I had a couple approach one of my listings today to "pop by and take a look."  While I'm happy to have the traffic, I came to find out that they have a Realtor who represents them.  When questioned, the couple admitted that their realtor had sent them over. Of course, my homeowner told me that the Realtor was nowhere to be found when the couple stopped by....which begs the question:

Are you sending people to look at houses on their own when you represent them?  It's probably not illegal, technically speaking, but it is annoying.  You disturbed my home owners when I had promised them 24 hours notice before scheduled showings, and you left me out of the loop.  If I did the same to you, you'd probably file an ethics complaint against me, right?

I can't believe that people pay for this type of real estate representation.

 

11 Comments on Sending Your Buyers to "Look on Their Own"

AUG
27
2006
362,524 Points 95 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Was it an open house or a scheduled showing?  Because I often do open houses on Saturday and Sunday I give my buyers a bunch of my cards so if they decide to go in that they let the Realtor know.   Or if I happen to know and send them to an Open House I will call the Realtor ahead of time.   We are a resort community so some times the only time to see a property is at an Open House.   If it wasn't an Open House way wrong!!!!!!!!
5:03pm • #1
132,302 Points Outside Blog
If it was not an open house and some real estate agent's buyers just "dropped by" that is against all rules of real estate.  Highly unethical.  I advise our clients to NEVER let anyone into the property that has not been scheduled and is not in the presence of a licensed agent.  Children at home alone after school must be doubly warned.  This rearely happens but it is certainly worth mentioning to the parents so the kids are prepared.  I do have to mention, Jonathan, many times the public is known to be "less than truthful" when speaking about what the agent may or may not have done.
5:13pm • #2

This just happened to me! I put a note in MLS that the Seller didn't want showings to start for 3 days. Day 1 Buyers were knocking at his door at 7pm on a Sunday night saying they couldn't control themselves, they were headed back to NY in 2 days & wanted to see it now. Their realtor had given them the MLS info sheet & there they were, no phone call, no heads up, no nothing. 

My Seller was mad, but not at me. He let the other realtor have it on the phone the following Monday. But they contracted it! A full price offer too!

5:21pm • #3
1 Featured Post

That happens even when we have "Appointment Only Riders" on the sign. What about agents who stop by to "see the house" because I have a buyer who wanted to know about the "deck" or basement"? Didn't call to make an appointment just stopped by the house??
5:43pm • #4
This has also been a concern of mind. I know of agents that just giv'em a book and say call me when you find one you like. I call it  lay Zee
5:56pm • #5
1,307,825 Points 96 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Our showing service allows you to call and schedule a Preview so the seller will know you have no clients with you when you stop by to just check it out.  I have a notice in my listings, in the private remarks, that says, "If I show your buyer this house before or after you show that same buyer, your BAC is reduced to 1%."  I still get calls from agents in Austin or Houston asking if I'll let their relative or friend in the house, but that they are represented.  I explain to them my 1% rule and they get mad.  Who's not doing their job?  Don't get mad at me because I don't want to do your job and my job.  Plus, non-MLS realtors only get 1%, so they would still be taking a hit even if I didn't show them the house...
6:55pm • #6
600,555 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog
If an agent calls me asking to show their client one of my listings, and the reason is legitimate, I'll generally do that - if the buyers just show up or call me directly, it's a different story. It's also about knowing other agents - which are truly professional and which are just lazy.
7:43pm • #7

If they haven't signed an agency discolosure, then the buyer is free game. 

Showing up unannounced when the listing says by appointment only, is not safe, and unethical.  Personally I would report it to the board.  In NY, all appointments are by appointment, or the key is in the listing office.  The only way for the buyers to get the address is to either drive by the property (then they would usually call the listing agent), or the sellers agent to give them address, so there is no ifs, ands, or buts, about how they buyer got there.
10:26pm • #8
AUG
28
2006
297,841 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Again, another case of a buyer who is "up for grans" if they don't have a signed BAA:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/Good-habits-start-early?5667

5:30pm • #9
1 Featured Post

I had a couple who were qualified, ready to buy, and found a house with me.  Turns out their cousin was a realtor out of town and when she got back, they made an offer.  Was it her suggestion? Probably so.  Always ask, it'll save time, money, gas, and a few pulled out hairs.

 

Good luck!
6:04pm • #10
AUG
29
2006
It also happened to me once, first they called and wanted to take a look at a vacant property at 8:30 pm, and over the phone I asked if they were working with a realtor and they said no, so I wasn't gonna show the property at night and schedule to the next morning, when we got there they said they were alredy working with a realtor, I was like #%*#, you know, if you are alredy work with a realtor why not make him work for you a little bit?!
6:37pm • #11


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Jonathan Greene

Tampa, FL

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