Calling the Sign in the Yard: What you don't know can hurt you!

1. One buyer wanted to view the home ASAP; he was looking for a home 200K and less. The home is nowhere near 200K or less.

If you are driving around looking at homes yourself, you do not know the area, the prices or if the homes fit your needs. The price of gas these days accompanied by tighter lender practices, you’re not doing yourself any good to explore unguided. It is imperative that you speak with a lender AND an agent, so when you DO look, you’re looking at the right homes tailored for you.

2. I received a phone call from an ‘agent’ who wanted to gain access to show a home, right then and there.

I think if I were a newer more excited agent I may have given in to believing it. I’m not, and I have a sellers home to protect. I told the ‘agents’ to call centralized showing (how licensed agents schedule showings) to view the home. I didn’t receive a showing request.

If you are driving around, whether just looking for fun or actually shopping, 9 times out of 10 the agent will not grant you access verbally, licensed agent or not. There are checks and balances in place to ensure that our seller’s homes are protected. This is another reason why an agent is needed. We have access to every-single-home! We have access to more homes then you could stand to view! Calling the number on a sign in the yard will more than likely not get you access unaccompanied. Nor, an accompanied showing right away.

Also, think of this, it is your home for sale. Granted, the home should be prepped to be shown at a moments notice;however, youre in the middle of nap time or cooking dinner. Wouldn’t you like at least a 2 hour notice? Expecting a showing on the spot is sometimes hard to obtain!

3. A buyer calling looking to buy.

There is mixed reviews on this, I personally do not represent both BUYER and SELLER. In the case of a smooth easy transaction, I may, after consulting with my sellers. The point of buyer’s agency is to protect YOU the buyer. When you call the sign in the yard, you are calling ME the seller’s representative. You are NOT my client and I have no loyalties to you. That means: what you say can, and will be used against you in the negotiating process. My suggestion: Call an agent NOT affiliated with the property, as they can protect you and represent, YOU!

Want to go see a home? Contact Me!