I have no problem with them.  It is a tool for a listing agent to use to gather valuable feedback for a seller.  They what other's opinions if the house is priced appropriately and how others are viewing the value in the home.

There are some questions that we would not answer as it gives away too much information about our client. But there are other questions that we would not have a problem answering. But in reality if the client is interested then there likely may be an offer, and of no offer, then the client apparently went elsewhere.

Debbie, I personally don't like it. First of all I'm way too busy to answer frivolous questions for another Realtor or anyone else. By the time the agent reads the remarks I would have already rescheduled the house for another showing or I would be taking my clients down the road. I believe in feedback when possible at least for occupied homes for the sake of the sellers but this seems like just too much! JMO.

Feedback when there is no interest is just to appease the seller anyway. It won't change the circumstances. If the house needs paint they probably knew that already. What can we tell them that could possibly help them in the selling of the home? If they have a good agent the agent has already gone over it all for the people to start with.

Standard answer, it just wasn't right for my client but you have a nice listing. If I have to tell that agent that it stinks, is overpriced or outdated the agent isn't doing his or her job.

Great post. Really made me think. Thank you!

Later in the rain~Deb

Feedback form is a great communication tool for the listing agent to the seller. Sellers want to know the outcome of the showings and if they have an interested buyer. Thanks to all the buyer's agent that take the time to fill them out. 

Debbie: I personally like the feedback forms. It is a great way to provide information to the seller.

We ask other agents opinions when we do the agent showings so maybe the forms are about the same.

Debbie:  I never even gave any thought whatsoever to the points you have brought up.  Now that you have put them right in the middle of my mind's eye... they make so much sense.  Thanks so much for sharing... you have given this a whole new perspective.

Feedback forms are a good thing, Debbie. It demonstratres a measure of goodwill and cooperation. Maybe even taking the concept a bit beyond what is expected. I think that your clients will appreciate it overall. The price inquiry is very important. It's not a full blown broker price opinion, but it allows you to exercise your market savvy. I think the lenders look at our opinions a little more today than they did before and the broker's opinion of price may become a starting point for the seller more in today's real estate market than ever before. The REO's are really banking on the BPO. We're not skirting the appraisal, nor using approaches to value. We're just trying to work cooperatively in conjunction with an appraisal because the lender requires it, and your opinion of price gives your client a glimpse of what to expect. Have a great weekend.

Debbie, I always completed feedback forms until I had a bad experience.  In this one instance the seller's agent had the system set up so the form would go directly to the seller.  I was perfectly honest in my remarks, but answered the questions thinking the seller's agent woud convey my opinion to the seller.  In this case, the seller took offense and contacted me directly in a scathing email.  I was shocked!

Debbie - I don't have a problem with feed back forms. In my opinion is a great way for listing agents to keep sellers informed of why buyers move on to other properties. 

I always bristle a little bit at the price question if the house is grossly out of line with the market.  I've seen agents use feedback to browbeat sellers into a price reduction because they couldn't get them in line with the market on their own.  I don't want to be the blunt instrument, so to speak.  Some might see it as a little non-cooperative but it's the listing agents job to ready the house for the market... at least that's what my sellers pay me for. 

Congratulations on the feature!

Debbie, I like them as far for office or board caravans.  I do like feedback forms with what they liked and didn't like, it gives us ammunition to tell Mr. Seller that I know Bright Orange is your favorite color, but not everyone likes it in the family room.  Things like that, I don't think that it is a good idea to discuss price with an agent representing a potential buyer, I think that affects the negotiating position of the seller somewhat.(at least there is a perception that it does) 

Personally I like feedback forms it gives me something to show my seller on how better they can sell their home.

I am starting to do feed back forms. It give me ideas where I need to improve.

Hi Debbie - looks like I'm in the minority on this one.  I don't like them, I don't use them on my own listings nor do I like them when I show other's listings.  If my buyer has potential interest, I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize my buyer's position or potential negotiations by giving any opinion on the house we saw.  If they have no interest, we just move on.  If they do have interest, an offer will be forthcoming. 

I also do not chase agents who show my listings for feedback.  I know if their buyers are interested, they'll be calling me with either an offer or some followup questions.

I don't feel it's my job to help the listing agent do what they should have been doing all along - they know if the house needs work, they know if it's priced too high, they know if it smells offensively, if there's too much stuff in the house, etc.  They don't need to use me to be the bearer of bad news that they couldn't find a way to tell their own client themselves.  That's what most try to use feedback for here in my areas.

I just heard a very good speaker this week say to get rid of the feedback forms and quit hounding the agents who showed your listing for feedback - if they liked it you'll know it, if they didn't you'll know that, too.  You either get an offer or you get follow-up questions, or you hear nothing, in which case they were not interested.  You do your do job for the seller getting them to price it right, get it in good condition and ready for showings, and it will sell.  Do your job for the sellers and don't expect the other agent to help you do it - that was his message regarding all the chasing of feedback that goes on.

Sorry for the very long comment - guess I should have made this into a post......   ;-)

Ann

I think the best feedback forms are comments only.  The other ones I click they might be interested, the price is too high, and the home showed fair.

Hi Debbie-Yes I have sent these out before and it sounds like it is from the same company called 'Home Feedback". I did get alot of feedback from other realtors and I will answer them back. There is a place where you can add comments and/or you don't have to answer the question. Seems like this was a better way for me to get feedback. The listing agent has the option of changing the questions to whatever they like. 

My sellers always liked the fact that I was getting feedback from them. Guess it is just a personal choice. Hope this helps. 

Debbie, 

I don't use them and I don't like them.  People send them out but I find them very biased with a purpose to channel you into their little "box".  The first one I got I did fill out and send back but it greatly annoyed me.

Personally I feel a phone call is much more personal and allows an agent to share their true feelings or just let you know their lack of interest.

I have had listing agents call me and if the house was a wreck, I told them so, if the owners followed me around the house and pointed out every feature and told their life story I would tell them.  The same goes with price. 

BUT I would not put any of those things on paper because one never knows what can be used against them when something is put in writing.

I think showing agents should be honest with feedback but not be asked to put themselves at risk nor should they be pumped to reveal the intentions of the buyer that they are working with.

That's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it!!!

Debbie,

That's a loaded question:)..I personally don't use them and rarely call agents for feedback..half the time when I did they either don't return your call or can't remember because they showed 30 others and didnt take notes...seriously...if there is feedback it will be an offer...if there is not offer then the client isn't interested. Sellers seem to get insulted more than les when you give them negative feedback from other agents. Price is a question that really should not come into play...the listing agent and seller should know where there price should be if they did their homework. I'm not saying you shouldn't but it's my preference not to use them.

I see no problem with the feedback form.  Here in Hilton Head, we are able to process them through email.  However, having said this, I would always be cautious how I filled it out if I had a truly interested buyer.

Debbie,

As a listing agent I always want to get feedback. The sellers are looking for it and I think we owe our fellow agents the courtesy of our opinion. In many cases the listing agent will use that feedback to get the seller to make the improvements to make the house more marketable. I rarely get feedback from the agents in my market who are mostly buyers agents. They either don't want to take the time because they are sooooo busy, and figure if their buyer liked it they'd have made an offer.  But I usually get good constructive feedback from the agents who either are mainly listing agents or do a good bit of both.

You don't have to answser all the questions on the feedback form either. If you think one will hurt your negotiations down the road leave it blank. But do give the agent the courtesy of responding somehow!

My feed back will be attached to the offer to purchase

Wow - what a range of feelings about the form!  First of all, CONGRATS on the feature! 

Maybe the showing feedback form is more market area driven.  In our area, it is typical for listing agents to HOUND buyer agents for feedback and since we are in south, it is very impolite and an insult to the listing agent to not respond. 

I really feel that we should consider taking the agents out of the picture here for a minute.  A seller has taken the time to clean up, get out of the house and INVITE you into their home.  The buyer has taken time out of their day to ACCEPT THE INVITATION.  My feeling is that Miss Manners would now say that a thank you note from one to the other is in order.  Isn't a feedback form just that - but from one agent to another instead (out of respect for the agency relationship)?  "Dear Angie, thank you for taking the time to show your buyer my listing.  If you wouldn't mind, please answer a few short questions about the property and what your buyers thought".  For the buyer's agent to not respond at all is rude.  If you don't want to answer the questions then just say, "Thank you for allowing me to show the listing.  Per my agency relationship with my buyer, I am not permitted to divulge any confidential information.  Best of luck to you and your gracious seller".

Tina in Virginia

Debbie -

I truly feel we listing agents owe feedback to our clients.  The information we garner helps us course correct our marketing emphasis, and also provides support should we need to reduce price.

We do four email feedback requests from Centralized Showing Service (showings.com) automatically, and get about 60% general response).  Those that don't respond to the emails, our admin follows up four times on the phone.  In total, we get about 70% response.

You know, some agents get offended by the follow up.  But many of these same agents are quite upset when you don't respond to THEIR feedback calls!

As a listing agent, you have to do your job - not cater to the egos of those too "busy" to respond to feedback requests.  We're pretty busy, too - but we always try to respond to requests from the listing agent for feedback.

It's just professional courtesy!

My thoughts, anyway!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Debbie,

I typically dont fill ou the feedback forms.  If the selling agent calls me, I will provide feedback.  Like others have said, there is way too much email in my box, therefore feedback forms are usually considered a step above spam.  The thing I dont like about them is that most of them are automated (if the company uses some sort of reservation center), so they come off as rather impersonal.  If you want to know what I thought about the property, take the time to pick up the phone and call me.  Would I answer the question about the price....absolutely NO. We will talk about price when we get to negotiations.  Why would I tell the other agent that the price is about right or low?  That would not be in the best interest of my client.  The only answer I would give to that question is that the price seems high to my client.  Since I am working as a buyers agent, I have a fiduciary responsibility to my client. 

I like feedback forms, and I feel it is important to give feedback to listing agents.    I would much rather send feedback by email than by phone.   Why is it any different when the listing agent calls you on the phone and ask for feedback vs. doing it by email?  

I detest feedback because I value the agency relatioship and laws!  When I receive one, I can't even remember by address so it better include a picture.  I enter between 50-100 homes a week for bpos, buyers and renters.  When I get one of these I don't fill ANYTHING out.  I say "thanks for allowing me to show this home" OR "bpo".

I feel as a list agent, it is my job to give the feedback to the sellers in regards to pricing strategies, showing and presenting the home.  It isn't the job of other buyer's agents who do not have an exclusive agency agreement with the sellers.  If I show a home that is out of whack, for example, an unsecured vacant property that appears to have property stolen from it, I will most definitely let the list agent know.  Otherwise, I keep my feedback to myself.

Kat,

I feel like it is more personal and that you took the time to get my opinion.  Letting an automated program send out feedback forms......nah, I don't like it.  But thats just me :)

In addition to Tina's excellent point about manners, here's something else you might want to consider... 

When a Listing Agent uses HomeFeedback (or any other on-line system) to track responses from Showing Agents, the homeowner is given access to that information.  They see which agents have responded and which ones have not.  (and these people talk to their friends and neighbors)

If you list in the same area, you should consider the subtle message you are sending to the public and a potential client.  

Patty Keller, AnotherME 

The emailed feedback forms are o.k., but I still prefer the phone call and a little conversation.  If I do get the emailed form, I only check the boxes that I have an opinion on or can answer.  Sometimes the other agent does need us as, "a blunt instrument" to get their seller into reality.  This is a cooperative business after all, and I've found that often, sellers need to hear it from another voice, another angle, or more than once to be able to react to the message.

Buyers agents have been successfully sued for giving feedback.  It is unethical.  I make it a point not to give feedback.  This is a relic from sub-agency where everyone represented the seller's interest.  That hasn't been the case for years.

I'm curious from Jim. How has a buyer's agent gotten sued for giving feedback? I respect his opinion a huge amount and learn alot...so I'm wondering.

Debbie..  I think these forms are a complete waste of time.  They are too generic.  You have to choose an answer, but what if none of the choices come close to what your clients feel?  The one question that totally annoys me is the What did you think of the price?  I would love to answer this one "IF YOU HAVE DONE YOUR JOB RIGHT, YOU WOULDN'T NEED TO ASK THIS."  I usually just delete them.  I will be glad to answer any question the listing agent has... but call me.  Go the extra mile for your client.

Good post!  I like the feedback forms, because I forward them to my sellers.  I have found that many agents go into greater detail about what their client liked or disliked about the home, which is helpful when needing to stress a point to the seller.  It's also much easier than endlessly calling an agent for feedback, who will never take the time to call back to answer.

When I am responding to them after showing a home, I never answer the price question if my buyer might have even a remote interest in the home.  There is nothing wrong with leaving a question/answer blank if you feel it is giving away too much information.  If my buyer has no interest in the home because of some other factor (layout, etc) and not price, then I will be honest with our price opinion and will answer the question. 

I never answer the price question. Usually I just say they're either not interested or that "they may be interested, please let me know if you get any offers" in the comments section. 

To answer LaNita...There was a showing of a property of a buyers agents and his clients.  His clients said they were not interested.  The listing agents called the buyer agent for feedback and the buyers agent told them the home was filthy, over priced etc.  Two weeks later the buyers sad they changed their mind and wanted to buy that home.  When the buyer agent submitted the low offer, the sellers recognized that was the agent that gave feedback, and the seller decided to hold firm in price.  At the closing table guess what happened?  The buyer asked the seller why they did not negotiate at all with them?  The seller said because of the buyers agents feedback!  The buyer sued successfully!  If a  buyer agent says the house is great, in effect what he is saying is "My buyer will pay full price!"  If the buyers agent says the home was a dump, he has played the hand that they are coming in lower. 

A buyers agent is under a signed agreement to represent the interest of the buyer only.  What makes any agent think that they can betray in any fashion the opinion or confidence of their buyer?

I have used feedback forms at broker's open houses.  As a listing agent, it's one thing I can show the seller I'm doing but it's no skin off my teeth if an agent doesn't fill one out.  And if I'm asked to do it, well, if I have time and/or it's an agent I work with on a regular basis I'm happy to do it.  IF my buyer was particuarly interested in the home, I'd be very circumspect.  Let's face it, if we were to take this to the extreme that some of the commenters have, we'd be violating our clients trust just by presenting their offer lest the seller think the buyer actually liked their home!

I think the feedback can be very good for the listing agent. Should the price be too high assuming other agents and clients respond that way or if there are problems with the property it gives the listing agent information to go back to the seller and get them corrected. However, if your client is interested then I would be careful.

I think the feedback can be very good for the listing agent. Should the price be too high assuming other agents and clients respond that way or if there are problems with the property it gives the listing agent information to go back to the seller and get them corrected. However, if your client is interested then I would be careful.

Debbie, 

I show don't mind completing the form.  I don't like the dunning messages when you don't have it completed within 2 days.  I personally think that it is better than the dreaded "feedback telephone call".  Inevitably, the agent calls just as you are starting to show property or in the middle of another telephone call.  YIKES!!  I can't talk.... anyway the seller really needs the feedback for pricing and showability.

Feedback forms are very usefull to listing agents. As a buyer agent, so long as you do not disclose your clients motives it would be ok. You should read every question carefully to make sure it does not jeopardize your negotiating position.

Great post

As the form stated...what to "you" think of the price.  I have no problem telling agents what I think of the price if my client is not interested in the home.  If there is an interest I usually select other or n/a

Yes I fill them out with EXACTLY what the buyer tells me.  I can't believe how many agents don't bother to even ask what the buyer thought of the property. How can you sell them something if you don't know what their likes or dislikes are?  I think inexperienced Buyers Agents are nothing more than glorified transport taxi's - open houses on wheels.  Agency relationships have nothing to do with it.  Gas prices aside. I think that 1 out of 10 actually give me constructive feedback on the sellers house. It's actually a pitiful percentage.

How can that effect your buyer relationship if you give YOUR opinion on the price?  Most of the time the buyer won't know.

These forms are common in my market, Debbie.  As the sellers' agent, I always diligently pursue feedback for my sellers, trying not to cross the line into harrassing a buyers' agent because that would be counter-productive for my clients, the sellers.

As a buyers' agent, I always use the feedback form to (1) maintain good relationships with my peers by responding quickly and (2) set up any potential offer from my clients by indicating the price is high and some improvements are needed; I don't feel it is appropriate to indicate my buyer-client is/is not interested in the property prior to submitting an offer. We don't have transactional agent in my market, so I don't know what is/is not expected of them, legally speaking.

'Really like your custom blog - very effective photo header layout, Debbie.  Nice job!

Debbie, Certainly an interesting questions and from the comments I can see the pros and cons of a feedback form.  Congratulations on your feature!

Love to get them, hate to fill them out. :-) Great comments here, an excellant post. I'd like to see a; what are the "best" questions to have on the feedback form and what questions you not have on the form.

I don't use them, rarely fill them out, but I do call agents who show my listings a second time, and I call the listing agent if I have a very interested buyer.  There simply is not enough time to give feedback on every showing, or call every agent who shows a listing.  My philosophy is we will hear from agents with an interested buyer, and I will call if I have a serious buyer for a property.

We dont send out forms, but we do call the other agents for feedback.  If we hear the same complaint over & over, it is a good thing to tell the seller everyone else plus us think this needs to be addressed!

I always leave feedback, because I would like for feedback to be left for me.  The pricing question is always a sticky one, though, especially if my buyer is considering making an offer.  If they ARE going to make an offer, I just skip that question.  If they aren't, I go ahead and put in my two cents...

I don't think the feedback is so much for the agent as it is a tool. You can tell a homeowners anything, but if people start telling them the same thing it's different.

I think feedback is very important - both to give and to get. You do need to be careful what you say and how you say it. It is not unethical to provide feedback, IMO, it is our job.

Jim:  Thanks for the explanation above, I was wondering the same thing.  Can you point me to the case law, please?  I can't say that I've ever heard of an agent being sued for providing feedback - at least not in Colorado.  Must be in a different state.  I also must confess that it's been a year or so since I've read the entire Code of Ethics front to back.  Can you point to a provision that would prohibit feedback?  Thanks.

We don't like or use the forms.  I think it takes away the personal touch and relationship building with other agents.  Building good relationships with other agents is key, in my opinion.  I think in this technology era, too many agents rely on the computer to do everything for them.  I do think that computers, internet, and technology are good for our business, but I do think that we still have to do our part.  If our clients don't value us and our opinion enough, and instead would like to hear the same thing from other agents, then maybe we aren't the right fit for them.

I don't see a problem with feedback forms. The agent is asking for feedback in order to do the best job he or she can. I simply wouldn't answer any question that made me uncomfortable.

I think everyone's opinion is based on a) whether they usually work for buyers or sellers (most sellers agents LOVE and appreciate feedback from other agents), and b) depends on how long you've been in the business. If you're a new agent who primarily works with buyers, then I can see why you would be annoyed at these endless requests (I know I was as a newbie!). But once you have 'walked a mile in someone else's shoes' as a listing agent, your opinion of these forms will change. I don't think it has to do with the listing agent not doing their job or being lazy as some have implied; I think the opposite is true: Homefeedback is a subscription service that costs money every month & the listing agent pays for it. The listing agent cares about the opinion of all who enter; opinions are subjective, and maybe your client's insight is different from that of the listing agent or the seller. Let's not forget to humanize the seller for a moment: Having a house for sale is NO fun & a part time job if you are living there. When you've spent all day cleaning it for a showing, taking your kids and your pets out of the house so the buyers can have a pleasant showing, lit all the candles, etc. isn't it just common courtesy to say 'Hey, they didn't like the lot' or 'Too much Clutter' so they can make their home show better in the future? And isn't email so much more convenient than the phone calls? OF COURSE if your buyer is interested, then don't fill out the form, it's 100% optional.

Thank you for this great discussion... I will go back to your comments but two in particular caught my attention -

Joe Virnig said, "I have used feedback forms at broker's open houses..." I think that is an important distinction to make. Giving MY feed back at a Brokers open house, in my mind, is very different than giving feed back after a showing with a customer or client.

Jim Crawford re-enforces my belief that anything we say on these forms could have a negative impact on negotiations.

I have used the feedback forums, and I generally ask agents their opinion of price when they are on broker preview. Also, it is good feedback to give to the sellers.

I really do not care for them...a short response box is about all I have time for...and I always give feedback.

Markelle - You bring up great points for discussion. I agree that having a home on the market is almost like having a full time job especially if you have children!

However, I am primarily a listing agent, in the business for a little over seven years. I do not use feed back forms. As the listing agent, I feel I should know how the home is priced, I should know if my seller has "clutter" issues or "dirt" issues. Personally, I choose to use my money in promoting the property for the seller vs. using my money to seek feed back...

Even though I am newer to the business I have had more listings than buyers.  I still don't care about feedback because price is the #1 motivator on getting traffic into a house and getting it sold.  If more agents in the valley believed that, there would be 12000 less homes on the market today!  I am just coming back to restate my case :)

Almost sounds like it is the first stages to a negotiation.  Our feedback forms are more generic but cover the same ground.

Debbie~ I guess I am one in those agents that get on a Buyer's agents' nerves...as I send out automated feedback request forms and feel strongly that an agent can communicate their Buyer's opinion without revealing their position regarding a potential offer...as a matter of fact, I wrote a similar post last week (although mine was from the Listing Agent's point of view) and it's really interesting to me to see the comments we both received and to compare. It's good to see everyone's opinion of this so that I have more of an understanding when I don't get responses...Feel free to check out my post! :)

Hey Debbie,

its me.... kool blog..

Quite frankly most realtors have no idea what their customer thinks of the house unless it is the one they want to buy, because they don't bother to ask the buyer what they think most of the time. I gave up long ago asking agents showing my listings for feed back, half the time they had shown so many homes they can't even remember which house was which. If they do remember they give you some generic answer like "They didn't like it"  "they liked another house better" unless you are willing to grill them and they are willing to be grilled you are not going to get any valuable feedback..move on

I have no problem with these questions. Your answer to that question comes from you and doesnt change what the buyers will offer or the motivation of the buyer.

Everyone should pay close attention to Jim Crawford's comments in regard to feedback.  Renee Burrows made a great point in her comment, too.

Buyer's agents should really be very careful if they choose to give feedback - their loyalty and fiduciary duty is to their buyer, not to the listing agent or the seller of the home they showed to their buyer-client.

Ann

Hey, Sis :)

As the listing agent, I feel I should know how the home is priced, I should know if my seller has "clutter" issues or "dirt" issues.

Well, there ya go.  I have been saying this forever.  If the L/A can't tell whether a house has issues, then they probably need a new job.  I don't need feedback to an incorrect listing price or the clutter in the master bedroom.  We should all be dealing with those issues long before the house hits the market, no?

Hi Debbie, you raise a good point.  I've generally seen these form in open houses/Realtor tours.  More often than not it appears the listing agent is trying to get additional support to encourage their seller that they really need to listen to their Realtor's advise.  When I show a house, I'd almost prefer to get a written feed back form versus getting a telephone call asking about the showing.  In this area, many sellers expect their agent to get feedback.  I wouldn't hesitate about saying a house is over priced, if it is, but I'd never tell someone that its too low.  

Congrats on getting featured.     

Debi - I'd rather respond to an e-mailed feedback form, which I can answer at my convenience, rather than play phone tag with an agent or assistant. I only answer the questions that I want to, and ignore the rest. If I don't like any of the questions, I'll make my general response in the comment section. Generally I'm representing the buyer, so won't give away any negotiating leverage.

We are lucky to have CSS   www.showings.com  here, and they not only prompt the showing agt for feedback, it comes to us, the listing broker.  We forward every feedback email on to the Seller which is a great marketing tool!  Seller's WANT the feedback!

Debi - Wow I never thought that this subject could cause such an uproar. Feedback is something I was trained to give when I began in this business in the 90's. It is a courtesy to the seller and their agent, as mentioned here, who have worked to get their home in "show condition". If I have a problem answering one of the questions I simply leave it blank. I will comment if only to simply thank the seller for allowing the showing. I guess that as the world is today we can be sued for anything we say, does that mean we should stop communicating???

Judy - You bring up a good point - most of us were trained to give feedback.

Right on Judy!  It's a professional courtesy and you should know not to give feedback that would compromise your clients.  I still am not sure about the case law mentioned in the law suit above.  I'd really like to know what the circumstances were and where it happened.

The way I see it, the agent is asking for YOUR opinion on price. In some ways, it's like doing the listing agent's job for them, but if I think they are way off the mark on price, I will tell them. I don't tell them what the buyer says about price, though.

As for the forms themselves, I don't like them. I don't use them myself. If i want to kn