I hear what you're saying, Karl.  I, too, have experienced the behavior you have been dealing with.  I think you're right in that some of these agents have begun to have in a cut-throat manner, completely disregarding the manners and etiquette they should have at ALL times.

It is sad that people don't have the courtesy to extend themselves the same level that they would expect for their own listings.

Karl,  You are so right.  There is NO excuse whatsoever for any Realtor not to call and cancel or at least call you at some point even if it is to say, My client decided not to get out of the car and look.  I understand that you can't make your client go inside, but the telephone number is right there on the sign, just call it and say you will not be showing afterall.  It is common courtesy to say the least.  I don't understand how anyone can be so RUDE, either.   Vickie 

I don't see why they just don't pick up the phone and just call.  It's just a common courtesy

I've had a lot of that happening as well.  Yesterday an agent was calling my office to show a listing of mine when the showing instructions clearly stated to call listing agent directly.  When the office staff explained the showing instructions to this agent, she started yelling at them on the phone.  The kicker is that the agent had shown the property the day before and KNEW what the showing instructions were.  My advice to that agent, "Time to get out of the business". 

You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear... even if they do have a RE license! 

This is a big pet peeve of mine...although it is part of the business.  For this reason, I try to go out of my way to give all agents feedback on showing I do.  It's hard to explain to the sellers that "some agents won't call me back but I call everyone that comes through" or even worse in your case of not showing the home and without any notice of cancellation.  All I can say is rise above and continue to treat other agents and sellers with the respect they deserve.  I know agents like this and if I see they are showing one of my listings, I tell the seller don't expect feedback from this person...you get a reputation in the area...good or bad...Stick to the good!

Tim, along those same lines is another recent experience of mine.  Agent shows a listing of mine.  I called for feedback, but had to leave a voicemail message.  Time passes.  Two weeks later I show a listing of hers, she calls me for feedback, leaving a message, but says "Oh, I guess I owe you feedback on your listing at.....  Here it is."  I loved it, and she got feedback from me within an hour of her call.

We are definitely seeing more and more of the rudeness, even between agents.  I hope you don't experience anymore rudeness. Great job blogging.  Lu

As Realtors we are business people.  Thee are certain protocalls to conducting business.  These "rude" agents who do not inform the lsiting agent of a cancellation are not business people, and probably won't last in the business.

As Realtors we are business people.  Thee are certain protocalls to conducting business.  These "rude" agents who do not inform the lsiting agent of a cancellation are not business people, and probably won't last in the business.

Most of us have probably been in the position of the seller.  It is extremely stressful to be working, taking care of kids, and keeping a house in pristine condition for potential buyers.  Then for an agent who should know how the seller feels, to make an appointment and not keep it, is extremely rude.  The agent could have done a driveby and determined that the lot was too small without inconveniencing the seller. 

We are homewoners selling a beach cottage in Southern California.  The market here is still moving albeit slowly.  While most agents have been professional we find at least two or three per week are showing my home and not leaving business cards or a note to let us know they have been in our house.  Needless to say, this very upsetting. 

We make a point of leaving the home nice and clean.  On the weekends we leave for most of the day so that agents can have the freedom to show.   We even put a sign on the kitchen counter asking agents to leave a card or a note (even left post-its and pens so there was no excuse!) to let us know they were in the house.  Even with the note, we have one agent show the house last Tuesday and did not leave a card.  We found out from our agent when he finally returned her call on Friday.

What is up.  Its extremely disconcerting to coming home and find no cards on the counter, yet we can tell someone has been in our home.   Is this an unethical practice? What recourse do we have?

We want to sell out home and appreciate the showings but this is wearing us down....

J&J, Southern California