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Common Courtesy, Don't You Think?

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty ONE Group

A situation happened to me last weekend while showing properties to my client.  Just wondering if this frequently happens to others and how you feel about this situation. 

I work with my husband also a Realtor.  On this particular day we went out with our client together.  I was on one side of the home with Mr X and my husband was turning lights on and unlocking doors on the other side of the home.  Another agent and client entered the home and went to the side of the home my husband was on.  My client was unaware of the other people in the home. We worked our way to the master side of the home.  Mr X was very taken back (and jumped) when the two men came out of the master bathroom as were entering it. He stated that he didn't know there was anyone else in the home. Then he brought up an episode that happened 4 months ago when we were out with Mr X and his wife.  An agent that I am acquainted with entered into a home seconds after the door closed and announced that she was going to just snap a few pictures and be on her way.  It was very distracting for them and we were there an extra long amount of time waiting for her to finish so they could walk through the home again and talk about purchase options.  Should I have locked the door?  What if I was by myself with Mr X?  How safe is that?

I understand we are all busy. I have a schedule of homes to show.  Some of them are occupied with appointment times.  Is my client demanding too much?  When I am showing homes, if there is a car out front showing the property, I wait outside until those people finish or at least a wait a fair amount of time about 5 minutes or more  (I believe I have waited 15 max). If they still aren't finished, I go ring the bell and let the agent know I am waiting and still wait outside until they come out.  I have found this to be many clients preference.  Open houses are different. We know there will be an agent and possibly other lookers inside as well.  Most of the time when I take a client into an open house it is for comparison or curiosity. If they are truly interested we go back and look at it another time so they can place furniture and ask questions.  Is this too much to ask?

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Comments (6)

Kevin Henry
Henry Realty - Fort Wayne, IN

Yes, it is rude of the other agent. You are correct in the way you show homes.

Jul 26, 2010 09:53 AM
Kate Pedersen
Metropolist - Seattle, WA
because life moves you

I agree, my clients see other buyers as a distraction.  We will wait until they are done before we go in.  If it takes a long time, and my clients want to start looking, then I check with the other agent.  If I am previewing, then I ask the other agent if I they mind if I take a quick look and then I am really quick.  Also, if I notice others are waiting ... I don't rush my client but I try to be polite and not dilly dally.

Jul 26, 2010 09:56 AM
Faina Reinhardt
HotRentalsNY.com - Manhattan, NY

Liz,

I couldn't agree with you more! I have been in situations, where the other agent is literally following us around with his/her clients and talking at the same time I am.  It's so difficult to concentrate and retain your train of thought.  I find it so rude!  I now ask the other agent to give us a minute.  If they are rude enough to impose, i am tough enough to ask them to wait.

Jul 26, 2010 09:56 AM
Karen Feltman
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

I agree that you are correct to wait if someone else is already showing the home.  As a courtesy, our showing service lets agents know if there is another showing that may overlap on their time requested. It is inconsiderate to interrupt your scheduled time or to feel rushed by another agent and their buyer.

Jul 26, 2010 09:57 AM
Coral Gundlach
Compass - Arlington, VA
Real Lives. Not Just Real Estate.

I have to be the dissenter here.  I don't  think it's rude.  People are squeezing in home buying around their busy lives and waiting 10-20 minutes could be a deal breaker.

Jul 26, 2010 10:35 AM
Mike Dobbins
Realty ONE Group - Cave Creek, AZ
Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree

Cool I agree it could be a deal breaker but how about 5 minutes and first come first served and the early bird catches the worm?  Just wondering... My own good friend (a fellow colleague) thinks I'm making a big deal of nothing.  Thanks for the comments all of you!

Jul 28, 2010 08:32 AM