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Is it OK to hitch-hike at a showing?

It's a beautiful day, as I drive up to a home in a well sought after development. My buyer and I look at the home from the sidewalk when someone pulls up and starts to ask questions about the house. I excuse myself from my client and answer a couple of basic questions they ask about the house. It's not my listing, and my buyers are standing there waiting.

Then comes the question... "So, do you think we can come through the house with you? We'd really love to see it!"

I'm sorry, but this is borderline rude, and I cannot allow someone to wonder around a house without knowing who they even are. Can they afford the house, or are they just thieves trying to see what they can steal?

And my poor buyers, how am I representing them if I agree to do this?

I politely gave the lookers my card, and said to give me a call and we can schedule something at another time. This will give me the ample time needed to spend with the clients that I am with, and also allow me to have the proper information on hand about the other buyers. I am sure if they are interested in the house and they want a shot they will get a look, but I cannot allow their whim to invade the time and showing of my client.

Posted by Diane Testa on 03/17/2008 10:19 AM

Comments (94)

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Post is included in group: RE/MAX Active Rain Bloggers

94 Comments on Is it OK to hitch-hike at a showing?

MAR

2008

I think you handled the situation appropriately for a lot of reasons - safety, security, professionalism, respect to your clients. Good job!

Great way to handle a difficult situation! People can be amazingly unaware of their rudeness and inappropriate actions.

Be of service! The rewards will come!

Hi, Diane. I suaully feel like I'm being watched or tested when that happens!

Diane:

You are 100% correct. It is extremely rude. Had the same thing happen a couple of summers ago and I'm happy to report I took the same tactic as you. Of course, never heard from the buyes, but really didn't expect to.

I think you did the best and right thing. I don't understand people and why they think the can intrude on your Clients time wiht you. My hunch says that they are just nosey and thought they could "snoop"

That wasn't borderline rude. It was just plain rude. There is a safety issue here as well. You have a responsibility to your clients and the homeowner. You don't know these people or if they are qualified to buy a home. Give them your card and take care of your clients. You did the right thing!

I think the way to look at it is "How would you feel if you were your clients" You did the right thing. Royal..

It's funny..

Your story reminds me of a time when I was showing a home to buyers. Another couple walked in while we were in there and just began walking around the home etc. (Which I thought was pretty rude of the agent).

I've sometimes arrived with clients at a home while another agent was showing and we just looked around the outside until they were finished as not to disturb them.

In this case however, these 2 people came up to me and started asking me questions about the home! A bit confused, I asked the person who I thought was the agent if she wanted to borrow my MLS sheet. It turns out . NOBODY WAS AN AGENT !

The woman simply informed me that her agent had his sons baseball game to attend and that it was a last minute showing so he "simply left his electronic lockbox key" for her at his office with the code. She picked up the key, (EVEN LEFT ONE OF HIS CARDS ON THE KITCHEN TABLE !!!!) and showed the home to her husband. (Great agent huh???)

She proceeded to then follow us around asking various questions about the home which I politely had to inform her I could not answer because I was with clients...

Great work on your "situation",. You reminded me of this one and I thought you'd get a kick out of it..

You handled things very professionally.... You and your clients have an appt... They don't... yet you are great about giving them the opportunity to see this house with you at a later time... Something that they presumably would want to do. As a brand new realtor I enjoy stories from experienced realtors like this. It could take me years to run into the same situation!! Thanks for the info

You handled it correctly. If I was your buyer and you left to show them the house, I would leave you.

You did the right thing. I am sure your clients appreciated your commitment to them as well.

A routine day in real estate. You handled it correctly!

I would have done the same thing and I believe it was the right thing. Did they ever get back to you? Can you see a scenario where you did let them in and now both wanted to put in an offer. I do not think your buyers would like that.

Hi Diane,

Your handling of the situation was right on the mark. At least from my prospective. As I read your post I thought what were those people thinking! Obviously they weren't.

Your client deserved your full attention which to your credit you afforded them.

Hare a great day!

Bob

An open house situation is one thing but this was a Private showing. Awkward at best but it goes back to one thing, the general public is very uneducated when it comes to real estate. You would think etiquette would come into play but again, when it comes to real estate so many simply think there are no rules. I've been in this situation before and it is uncomfortable. Informing them this is a Private showing and if they'd like to call and make an appointment for their own private showing is the way to go giving you time to pre-qualify them as a legitimate buyer. You certainly don't want to spend time with a tire-kicker and chance possibly losing the client or customer you have. Good job.

Diane...GOOD JOB. As a Broker, that is what I would hope my agents do. One in the hand is better than a 2nd one on the sidewalk. In today's world, you need to know who you are with.

Hi Diane,

I agree you handled it perfectly, if they are sincere they will call you to set up a showing. :)

This happened to me yesterday as I was touring a home for someone. They were driving by and happened to see us walking to the door (I had my family with me.). She asked how much and my husband asked her if they would like to see it. Of course she said yes but after further investigation, she is ALREADY working with an agent. Then why didn't she ask her to show her the house???

I was reading along, going to add my "Yes, you did exactly the right thing, and while it was rude, maybe they were new prospective buyers and didn't know the rules of etiquette as far as such is concerned (never mind it should be obvious)" comment and ran into Brian's and my jaw dropped.

What agent would take on the liability of just handing their lockbox key and code to a buyer? Any buyer?

I'm shuddering here.

Hi Diane, I think you handled the situation properly. Sometimes customers just get so excited and just want to see a house, so sometimes we as the Realtor, just need to help them understand how the process works best. Sometimes it is just so obvious for us to "see" because we deal with it on a every day basis.

You know, I bet that couple thought you were rude for refusing to let them join you on the tour. I would hope that you hear from them later to see the house with their own appointment, but I would guess that you won't. You instincts could have been right about them and they may have had other motives. Whatever they were thinking, you absolutely did the right thing.

I was recently working with a couple who split directions, one to look at the yard/view and another rushed in the front door. Like a sheep dog, I went to round up the wanderer to keep them together so they could discover, exclaim and enjoy the view together. Lo and behold, another couple had run in the door while I was rounding up the husband. I actually asked them to leave as I did not have an agency relationship with them, nor their name and number in case of emergency or future claims. I did it nicely, and handed them my card, but told them that for liability reasons they must schedule and appointment for later in the day. I didn't hear from them, but for all I know they were the neighbors.

Absolutely correct action.

We have no business admitting strangers to a person's home. We know our buyers. We don't know folks who just appear.

Good for you.

I just sold a home to a hitch-hiker, but i ran across him on preview not a showing. People driving around looking at property need help. Big time!

IMO: I would have not given them my card. I would have got there info.

Good Job!!

I think you did the right thing. Who knows how your buyers would have handled it.

You handled that situation perfectly. Great job.

I have had this same thing happen to me - because I knew the house was vacant and I asked my buyers if it was ok, I did allow them to come in and peek around. Maybe I did the wrong thing? They seemed nice...?

I totally agree! I actually had this happen to me and I was already in the house showing my clients and these people came up and walked in. I had to wait until they were finished and my clients were ok with it. We went to another house and those same people were already in the driveway my clients ask that I drive around the corner and wait until they get in theor car and leave, so I did. (they really were not ok with it)

Diana, great way to handle that, polite but considerate of all parties! Good job! Thanks for sharing and have a great week!

Great way to take care of everyone!

I've had that happen before. And i did exactly what you did. Give them a card and set an appointment. That is the professional thing to do.

I agree that you did the right thing. I have to wonder how many agents would have let these buyers view the property. In our area, unassisted showings are a rare thing. Usually the listing agent is there to show the property with the buyers agent. Your post reminds me how important this can be.

Thanks.

This sort of happened with one of my first sales. I was showing a house to my buyers and after they got in their car to pull out, a man ran over from across the street. The house was vacant and my buyers had no interest, so I walked the man through, and guess what???? He bought it!!!!

Diane, You did the right thing, but you knew that. I can't believe they actually asked to tag along. I think a more appropriate question for them would be "Could we set up a time to see this house?"

I bet that they do not call you for an appt.

Just a hunch

I have done the exact same thing and I sold the hitch hiker a home after I met them at my office and had them pre-approved. Some people just don't think and they think all we are there for is to let them into a house. You were polite to them and if they are a true prospect, they will call you.

You did a great job. In my mind, it is not a borderline rule -- If someone doesn't have an appointment, they cannot gain entry into the home. The seller and the seller's agent handle appointment and who has access to the home and when. I would be polite, just as you were .. good job.

You did th e right thing. The chance of a sale was slim and the risk too great.

Your quick thinking was right on. Wendy

Yea, that's like a hitchhiker wanting to go along on a test drive with buyers at a car lot! Or some "squatter" wanting to "sit in" on someone else's psychotherapy session! Or maybe a "curious fellow" wanting to "take a peek" during someone's doctor's exam! Geez, Louise!

Perfect response on your part!

Hi Diane, you handled the situation in the most professional and more importantly the safest way.

Exactly right -- you did a good job. There is no way of knowing who they are are what their intentions were in the situation. And you had clients after-all who your first loyalty and time was to. Good job.

Well handled. I would have also asked for their contact info, in case they don't follow up.

Diane:

Can people in this industry not be interesting? The other day when showing property the husband walks into this home and decides to light up a cigarette, he spied an ash tray and assumed that it was permissible to smoke in this home. Sorry --- no way. I was aghast at the behavior of this person.

I've actually asked if my clients would mind waiting just a minute and told the new people that we'd have to run through very quickly as we were on a time schedule, that if they were interested we could schedule a follow up appointment. I stay with them through every room and do a whirlwind three minute tour. Figure its better than trying to figure out schedules, they are already there, maybe they'll appreciate your effforts, etc. I haven't really minded it much the few times it has happened and I don't think my clients have either.

Lisa, creative problem solving.

Maybe these folks weren't rude, they just wanted to see the home and don't know the protocol and just thought Oh an opportune moment.

You definitely did the right thing. You can never tell who is really looking and who the thieves are. I wouldn't want to be responsible for someone's belongings being taken.

Boy that is a tough one to tell buyers ah no can do. I was with my wife when the same thing happened, she gave the card and they never called. Turns out they ised another agent and her buyers walked away. go figure.

Gary W., Thanks, I think safety and security were of utmost concern, which is why I responded the way I did.

Matt C., I did think that was the most appropriate way to handle that, but I am sure these lookers didn't think so. We shall see.

Mike E., I agree with you. I am sure had I taken them through the house I would be violating some rule.

Chris Ann C., If I don't ever hear from them, I still feel like I did the right thing. My client is getting my attention and service that they are hiring me to perform.

Joe A., I think they wanted to "snoop" too, they probably figure there is no harm in asking.

Teri E., My thoughts went directly to safety and the fact that I don't know if they are qualified or not.

Royal, Thanks, I always try and put my clients first, so that's exactly the right thought!

I think you handled it exactly right. You owe it to the people that scheduled your time to represent them completely. Great job

Brian L.! OMG!!! Maybe that agent can get the clients to go to closing without him too?? That is horrible... to give someone your supra key.... that takes the cake! Thanks so much for sharing your story!

Chris C., I am glad you got something from the story! Active Rain is a great place to learn how to handle situations that may come up in this field... no matter how long you've been in it!

Brian K., I wouldn't blame them either! I think that would have been the wrong thing to do!

Todd J., Thanks, I know they did, they also thought I was polite and the 'passer by' was a little too presumptious.

Jim C., Thanks, yea, we run up against some strange things in this industry!

Scott G., No, I have not heard from them, and OH, what a problem it would have been had they both wanted to put in an offer at that point in time... that would be grounds for a lawsuit I am sure!

Bob C., I think they thought they were at McDonald's and wanted instant gratification. LOL!

Bob E.,Thanks, you are exactly right. I don't show anything without a pre-qualification letter. Not even my own listings, and my sellers also comply with that.

William F., I am glad you agree. It is a tough industry and loyalty is so important to me, so that I why I make sure I give my clients just that... my undivided loyalty. Thanks!

Suzanne S., I am sure they will, if they were serious. I think I did the right thing either way!

Latonia P., I think she wanted instant gratification too! She didn't want to wait until her agent was available.

Tricia J.,That was a jaw dropper for me too! OMG, there is such risk in doing that!

Vickie Mc., I agree, maybe they were just excited, and felt, "Hey, worth asking??"

Jim and Maria H., Thanks, I really did not want to insult my clients, so I just told them nicely that we could set something up at a later date/time. Maybe they did think I was rude not to allow them, but that is a risk I had to take because I have a client that needed to come first right then.

Vickie N., Boy they were bold huh? Well, I think you handled that right! And don't you hate it when the buyers split up. I try and ask them to please stay together, some though, have a mind of their own and tend to try and wonder off!

Lenn H., Thanks! That's exactly what they expected too. No harm in them asking, but I also stood my ground.

Shawn H., I just felt it was an intrusion by them, so I didn't want to get too "salesy" with a prospect in front of the other buyer.

Richard L., Thanks, They did appreciate the way I handled it!

Ryan V., Thanks!

Emily L., I don't know if you did the wrong thing, just that my buyer needs my help, and some are probably more understanding about things like this. Also, my showing was not at a vacant property.

Larry D., Well, your people were more like 'stalkers' then mine. That is really rude!

Tony & Darcy, Thanks, I try and be considerate to all, you have a great one too!

Amy W., Thanks!

Robert B., I thought so. It was a little uncomfortable for my buyer with them asking to see the house.

You were wise to respect your clients who made an appointment - and also the seller, since you hadn't qualified these people. If you were alone and previewing, then you could perhaps qualify the and determine if you wanted to show it to them then - but while showing your clients, no.

Diane,

You acted correctly, of course. I've had to do the same thing on two or three occasions.

Just be polite, and maybe they'll call you and become new clients.

You did the right thing. If I were your client, I would not have wanted to "share" because of the short-sightedness of the other people. I would have been a little ticked with my agent if they did it.

I think you acted appropriately. Your primary responsibility is with the buyer's who rode over in your car. If I was your buyer and you allowed someone else in for our showing, I may have questioned my choice of agent.

I agree you did the right thing, plus you could been in a conflick of interest unless you had a limited dual agency signed by both parties.

Cheers, have a great day!

PS Did you Sell the House? :O)

You handled it great Diane. Taking care of your current clients takes priority.

Diane - first, congrats on being featured. That always feels good. Not sure they were being rude, that assumes they were aware of the dynamic that existed between you and your client. Like most comments above, we too think you handled it perfectly and did a great job.

Giving them y our card was the right thing to do, and if they are/were serious they would call. If not you didn't miss a thing.

Cheers

Diane, I had this happen to me before. I did the same thing. I gave them my card and they said "We are working with and agent" and handed me back my card. I get a kick out of the behaviour of others. I am convinced that we should all be required to have a PHD in psychology to be in this biz...LOL!!!

MAR

2008

Hi Diane...

Nice job on the way you handled the situation. The general public mostly does not know the fiduciary and legal responsibilities we have to our clients, plus other people's property...

A few years ago I had a man stand in the front yard screaming and pounding on the front door during a showing. I explained I was not the listing agent and I needed to look out for my clients interest. He'd told me right away he was working with an agent. It was a brand new bank owned listing in a sellers market.

I don't know what I would do if that happened to me. Interesting story and comments.

You handled the situation perfectly. I'm sure that your buyer clients were also impressed. Think how they would have felt if you would have brought those strangers into the house? They might not have said anything to you, but I'm sure they would've talked about it later to all their friends and family.

I've never had that happen...yet. But I think it will someday. I did have a car drive by a house as a client and I were getting out of my car to go inside. I ignored the car even though it appeared they probably would have responded had I gone to the curb. I thought, "I'm here with this client and they deserve my attention!"

the only time i allowed this to happen, i ended up selling my own home to "the hitch hiker!" the client who i was showing a vacant home to at the time didn't mind the "hitch hiker" tagging along... neither of them wanted the home, but the "hitch hiker" came to see my investment property i had for sale and purchased it! and my other client purchased another home as well!

you just never know how things will turn out....

You handled it perfectly. After all, your buyers would have been inconvenienced if you went ahead and showed it to the other buyer. But I do hope they call you for a future showing.

Katherine A., That is a solution to this happening, but I don't think scheduling showings would be easy if you need to accommodate 3 different schedules all the time... the listing agent, the buyers agent and the buyer.

Jimmy M., Thanks, I agree, but most don't think that way.

Tom B., My instinct is telling me the same. No call yet!

Dana B., I agree with you, just be helpful and polite, and there is a shot.

Joan W., Thanks. That is true, the sellers and their agency set the appointments allowing people in at their discretion.

Robert M., I think so, thanks!

Wendy B., Thanks! I'm glad you think so.

Thomas M.,Thanks for the analogies! They are right on the mark. LOL

Audrey H., Thanks!

Eugene J., Thanks... it's really scary what could happen if we are not cautious.

Bob & Carolin B., I tried to put myself in my client's place, there is no way I would want someone else jumping in if I were them!

Erica R.,I thought of that, but didn't think being that "salesy" would have been good at the time.

Lorraine & Loretta,OMG... I think I would have said something... nicely, but that if he wanted to smoke, please step outside.

Lisa F., Well good, if that worked then I guess it's an option. I just felt more obliged to the person that I was scheduled to show it to. Thanks for the idea.

Diane, I think you are right when telling them another time would be better. They would probably actually think it's great you are giving one on one time to your clients. Maybe they will recognize your respect for the customers time and hire you during their home hunting times. Funny thing is, that sounds like something my dad would do! Not as a rude or inappropriate gesture at all, but some people might think it would save YOU time by just letting them join you in the walk through, rather than having you come back in the future. ;) It's like killing two birds with one stone! Good luck selling the house!

Michael E., Yep, I think they were just hoping to grasp the opportunity!

Christy P.,I try and be cautious about other people's homes. That is their home, and even if they are trying to sell, it doesn't mean that everyone off the street should be able to come in. That is why we do pre-quals.

Dick B., That's a tough one!

The Bartley Group, Thanks, I felt that same way!

Sharon S., Thanks, I felt that I was there for them, not for the other people. I wanted to give them my full attention.

Brian B., Thanks, I am glad you agree!

Lane B., I think they would have too. I try and put myself in their place, and if I would not like it, I don't do it.

Bob S., Yes, exactly! I want my clients to get my dedicated service. If another buyer wants the same kind of service, they can call me.

Diane - You handled this situation in a very professional way. I would have done the same. If this ever happens to me, I'm going to remember your post.

Thanks for the input, a great way to handle a delicate situation.

Happy Sailing ... _/) Paul -- www.eNewsletterSolutions.com

Fred C., Thanks... not yet, but it's looking good!

Wayne P., I agree with you 100%. How can I give great service to 2 people at the same showing??

Gary B., Cheers right back! Thanks so much, it was such a pleasant surprise to be featured!

Kristi R., We do need a psychology degree to handle the stuff that we face. Boy, if the general public only knew, they would offer to pay us more... LOL

Joe H., I know they don't understand, that is why I politely explain then go back to my client.

You did the right thing. Before taking people to show homes you should know their name , tlephone number and address for security reasons. Besides you were with clients.

You handled it very well. I would tell them that I am work with someone that has hired me to work for them and my duty and responsibility is to that person. If they would like to hire me I will extend the same courtesy and respect to them and their time as I am with my current client.

thanks for sharing

Maureen M., Boy that must have been scary! I think I would have called the police to make sure I was not going to get assaulted by that guy!

Russ R., Thanks!

Jim S., I am sure they would have, and I am sure even if they had not minded, someone else would have pointed out how they felt that it was inappropriate.

Bob H., I am sure they were eager to talk to you and would have welcomed the opportunity.

Tamara D., That's great! I think if it were my listing I may have been a little more aggressive with them, but I did not think that my buyer would have liked that.

Diane B., Thanks, I hope they see how I was sincere and if they were interested they will call.

Erika B., Thanks, that is what I always try to convey, respect for my current clients is important to me.

Jessica B., Thanks, I am glad you got something out of this!

Paul S., I'm glad you agree with the way I handled it. Thanks for your comment.

Gina B., I couldn't agree more... who are they? Where did they come from? Can they afford the house? Too many unanswered questions!

Keith Z., Thanks! I like the way you put that!

No, it's NOT ok for a buyer to drive up and invade someone else's planned time... But they do it... You were correct in having them call you. What, on the off chance, they were crazy and robbed you and your buyers or something else.. No way. Set your own appointment!

It really shows you how other people have no respect for the job we do! To think they can just pop in and intrude on our true client's time is a disgrace. You handled it perfectly!!

Sandra,On odd happenings like this, safety is one thing I definitely think of... Thanks!

Misty, Thanks, I really don't understand why anyone would think that it would not be an intrusion, but I guess they figured there was no harm in asking.

MAR

2008

I agree... I think this was a great way to handle the situation. If I had been house shopping with my agent I would not have wanted our time interrupted by another buyer coming in. Plus you have no idea who they were, maybe they wanted to rob you or rob the house etc.

I have had this happen many times. I can't stand it because it puts us as the agent in an awkward situation. I will never let anyone I don't know to come through the house. I also lock the door behind me when showing houses so I don't have this happen with the uninvited people already in the house. Its also a safety reason!

You get a "10" for the way you handled the situation. I'm sure we've all had this happen, or will eventually. Way to go!

you go girl!

You handled it correctly. I have had this happen to me and i handled it in a similar way. There are many reasons why it is not okay but neglecting your clients to help someone else would be very rude.

MAR

2008

I, personally, have had this happen on a number of occasions and I've handled it exactly as you did. It was the only professional thing to do. You gave the courteously of an introduction to the potential new buyers while still respecting your existing clients. Anything more than that would have looked cheap and given you and our profession on the whole, nothing more than the look of a bunch of ambulance chasers.

Christina, Thanks, after talking to my buyers about it they really appreciated that I was polite but put them first.

David, You are right to lock the door. I also keep the key from the lockbox in hand as to have privacy with my buyer.

You handled it safely & very professionally! You go girl! I have had similar situations. I also give them a card & say call me! My duty is to the Buyer I am showing the property.

Reading down the comments about another agent leaving the lock box key pad / code for a buyer to "take a look themselves" while agent attends ball game...The agent should have reported the incident to the local board / MLS. You can lose MLS privileges for "little things" like that.

Dianne

Sometimes people just don't realize how inconsiderate they can be! Sounds like you handled the situation well, and more importantly, with safety first! Well done!

Diane

I think you did the right thing, you not only represent the buyer in this situation but also have a responsibility to the seller weather it is your listing or not.

MAR

2008

Elizabeth, Thank you so much!

Lucas, Thanks!

Scott, I agree with you. It would be rude to cut into my client's time like that.

Ron, Thanks, I think we already are trying to change the overall reputation of our industry as it is.

Dianne, I think that is a really, really sad way to handle a showing... I would never let someone get into a house themselves, no matter who they were. You are right, they should get penalized for doing that.

Tricia, Thanks, I think they really didn't want to wait was all.

Gary, That is exactly right. The house is occupied, and the sellers belongings are there. How could I feel secure showing them someone else's house if they are not my client, and I know nothing about them??

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