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Hey Listing Agents - What does "Will Honor" Mean?

By
Real Estate Agent with Hollish Hill Group, JPAR Stellar Living

I recently wrote a blog post titled "Should I go to Open Houses?" so I put a lot of thought into some of the etiquette around Open Houses. This is my first post on this topic and as an exclusive buyer's agent, I admit, I've never worked an Open House. Ever. OpenHouse

So I thought I'd ask the listing agents and traditional agents to comment on this question that I receive quite often. It is:

What does "Will Honor" Mean?

It seems that on some Open House advertisements, the ad copy ends with the words "Will Honor" and that is confusing to some buyers. 

I think it means that the listing agent welcomes buyers who are working with another agent to attend the Open House. They will respect your agency relationship. They represent the seller and believe it is in the best interest of the seller to get the home as much exposure as possible. 

I also tell my clients that they still need to disclose the fact that they are working with an agent. 

So, listing agents, is that how you would explain it? 

 

Posted by

______________________________________________________________________

Dana Hollish Hill
REALTOR * Broker * Coach 
JPAR Stellar Living
800 S Frederick Ave, Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
office 301.944.9070  
cell  202.271.5301
web danahill.jpar.com

Comments (5)

Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Yes, I but i don't see that term used as much these days. Maybe because of less open houses, and more information and pics available online.

May 15, 2014 02:47 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Dana I have heard that saying Will Honor and I've certainly used it in the past. If somebody has an agent I find out upfront and let them be.  As for my buyers if they're going to be doing open houses they are armed with my cards as well as a buyer broker in place. That always works fine.

May 15, 2014 06:01 AM
Dana Hollish Hill
Hollish Hill Group, JPAR Stellar Living - Bethesda, MD
REALTOR * Broker * Coach

Jeff - I agree. I haven't seen it as often as I did in the past.

Anna - it looks like you and I agree on how to handle a "will honor" Open House.

May 15, 2014 06:53 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Dana,

The last three homes I sold were my listings. All three buyers told me they were being represented by other agents. I did honor the agency relationships and sold successfully. I was also honest with the buyers and all three stayed at the Open House for a long period of time without their agents.

Jun 10, 2014 12:03 AM
Dan Hopper
Dan Hopper - Gold Way RE - Westminster, CO
Colorado Broker / Referral Services

I would think, that working your own listing at the open house, you were hired by the Seller to sell their home at the highest profit and fastest time frame the buying market will dictate.  I do not believe that it is a good idea to ignore the buyers represented by other brokerages, due to their agent not being there. That is why it is called "OPEN HOUSE".  Open to all prospective buyers.  Good job, Dana!

Jun 10, 2014 12:33 AM