I agree... you have to recognize your responsibility.  It's funny, though.  The buyers are not always so "readable"  

Good post... Thanks

I have had a couple people do this.  Typically nosey neighbors. Its pretty annoying. I still don't know what to do either. 

Derek ~ I haven't had this happen, but I think that what you propose is fine. Surely, the individuals can respect that you do not wish to take time away from your clients.

Retha - thank you for stopping by and for commenting!  I agree with you.

Chuck - Yes, I believe more often then not they can be nosey neighbors.

Darleen - thank you for stopping by and commenting.  We are in agreement.

I've had that happen to me. If I am the listing agent, I let them in, and work around it somehow. If I am the buyers agent ...different story.

Good question, I'll be curious to read the responses.   

I've had this happen many times, and I'm uncomfortable each and every time.  I don't show properties unless the buyers have been approved for a loan, which means the mortgage person has their social, legal names, current address and they know I'm out showing properties with these buyers.  All this is for safety reasons.  If I let someone into the house that hasn't provided this information, and I end up dead somewhere, the police won't know where to start to look.  I've had some pushy people barge into the house no matter how many times I told them no, but there's only so much you can say without showing your bad side to your own clients as well.

Monika - thank you for stopping by and commenting.  Yes, as the Listing Agent I agree it could be viewed very differently.

Donna - wow, now that is an interesting spin on things!  Thank you for stopping by and commenting.  So do you not do Open Houses for this same reason?

I have had that happen..and if reminded me of a furniture sales person, who was walking around the store with me...while I was talking to her, she noticed another couple near buy unattended, in the middle of my conversation, she said, excuse me..went over, introduced herself, gave them her card, talked with them for a minute, then came back to me.... I told her I did not want to work with her and got another sales person......so there you have it.....

Konnie - Great point and very true!  Likely that salesperson cost themselves not only 1, but 2 sales!  Well, at least hopefully they did...

I don't let anyone into the house when I am there with my clients.  I too will pass out my card and then if they call I will walk them through the process for pre-approval before I will show them the house.

Cindy - that sounds very reasonable.  Thanks for stopping by and commenting.  Everyone seems to be on the same page with this one...

You are with and for your buyers. So, you have to tell other people that if they would like to see this home, than you can meet them here in a couple of hours.

Hi, Derek.  I think you're handling this well.  People can't really expect to butt in on a scheduled appointment.

Derek, I think you handled it well, if they pull up in the car when I am outside with my clients, I ask them if they care the other couple walk through? If not, then I let them look but I give them no attention as I am there for my clients. 

If you are ever confused about what to do in that situation, then just give your client all your attention. It's the easiest thing to do and they are already working with you, so, why risk annoying them?

Derek~ You did the right thing. Your Clients will appreciate your thoughtfulness towards them.

Derek, No, I do not do open houses.  I did that when I first got my license almost 8 years ago, and about a year into it, two agents got held up at gunpoint on the same weekend doing open houses, and I haven't done one since.  Open houses just welcome in strangers and you never know who these people are.  My safety is more important than a commission.

I would agree that you focus on the clients you already are showing.  The whole bird in the hand situation.  You don't know if the other prospective buyer is qualified.

I have had this happen. I think you handled it perfectly.

Good Job!

Janice Slaven

Derek,

Overall, I like your approach.  However, in today's buyer and security market place, I'd probably take a slightly different approach.  Advise the interlopers that you would be happy to show the property to them after the showing to your clients or provide them with the name of the listing broker.  This gives good service to both your buyer clients and to the seller.  I think we would all appreciate that approach from our fellow/sister Realtors who may be the listing broker.

Irina - thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment!

Karen - agreed ... thank you!

Missy - that is a good way to handle it.  Thanks!

JL / Doug - totally agree.  Thanks!

Donna - wow that is very scary!  Yes, I am not a big fan of Open Houses, either.

Matthew / Janice - thank you for stopping by and commenting.  I appreciate it.

Bill - thank you for commenting.

Haven't experience that yet.. but should I ever come across I'd probably approach it the same way .See how we're both on the same coaster at Docs? 

hahahahahaha - thanks, Mariana!  :)  I hope you are doing okay and can't wait to see you ...

I think your method of handling this situation is very ethical and fair to all parties concerned. Thanks for sharing.

It's rare. However, I would hand them a card, quietly, and tell them "I'm sorry, but we're in the middle of a private viewing for my clients".

"Give me your number and I'll schedule a viewing for you later today".

Kirk - Thank you for stopping by and commenting.  I like your approach as well.

Lisa - thank you!