When I took the local Metrolist Ethics course years ago, to get my MLS key and Lockbox, one of the rules the presenter covered was this (paraphrased): Always wait if a Realtor is in the home first. The rules require that each Realtor open the lockbox with their own key and put the house key back in the lockbox after locking up the home. He said, "DO NOT HAND OFF THE KEY". For safety and liability reasons, you should never assume someone is a Realtor just because they may look the part. Also, listing agents have a right to the electronic record of who comes and goes from the home.
Lately, I have had several Realtors get very indignant when I suggested they wait until we finish touring the home. I am always polite in asking them to let us complete our tour, which never takes too long. One agent even said I was being silly and that this is a guideline not a rule. One Realtor said, "I have been in the business 20 years and that's never been true". Personally, I would rather wait patiently, when a Realtor is showing a home, until after they are finished.
When I tour a home with buyers who are interested, much discussion occurs between us. For example, condition of the home, amenities, dryrot, and all sorts of other information I don't necessarily want the other agent and his/her clients to hear. At the same time, I don't necessarily want to hear what other Realtors and their buyers are sharing amongst themselves.
This isn't usually an issue if we arrive and no one is around. I always lock the door behind us to keep everyone safe and not allow entry by others. When Realtors are lining up to see the property, it's a little different. One woman pounded on the door like there was a fire, because she knew we were inside. When we came out she said, "didn't you hear me?" I replied that I did hear her, but was following the MLS protocol. She got so angry it clearly made her client and my client uncomfortable.
What do other Realtors do in this situation?
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