Can A Realtor refuse to show you property?
Approximately 20 years ago I was showing vacant land to a client (Mr. TW. Buyer) who already owned his home on Kauai. He explained he wanted some acreage. I showed him a number of properties but none were satisfactory to him. After a couple of months I explained to him that I didn’t want to show him property any more as I felt I couldn’t find what he wanted in his price range. 3 months later when I was walking my dog a police car pulled next to me and stopped. The police officer who moonlighted as a Realtor told me “Julie you’re my hero”. Confused I asked, “What are you talking about?” He said he was showing property to Mr. TW Buyer when Mr. TW Buyer told him that I refused to show him any more property, “Can she do that?” The Police Officer/Realtor realized that if I didn’t want to show him property, there was a very good reason. The buyer was a Time Waster, with no real intention to buy. Fortunately the other Realtor realized this on his first showing and did not waste 2 months of his time. (Thus the hero/thankful remark) Yes, a Realtor can refuse to show you property for a variety of reasons.
These days most Realtors are very careful to be sure potential buyers are financially qualified. This is often done by asking for the buyer’s lender prequalification or preapproval letter before seeing property. On cash offers a bank statement or letter from the buyer’s banker should suffice. If a potential buyer refuses to supply this proof of financial information then an agent may not be willing to show that person property.
Other reasons a Realtor may refuse to show someone property: The person is acting like a jerk or disrespectful. The person stood the Realtor up on a previous appointment. The Realtor is fearful for their safety. The person only wants the Realtor to show them property but wants to write up the offer with another Realtor/brother/friend who doesn’t have the time to show them property.
A real estate agent cannot refuse to show property based on illegal discriminatory practices as defined by state and federal laws.
99% of Realtors are paid by sales commissions produced only if they sell/close on a property. Since there is no hourly pay Realtors may be selective in whom they wish to show property too. The best way for a buyer to find a great property is to be honest with their Realtor who should have the buyer’s best interest at heart. As for Mr. TW he spent years looking but never did end up buying another property.
If you are interested in buyer or selling a property please give me a call. Julie Black Realtor 808 652-6174 or email me julie@kauaidreams.com.
Our office, Kauai Dreams Realty, is located at 1435 Kuhio Highway in the heart of Kapaa town.
Search all Kauai MLS properties here www.kauaidreams.com.
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