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Buying Real Estate, So What If I Have An Agent, Why Won't You Show Me That House?

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Real Estate Agent with Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL

Buying Real Estate, So What If I Have An Agent, Why Won't You Show Me That House?


So What If I Have An Agent, Why Won't You Show Me That House?Lately our Real Estate office has received several calls from people asking if we would show a property that interests them, usually we are glad to do this.  The first question we ask of the caller is if they are working with an agent and when the response is...no, then it's a matter of getting a little information from the caller and off to the showing.  However, when the answer is, "...yes, but my agent is busy now...", then we explain the different reasons why we can't or wouldn't show them the property and how it could be construed that we were soliciting the buyer.  Also pointing out the reason they're working with a specific agent is for that agent to show them homes they want to see.  I will admit that if it's my own listing...and working in the best interest of my seller client....I might arrange to show the property to a buyer who has an agent (if at all possible I clear it with the other agent first), making sure the potential buyer doesn't discuss anything with me about, how much they like the property, are willing to pay for it or anything that might be considered confidential hurting their position...I remind them that I am working for the seller.  This all works out pretty well as my clients house gets shown even though I'm doing another agents work for them, but hey, we are all busy and sometimes we are not available...it just makes sense to help out.  

There is another type of call we receive when the caller/consumer often gets a little belligerent...well a lot belligerent.  The caller wants a lot of information, often rude and won't agree to coming into the office before a showing and gives up little information about themselves.  With these callers/consumers we ask them to sign a Buyers Agency Agreement for the specific homes that we show, clearly stating that it's only for the homes we show them.  The caller/consumer then won't agree to it, saying all they want to do is see the house, they're not signing anything and why won't we show them the home?  We try best that we can once again, but they get angry and insist that we show them the house.  We explain again...that if an agent comes out and opens a house for them that that agent expects the caller/consumer to work with them...at least on the properties the agent has shown them.  That sounds like a fair trade to me.

BUYERS...please understand that Realtors are very much professionals working towards connecting, counseling and helping buyers & sellers wanting the same thing...to get to the closing table...but wanting the best deal for their own side.  We like this, thrive on it and only want the best for our clients.  We are not random chauffeurs, or tour guides waiting to show properties at the drop of a hat (unless working on our clients behalf and we are happy to take on that roll).  If you are a client then you've already signed a Buyers Agency Agreement or Listing Agreement and know the advantages of having buyer or seller representation, but if you are a customer or caller/consumer who won't commit to an agent and still wants the agents, loyalty, time, gas and knowledge at a moments notice then please reconsider before calling. 

Nick T Pappas

If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Googlethat for you!  I also know outstanding agents in all states and Canada should you need help relocating to a new area.

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Comments (11)

Jen Bowman
Keller Williams on the Water - Holmes Beach, FL
Realtor - Anna Maria Island & Bradenton FL

Nick, I'm with you on this.  I get the belligerent callers when I ask them to get pre-approved before we go see a home.  I've never gone to meet someone who is rude on the phone to start with.  They're not the kind of people that I would end up working with.

Jan 22, 2012 02:33 PM
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

If they won't sign a Buyer Broker nor get pre-qualified for a loan , chances they would never really materialize to be a client who would buy -- move on --------------all the best.

Jan 22, 2012 02:53 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Never ceases to amaze me how unreasonbable and inconsiderate some people can be Nick.

Jan 22, 2012 09:45 PM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

Unfortunately too many agents will jump at the opportunity to show a home without having the "buyer" sign anything. It's practices like this that drives the public's attitude.

I will not show any homes to a buyer who's "agent is too busy"... unless it's my listing. And, like you, I clear it with their agent first.

By the way, this post should be required reading for all potential buyers.. and it should be featured hee in the Rain. Clicking suggest right now!

Jan 23, 2012 05:01 AM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Hello Jen-...neighbor from the next state over...I hope all is well in your little corner of the world.  No way am I going to meet some of the people that have called.

Bob & Carolin-I agree that sometimes it's best to cut your losses especially with someone who's not appreciative of your efforts or ethics.

Roger-for the most part I think people understand, but it's always that 10% that ruins it for everyone else.

Craig-absolutely!!...as long as there are no hard fast rules governing what we do then there will always be someone willing to sell themselves short, but to be honest with you I don't think I want anyone making up more rules for me. You are too kind my friend.

 

 

Jan 23, 2012 09:54 AM
Ellen Caruso
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Nick, they say Buyers are liars, and there are hundreds of reasons why and the #1 reason is they act like little kids, wanting what they want, and wanting it NOW! We've all been there with these type of buyers.

Jan 23, 2012 12:40 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Nick Buyers sometimes have a hard time understanding that.  I would really have my guard up with the type of Buyer you used in your second example.

Jan 23, 2012 01:36 PM
Amy Hahn
Pine Knoll Shores Realty - Morehead City, NC
Realtor/Broker - Crystal Coast, NC

What?  I'm not a tour guide?  Why didn't someone tell me sooner?  

All joking aside, this is a great post and very important to buyers our there (I'm with Craig.... Totally Feature Worthy).  As for your second example.... that buyer would be required to head to my office, we would make a photo copy of their Photo Id, and they would sign a "Working with Realtors".... 

Jan 24, 2012 10:30 PM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Ellen-I agree, but I also think that most of those buyers had dealings with less than professional agents who only saw them as a pay check.  As you know most agents are not like that, but it's the 10% that makes it bad for the rest of us.

George-I do, but also try my best to work with them showing that over all we do work in their best interest, but it's a two way street.

Amy-thanks for the kind words.  With some customers you really need to have them come into the office...could be a real safety issue.

Jan 25, 2012 03:47 AM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

Hey there Nick!  Your ETHICS are showing!!  Happy NEW Year!  Keep up the GOOD professional standard - you make us all proud!

Jan 29, 2012 07:24 AM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Diane-well there you are young lady...I'll be by to see you later and thanks for the kind words.

Jan 29, 2012 10:34 AM