keeps running, jiggle the lever. If that doesn't work, take the top of the tank off and carefully lift up that thing with the ball so the tank will fill up properly. It only takes a second and can really save the seller a bundle. Remember, the seller will know who you are from the keybox!!!!!) OK, one more thing. STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT THE MARKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you are complaining, you are contributing to the problem. You are doing yourself, your sellers and the rest of us a huge disservice. Be a blessing and you will be blessed. If we all work together, we will not only get through this, we will come out of it with fresh ideas, new skills, and some great new friends. Hope to do a deal with you soon! All the best, Jan

It always amazes me to see a listing ( in our area listings can run over a million bucks ) where the agent is too lazy to include some pictures !

If the properties are vacant then you would think that the Real Estate agent would take the time to check on the property once or twice a week to make sure that the walkways are cleared out. That's just good customer service for all involved.

Not many problems with the snow being cleared here...

But, if you are going to require me to call to get instructions for a showing... you might think about calling me back... someday... possibly even before that client buys another home and has it closed (yes, the record is 48 days later for a call back with showing instructions... think the seller knows their agent is a slacker?).

I know the snow is a bear. Living on the lakeshore, we get so much "Lake Effect Snow" it can be unreal. It would be great if sellers did clean the sidwalks and driveways, but often they are gone all day. But I truly do understand. I have showing lake Michigan Homes in January and February and treaded snow up to my thighs!

All the Best!
Becky Hosley
Keller Williams/Lakeshore 616-836-3753

I always gave a range of the time I would be there to show a property. Instead of saying 2:30, say, "between 2 and 3". If you've been out on a full day with clients then you know that when you pull up to a property and the clients don't want to go in you are now 20 min ahead of schedule. And when they linger or if you can't find an address it's easy to be 20 min behind schedule. I know a lot of people don't like to hear a range, but sometimes when you're doing a full day of showings, it's better.

Michelle~

Here's a funny I heard about. A realtor friend was showing a property and the owners requested "Do not let the cat out" Great, they take their buyers through the property and then on the way out they see a cat on the porch trying to get in, quickly the realtor sits the cat back inside. Next day the realtor is giving feedback to the listing agent and gets this question. "What happened to the cat?" The agent replied, I believe it got out somehow so I quickly placed it back inside. The listing agent replied, "That was not their cat!"

Oh my Gosh, how embarrassing~!!

If at all possible remove the animals from the house. Fido is your pride and joy, but they're probably a distraction to the buyers. I've had clients that were allergic and afraid of the pets. It was a quick showing to say the least!

Hi Michelle,

That is a good idea for a blog. Good luck!

Selling agents - When you schedule a showing between 12:30 and 2, DON'T show up at 4:10 and wonder why the sellers are both in the shower! This happened on one of my listings yesterday.

Please counsel your buyer's to make child care arrangements for small children - other than bringing two of them with you! My seller's don't want your adorable children's sticky handprints all over their freshly painted walls and thanks for the note about the broken vase, thank goodness it wasn't an heirloom. This was last week.

As you can see, it was a frustrating week for me. :)

It would be nice to have feedback on what your clients thought about the house. Please return the phone calls for feedback, good or bad!. Would also be great to have the lights turned on for evening showings. I think there is a lot of room for better etiquette in this profession. Good post!

I guess I have gone through most of the comments and it seems like some people didn't understand the point.My comment is this: -I don't think I want to showel someone's snow ,because if I had 10 listings I will be clearing snow all day long .So let's not get ourselves into another chore.Also sometimes if you can go preview the homes before you show to avoid problems like this.

You know, I have experienced the same thing. The best is when I got the code for a bank owned home from an agent, but it was the wrong code. Or when I called to make an appointment and was assured it was on a lockbox. However, no lock was there when I got there. I could go on!

FEB

2008

Returning calls is always important. I was taught years ago in sales, if you are not working with a client directly, you are working with someone who is. I know my clients want feed back right away..good or bad. It looks bad on all of us if we can not do this. If you get a call to show a listing and you can not get a hold of the seller, a quick e-mail or call, just saying you got the message and you are working on the showing appointment would be nice.

Martin, So let me get this straight, if I preview the home my client wants to see (which I often do) and find out the snow is piled high........how will that fix my problem? I walk through the snow to get to the house and like the home and still want to show it to my client, the preview did not help the fact my clients need to walk through snow to get to the home. I guess we really do want to show the home, we just want the showing experience to be as posititve as possible. Now I do think I am going to start carring a shovel with me, so I can clear a path for my clients. So this far my added tools of the trade are a flash light and shovel.

I think that is a great idea and I'll be your first customer to buy the book if it's ever published. I think you're onto something here..

Good concept . . . hard to enact. Those that would appreciate "etiquette" are probably the agents already possessing this quality. The ones that don't . . . won't care! That's the problem -- they don't care to begin with.

Showing a property after someone used the non-flushing toilet (on bank owned they typically turn off the water supply) -- I'd trade your unplowed pathway anyday! :-)

I've seen signs all over listings: Please turn off the lights. Please lock all the doors. Please take your shoes off . . .

It's the little things that matter, and people are SICK and tired of agents who show about as much grace as a bull in a china shop.

But how do you get those bulls' behaviour modified?

They should have had my mother. She taught me that when visiting someone elses home you leave things exactly as you found them. This serves me well in real esate . . . but not everyone had a mother like mine!

FEB

2008

A couple of my top Realtor etiquette tips are:

Timely communication from listing agents, after all, we could be the buyer's agent that sells your listing!

Promptness from buyer's agent, or at the least, a phone call if you're more than 10 minutes late.

General goodwill among agents in local markets. We're all just trying to help our clients the best we can. A little goodwill and generosity toward each other will make a transaction much more pleasureable and satisfying. And...we will want to work together again!!!!

Our family is expanding and we will be needing a larger home within the next 1-3 years. I recently met a Realtor at an Open House and we really seemed to hit it off. With our last home purchase we bought first before selling and it was a total nightmare for my family (around June 2006). We will never buy before selling again based on our previous experience. One regret is that we rushed into buying our current home and we did not look at enough houses on the market to really know what was out there. I would have liked to have been better informed about the neighborhoods in the area and more about which developments have the type of model homes that we prefer etc, schools, location to major highways, interstates etc. If I had done that the first time around, I feel that we would have made a better choice when buying our home, and we wouldn't be looking for another home a year and a half later. One of the reasons that we will not be using our Realtor from before is because he is not very familiar with our area.

So I met this one Realtor and I felt that it would be great to begin a relationship for our future homebuying process. We are in no rush to sell right now (one reason is that I have 2 infants and am also expecting another in late spring). I would like to start looking at houses in various neighborhoods in my area so that I can get a better idea of where it is that we would like to live. If the right house came along, then yes we would put our house on the market and see how it goes, but we are very firm on not putting a contract on anything without selling our current home first. I am not asking for the Realtor to take me out every week or every month even. Just on occasion. Once she has an idea of what we are looking for in a home, then I also would like for her to keep us in mind when she comes across a listing that she thinks would be the ideal home for us. I think that looking at houses with me would be the best way for her to know exactly what we are looking for. I feel that with the huge commissions that she will earn on the sale of our home and the purchase of another home (700K-850K price range) that it wouldn't be asking too much for her to help us find the perfect house and neighborhood even if takes us up to 2-3 years. There is a good possibility that it will be as early as next spring (2009). We just know that right at this moment we are not selling or buying.

I have informed the Realtor that I met that we will not put a contract on a house before selling and also that we are waiting before selling for various reasons, however I would like to see some houses so that I can get more of an idea of what type of house and neighborhood that I want to move too. She seemed to be okay with this. I also told her that if I do find an ideal home that she can keep an eye out for us, so when we are ready to sell she will have a very good idea of what we are looking for.

Last weekend, this Realtor had offered to take me out to a neighborhood that was close to an Open house that she was holding with her partner. When I met her there she nonchalantly canceled her appointment with me for another client. I was really disappointed that she did this especially since her partner was also attending this "appointment" as well. I feel like she blew me off because we are not a quick commission for her at this time. It was a huge hassel for me to arrange everything with my family so that I could meet up with her and then for her to cancel without giving me a call beforehand made me feel like maybe she is not the Realtor we would like to have help us find a new home.

I have had minimal contact with her since then, but she is calling and really starting to pressure us to list our house right now, even after I've told her that it most likely won't happen this spring, but perhaps next spring. I really do not think she is interested in having us as a long term client. I can see how some realtors feel that people are pulling their chain or wasting their time especially if they don't end working with them when they do buy or sell. In my opinion, I don't think I am wasting her time at all. I see the occasional amount of time that she will spend showing me listings or communicating with me about the market as an investment for her that will pay off.

Am I wrong for wanting to research the neighborhoods and houses in my area before buying? Isn't that part of what Realtors get their commissions for? I thought this would be okay, but I am not sure what the current ettiquette is on the time frame for contacting a Realtor before purchasing a home. I understand that Realtors are salesman and want to sell, but isn't it okay to have home-buyers take their time with such a major life decision without adding pressure?

Should I find another Realtor or should I only contact a Realtor when we decide to list our house?

Thanks! (Sorry that this is so long)

Hi Sarah,

Great question, and liked how you wrote it. It was not too long as it all needed to be said to get a good feel for our question.

I will answer first.............no you are not wrong for going about this the way you did. I feel like you were honest and up front about how you wanted to go about things. I wish more clients were like you!

In my opinion, this is not just a sale but a life long relationship. Even if you were only going to buy one home ever, you will have family and friends that you would refer to the agent who did a good job for you.

I currently have a client that I have been working with, much like the situation you described above. They are not in a hurry, looking for the right home and neighborhood, and also have a home to sell. We have been working together for about a little over a year, they are now ready to purchase and list. It takes as long as it takes............I have never canceled an appointment and hopefully they will agree I have never put them on the back burner.

Your home buying decision is one of the largest purchases you will make in a life time. I think you need to do what makes you feel comfortable. I have clients that make a decision in a month and some it takes over a year.

I do think you need to find a realtor you like and trust. It is not too soon to start checking out places. I tell my clients.........pick your nieghborhood you want to live in first and then find a home with in the area you have chosen. So this may take some time.

It is good to have an agent, so you are not running a bunch of differnet people around.

so you are doing the right thing!

The problems I have come across have been hosting open houses for other agents. At one Open House, where upon arrival, the driveway and sidewalks were covered in 6 inches or more of snow. I spent the first hour shoveling the drive and walkway. This home had a somewhat long drive which would have made it impossible for potential clients to come to the house. Also, while hosting another Open House the listing agent didn't fill me in on the details of the house. There was very heavy traffic with a lot of questions about the condition of the house, which was listed as new but the interior was clearly old. Later I found out that the house had been moved to this different location which gave it a new status by the city. If an agent is asking another agent to host an Open House the hosting agent is doing this as a courtesy and the listing agent should be responsible for making sure the host is informed and the home is ready for an Open House. I understand where some agents feel it is inconvenient to shovel the snow from their listings but it makes the listing agent appear as if they aren't commited to their seller clients when they aren't making sure the home is ready for an Open House. After all the host is there trying to sell the home as well as draw in buyers and trying to promote a positive company image which helps both listing agent, hosting agent and potential buyers and sellers.

Calling to let us know your going to be late is a great idea, because I had a listing where the buyers agent was nearly 2 hours late so my seller came back home and proceeded to lay in his tanning bed in his birthday suit. Just then the agent and his clients came walking up the stairs to a surprise. The agent did call to tell me he was going the be too late and wouldn't be able to make the appointment after all but he apparently decided to arrive with his buyers anyway.

FEB

2008

Hi Michelle, I wanted to stop by and Congratulate you on a great discussion and your Feature!

FEB

2008

Hi Lola, thanks for stopping by! A newbe here, I did not know what featured meant! However, now that I do, I am honored! Thanks to whoever picks the featured blogs!

FEB

2008

200,000 home does not have a clear path, that is funny. I agree with your clients apparently they did not want them to see the home. I have a 200,000 home that I had an open house on today, and the owner just turned 80 years old, and he had a path to his door. I mean he shoveled the snow. All I did was shovel the side for him so if any visitors wanted to walk to the side of the home. Come on people we are trying to sell, here.

FEB

2008

I had two showings yesterday, what is a proper amount of time to get feedback? My agent doesn't seem to think that she needs to contact me if the buying parties are not interested. Good and bad comments could help me out as far as what I could improve in the home to help it sell faster! Also, how many listings are too many for an agent. Mine has listed 4 more since I hired her, taking her to 15...Nine of which are more expensive than mine. Any info? Thanks!

Good morning seller,

I am some what torn in answering this question.............as the post has to do with etiquette, being polite and courteous of others. I am defiantly not the person to judge or comment on how others run their business. However in the spirit of the post I do not want to let this question go unanswered.

I think the first part of the question can be answered, as feed back from prospective buyers is valued in my market place and is viewed as a courtesy and is shared by most everyone here. I want the good and bad..........some agents here just send an e-mail or fax over a sheet with questions about the home..........it takes hardly any time at all, and means so much. I personally call everyone from my car on my drive home..........(probably not the safest way to use my cell)

The 2^nd part of the question, I feel I am not qualified to answer. We all run our business in our own way and handle things differently. However I can ask you if you have communicated with your realtor with your feelings and concerns. So many times we loose a client and we do not know why or were not given a chance to make it better...........sort of like selling a home huh?

I hope this helps.

MAR

2008

Hello,

I have a question... I own a home by myself and recently got engaged.. my finance and I started looking at homes a year ago so we can have our own home together.. we were all over the place not knowing what we wanted or what we liked.. our real estate agent has been really kind and has been putting up with us. Well of course you know the market and stock market has changed dramatically over the last year. We finally found something and my finance person and mortgage broker have advised me to sit still and ride this out for another year or two.. it would be in my best financial interest. I feel really bad for the real estate agent because he did spend a lot of time with us. We will definitely move in the next few years and I would use him to buy and sell my home. I want to compensate him for something now because it just doesn't seem right.. is that appropriate and if so, how much?

thanks...

What a nice question to ask!! You know I can not tell you how to compensate your Realtor as many states and brokers have rules about this. I can not take cash from a client, it must all go through my agency. However the biggest way to say thank you, is to refer your Realtor to friends and family and to make sure you use him when you are ready to buy. However I am wondering why your lender advise you not to buy. If it is due your finical situation I totally understand........if he is advising you to wait because he thinks you will get a better deal on a home later on...........I am some what concerned with this advise.

See my blog on the power of todays buyer If you are not from Michigan, I am sure there are resources in your area that are similar.

Home sales help the economy and keep it purring!

Jody, what does your heart tell you? If your mortgage broker told you to wait because of your financial situation, listen to him. If he told you to wait because the market and prices will change, then don't listen to him. Don't forget, you are paying someone else's mortgage right now.

It's not how the agent feels or how the mortgage guy feels, it's doing what's right for you and your fiance that matters. I agree with Michelle to compensate the agent with loyalty. Your referrals down the road will be worth way more than a small token now.

MAY

2008

I currently rent a house that is constantly being showed. The thing that troubled me the most was one realtor sending her clients alone.....I did not let them in for a number of reasons.

It seemed unprofessional
Who is liable if they do something bad....break somthing, steal somtthing?
I dont want to have to do the realtors job and try and answer their questions

Other complaints:

Trying to schedule with less then 24 hour notice

Not leaving a card

Notification of schedule change

OCT

2008

We recently listed our home and despite the efforts of our realtor, have had little traffic. We would like to have an open house every weekend to capitalize on buyers who may be in the neighborhood looking at other listings. We recognize that we are not our agent's only listing and that she cannot possibly host an open house every weekend. Is it in poor taste to host our own open house if we make this known to the prospective buyers upon entering? I can appreciate the potential awkwardness of the buyers feeling like they need to censor comments, but on the flip side, we did all of our own renovations and an addition and would be able to answer questions regarding construction and condition of the property in great detail.

Hi Lynda,

I am not sure this is really an Etiquette question as it is a question on business marketing. However I can offer you my opinion. I feel that hosting an open house every weekend makes the seller look very eager to sell and eventualy the home will loose interest to the general public. (go stale if you will) I believe everyone is having a slow time with showings right now, with the all the negative news about home sales and the economy. It has been advised from our local news to wait a while before buying. I had buyers ready to go, and now they are waiting.

The biggest problem I see when a home owner shows their own home is they tend to get to wordy. They answer more then was asked and if the potential buyer decides they do not like "you" for some reason it can turn off a buyer real fast from purchasing your home. You might say something that will turn off the buyer and not realize it. As Realtors we know what questions to ask the buyer to get the most information from them.

May I suggest writing up a sheet of all your improvements for buyers to read.

JAN

As a buyer, I have a suggestion for agent etiquette: be knowledgable

If you don't know the answer, don't fake it.

I am purchasing with a VA loan. To purchase a condo, we have to provide the bank with the condo's VA approval #. First, my agent said it would be on the Title Co.'s documents - it wasn't. Then my agent said it would be in the condo association's documents - it wasn't. Then my agent said the bank should provide it - that didn't even make any sense, but I asked my bank about it anyway. Finally, my agent provided me with a VA #, but the bank quickly informed us that the VA # wasn't even the right # of digits. Eventually, my wife called the VA appraiser and got the correct # and gave it to the bank.

If we had the VA # 2 weeks ago, we would be in our house right now. Instead, we are still living in a hotel with two cats in the kennel and the moving company begging us to either store our things or provide an address to deliver to. The entire process was held up by that VA # that could have been obtained with a phone call.

So that's my advice: don't tell your buyers you know what you are talking about if you don't. ESPECIALLY when they have (1.) signed a contract with you (2.) picked out the home they wanted on the first day of showings (3.) have money in hand (4.) told you they needed the VA code on day one

Sorry if I sound frustrated. I just saw the home I am purchasing listed at a lower price than we are paying.

KW37, very good recommendation...........I agree if you do not know, say I do not know but I will find out. I have on one of my website that if I can help you, I will someone who can. I have several clients right now going for a VA loan, as soon as I know this I tell them to start the paper work as it is involved...........I am sorry you are having difficulty..........I hope you get to move into your home soon.

FEB

Here's a question - what do you agents think of a potential buyer and agent who viewed a home for the first time and began taking electrical/other tests/readings w/o asking permission of the homeowner, who was sitting right there? Isn't it proper etiquette to ask permission directly or at least clear it with the listing agent/owner agent prior? I would think taking inside pictures w/o asking the owner first is a simular breech of etiquette? It turned into a confrontatioal experience.

HI Frank,

Well taking pictures I have to say..........I recommend to my clients. As they can forget what they saw.....if they are taking the time to take pics........they like the home and want to remember it. Many times there will be no pics on line or not of the things they want to remember about the home, so there is nothing to go back to. If you look at 6-8 homes in a week/day it can be hard to keep them straight.

Not sure why they were taking "tests" that is usually done at an inspection. But they must of really liked what they saw and wanted to know more.

I also have to say it would of been nice to ask the owner sitting there, as I am sure I would have out of politeness.

However selling your home can feel invasive, and that is why it is good to leave the buyers agent and the buyer to look at the home.

I always tell my listing clients, you can not take the sale personal. You are selling the house and going to buy a new home. It is now a business deal, even if the agent should of politely asked I would not let it get to me.................they must of been very interested and wanted to learn more and the bottom line is this is a good thing.

MAR

Is it rude to call a real estate agent on a Sunday? I know they often work weekends?

Hi Buyer,

I would not call it rude, unless they have told you they do not work Sunday's, as some agents have that day for family and church.

Me- I work almost every day and take what ever day that works out to be my day off. I do not have small children so I am more flexible......

I tell my clients if my phone is on..........and I answer it is all good. I turn it off when I am off, so call me...........if my phone is off I will get back to you ASAP.

When establishing a "relationship" with your realtor, it good to discuss this.

MAY

I contacted a realtor on a Monday to make the initial appointment before house hunting. They said they would get back with once child care arrangements where made. It's been four days and I haven't heard back from them. Is it safe to say thay I can move on to another realtor? How do I approach this agent about moving on, if I should even approach them at all about it? Thanks

TJ,

I am hoping maybe she lost your number, I did have that happen to me once and the client called me back and I was embarrassed and thanked her for calling back. I have only made that mistake once.....but we are human. So if you wanted you could call her back and tell her you would like to interview her for the buyers agent position. Therefore not making any promises and then if this meeting goes well..............you can move on with her. If not, move on to another Realtor, there is nothing wrong with interviewing her for the job. I actually like it, it gives me a chance to tell people about myself.....: )

MAY

Hi! Quick question...

We have a friend who we would like to sell our home when we decide to move. Are we obligated to have her represent us when we are looking at homes to buy? Or, can we deal directly with the listing agent?

I don't want to offend anyone so I am wondering what your opinion would be in regards to the proper etiquette.

Thanks!

Sue

Hi Sue,

Good question! You should really use your agent that lists your home for sevral reasons. You should have buyers representation, she/he will look out for you in your buying transaction. Just as you trust this person to protect you when selling your home they will do the same when helping you buy. Also when listing a home it cost the agent much to advertise and market the home.......depending on the price of the home, it is the next purchase they make through us that makes us money........In our state of Michigan commission is paid for by seller so it cost nothing to buyer to have buyers representation, just good business to have someone watching out for you. Not sure why you would not want to you use your agent for both parts, but it would hurt my feelings! : )

Good luck in your sale and new home purcahse.

JUN

Hi,

Thanks for this blog!

How are we, buyers and sellers, supposed to know what is right or wrong when it comes to dealing with realators? I don't even want to say hi to one in fear of them thinking I am their client!!!

My husband is in a business that allows him to be very connected in the commuity. He has about 8 agents that are his clients(many working together out of the same office and refer a lot of new home owners to our business). We also know several others through our church and kids friends. They are all nice people but when word got out that we want to sell our house they all, maybe not all, seem to think they are going to be our agent. Feelings are being hurt and we don't know what to do. What are we supposed to do now that we know we want to move? How do we communicate with these people and still be able to show our faces in the community?

I feel like we are doing everything wrong. We bought this house 9 years ago and that had some awkward experiences with realators. This is our first house...and at this rate it will be our last b/c I am scared of all the realators. Unless we move out of state! Over the last 3 years we talked about moving and tried to sneek around in fear that this would happen and went to a couple of different open houses.....once in a great while, every 3-4 months someone would randomly send us an e-mail/letter about a house they thought we would like. More times then not we would never reply to them about it. We would also decide that it wasn't the time to move. I would never say we were actively looking but just trying to see what is around in this community, prices, style, whatever....but NOT a lot.

A month ago a house that was interesting but very out of our range went back on the market as a for sale by owner. They showed us their house....I loved it but still don't think it's for us (they seem mad at us because they need to get ride of it fast) It has taken the last month to get it even close to being ready to show but that house is what finally motivated us to try to sell ours. We were taking too long for the buyers and I don't feel comfortable dealing wiht them anymore anyway. We want to put it on the market but with whom?

What is the proper etiquette for the I-am-not-so-sure buyers/seller? And then for the I-am-ready-to-try seller/buyer? AND HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO KNOW THIS????? I feel like there are too many toes to step on in real estate!

Just feeling like I can't win unless I do it all for sale by owner. Please be nice to the ignorant people...it's not like we have a lot of experience selling and buying our houses.

Kate

JUN

Kate,

WOW! I read this and can feel your pain...........you sound like a very nice caring person!

AND HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO KNOW THIS????? - Well your not supposed to know this, that is why we have professional Realtors. A very wise man once said "you can not please all the people all of the time............" And this is true in your situation. I always say when it comes to buying/selling your home do not choose family or friends.........it never seems to go well. Find the best qualified person for the job. In this market many feel obligated to choose family or a friend as they NEED the business. However being nice may not be what gets you the best price for selling/listing.

I over heard a plumber once say............"I never give my friends a good deal on my services because they never shop me!"

The Realtors that send business your way, may not be the expert in the price range of your home to sell......... you need to interview just like you would for any other position you are hiring for then pick the best - qualified person for the job. You spend a whole lot of time with your Realtor, make sure you "like" them too.

My hair dresser was using her sister in law to sell their home, as she was new and needed the business. They wanted to keep peace in the family so they just listed with her. Not only did she not sell their home, but they lost a great spring season..............and have now decided to use a Realtor that is not family to sell there home (yes, me). There home is in the 1st time home buyer range, and this is most of my business.

Also, if I may add............as you mentioned you looked at a home that was out of your price range. so if you know you can not afford it or if you are not ready to buy NOW, may I say wait for the open house. (maybe you did view it at an open house, but this is happening a lot these days and wanted to make a point) Making people get ready for a private showing when you have no intent to buy the home is hard on the seller.

The seller is hoping with every scheduled showing that this "is the one" when they are really tire kicking. They have changed their personal plans, cleaned their home and what ever else to make this home available to the possible buyer coming through. Only to get feed back, that the buyer is not interested. A huge let down! Selling your home can be very invasive (even in the best situation) please do not tire kick with private showings.

So in conclusion.............get the best qualified Realtor for the job and stick to your guns...........if anyone one gets mad ( and yes there will be a few) this is their problem.

NOV

We have our house listed and have had many showings with lots of positive feedback. Yet there is one agent who has shown our house more than any other, and with return visits from the clients. Out agent says the showing agent is hard to deal with. Would it be inappropriate for me to call the showing agent and attempt to get information about what her clients are saying about our house.

Our house has been on the market going on 3 months. Every agent that shows the house says it should sell in the next week, but alas it has not. We are determined not desperate.

Thanks so much for this blog and any input,

Bob

Hi Bob,

Selling a home in this market that is not bank owned or short sale is a hard sell, no matter how nice the home is................that is how my market is anyway!

Talk to your agent and she how he/she feels about this. However I have had buyers contact me in this situation, and then I have always turned around and called the buyers agent to let them know we talked.

Also he could send an email to the buyers agent requesting feed back and copy you on it, and ask the buyers agent to reply to "all".

Be careful, one of the reasons it is good the have an agent is they should know how to handle these situations with out the "emotion" that can be attached from a buyer and/or seller.

Good luck with selling your home.

Thanks Michelle,

Our agent is on top of this and does request feedback via email and phone. I will use your advise and ask my agent if I could\should call the showing agent to see if it would make a difference.

Keep up the good work,

Bob

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