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Should you drive-by before making a showing appointment?

Real Estate Agent with United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

April 29, 2013 09:21 AM

Often sellers will go next door, or get in their car and park around the corner when there is a showing- that way they know when they can go back home and get on with their normal lives.

So what happens when they see the buyer with their agent simply drive by at the showing time…..? and they don’t even bother to go inside?!

You know the sellers cleaned and made sure everything was just right for them. You have to know that it’s not the most convenient thing to have to leave your home when you are a seller- pack up the kids; the dog and the cat…maybe leave in the middle of the baseball game or their favorite television show, too...

On the other hand, I've been that buyer's agent and when we are right in front of the house, and the buyer says, “I don’t want to even go in”, I can't make them go in. It happens. I do feel badly for the sellers when I know they have left their home for this showing. But, the buyers have their reasons; perhaps it’s because they don’t like the land, or the setting.

Depending on the buyers and circumstance, I might say, “Well, we’re here anyway, it will just take a few minutes to go look, the more you see, the more you will know about what’s available in our market.”

AND/OR

“Things might look/seem entirely different when you’re inside looking out….than when you’re outside looking in.”

Sometimes, I think these things happen because, buyers don’t have the time to drive by the properties before making an appointment and other buyers dictate to the agent what homes they (think they) want to see, instead of relying on their agent’s expertise to show them only the homes that suit their specific criteria.

Doing a drive by before making the appointment, if possible, would help avoid this happening....

I know it is disappointing for the sellers to see.

I can feel them watching, staring holes in the back of my head, when I'm that agent in the car, too! If looks could kill, I'd probably be dead.

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

I specialize in the Red Feather Lakes area, Fox Acres, Crystal Lakes and Glacier View Meadows Subdivisions, if you are interested in buying or selling your mountain home, please give me a call, I’m here to help you.

The information contained in Mary’s blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

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Bruce Minter

James & Lee Realty - Virginia Beach, VA

One on one - Every step of the way!

I had shown a couple every available home in a pretigious older neighborhood.....except one. Always the same answer when I brought that home up, "No, it's ugly and so on" I get a call from the listing agent of that home saying, "hey, your clients are here and want to write an offer on this property, come on down and join us." It was being held open and they thought since it was open they'd take a look. Needless to say they fell in love with it. The payoff was the walk through before closing. We were in the master bedroom and the agent says, "oh i forgot to tell you one thing, right behind this wall is a working fireplace" They were giddy all the way to closing! So next time you have someone that doesn't want to go in you can tell them the story.

May 01, 2013 10:32 AM

Mary Douglas

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO

REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Pattie, I agree, you can't rely solely on the pictures, so either the buyer needs to drive by

Hi Paul, That sounds like a great way to avoid some surprises, if the buyers can drive-by first

Marti, An out-of-town buyer has limited time, so it does tend to happen more in that case!

Carolyn, wow, I'm glad that you caught them in time, before they left anyway. It's especially difficult for sellers with disabilites or the elderly, or sick, or with infants et., etc., etc., to get out of a house for a showing- I'm glad the agent called

Debbie, I like your idea, good recommendation for your buyers and probably saves everyone a lot of time

Michael, I think Google Maps has got to be the best thing since sliced bread- ever! Funny, I can go far across the ocean to exotic places on Google maps...but I can't drive through my own neighborhood with them- yet

Sylvia, I really feel the same way, I haven't been sucessful in getting every buyer to cooperate, but have new tools now to help me in the future- thanks!

Thanks David, it IS awkward! If it has to do with curb appeal, something that the seller can fix, then I think it would be a wake up call for them, you're right

Steve, it really is tough for the sellers- like having a party and no one shows up :-)

Hi Lyn, I can see how sitting in front of the house, even pulling in the drive, going in a leaving a card- or making that call ...could help a buyer feel it

Ric, you're right, it does happen and it's going to happen ...and lots of different ideas and views about it here!

Hi Wende, I think it's understandable if you run out of time- sometimes that happens too; especially on the first time out with new buyers who like to take their time...then there are the really fast lookers and we're early to the rest of the showings all day!

Hi Diane, if the home is vacant, it's OK- but when you know the sellers live there and are expecting you- it really is awkward, you're right

Mark, I agree, there is always something to take away- for the buyers and their agents. I would like to keep the appointment. If I see that a buyer really hates the worn deck, then I can tell him...then you are really not going to like the deck on the next house...or you will really like this one...it's a process.

Theresa, I love your story, and you're right there can be such a big surprise inside! Thanks

May 01, 2013 01:13 PM

Kathy Scipione

Long and Foster Re Inc - Malvern, PA

Kathy Scipione, CRS, GRI, AHLS, ABR,

Great post. Thanks.

I always request that buyers drive by before showings. In fact, part of my buyer presentation is in a packet explaining "agency" as well as the importance of driving by.

Most times buyers can drive by. Other times if our search is for a second home and it is a distance away, it's not possible even for me to drive by.

May 02, 2013 01:54 AM

Gene Riemenschneider

Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA

Turning Houses into Homes

I have been there. A lot of times they are out of town buyers, and sometimes it is the first time you are out with them. I try to get them to go in. If we had an appointment I call and explain my buyer could not make it.

May 02, 2013 03:28 AM

Robert L. Brown

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

I've been in this position before. If they don't want to enter we can't make them but I go in and look for myself. I may have another buyer for that house.

May 02, 2013 05:29 AM

Erik, I admire your system so much, I would love to copy it! I'm not quite sure if I could do it with all buyers, as many have mentioned, drive-bys are challenging for out-of-town buyers with limited time. Still, what a great system and I can see how the buyer's participation in doing the drive-bys would make such a big difference in the overall process. Thank you for sharing that, I appreciate it.

Hi Terry, a girl after my own heart! I do not like upsetting sellers, they are my neighbors...and it's a small community!

Hi Judy, you're right, sometimes there is an immediate turn-off like the detention pond. I think it's a good idea, to always go in, like you said at least for comparison.

True, the result is the same, whether the buyer takes a pass or goes in. Still, I like it when people keep their appointments with me, I can only assume that sellers would appreciate the same- regardless of the end result. I could be wrong about that, though :-}

Hi John, it's the least we can do to call when it happens, correctamundo!

Warren, that has got to be the best, when the reluctant buyer finds something inside that changes their mind!

Hi Brenda, thanks for your thoughts on it!

Hi Bob, probably no need for the listing aget to get irate about it with you, as we see here, it happens sometimes - sometimes it happens often, apparently! Leaving a card, or a call..or an apology, or feedback it seems would unrufffle some feather, anyway.

Susan, I appreciate your take on it, I'm going to at least leave a card in the future as a courtesy.

Sonsie, you and many others go in, I like it! Thank you.

Lisa, I think I would really like that too, it would be benficial foreveryone involved!

Richard, a phone call and useful feedback is always welcome!

Hi Jeanne, I find the same- working with buyers who are only up for a day. The buyers are in charge, of their time and what they see, too. Even for the ones who don't want to waste anyone's time... after thinking about it, I will be leaving a card on the owner occupieds :-)

Hi Bruce and Sandy, like you, we have many second home buyers, it makes it a little tough with limited time. By seeing as many as possible, it does help narrow the choices. I don't like making the appointments from the buyers list though, prior to sitting down with them- I find this is when we get the most curb-side cancellations

Michael, you're right- it's a process and there is always something to take away from every showing, thanks

Janey, I think it is a mistake, too, but like you said, it's their choice!

Cynthia, you're about the out-of-town buyers, maybe if the buyers agent sent them a link to the Google street view, it would help too!

Kimo, it just sounds like a great system for everyone!

Hi Aly, bars on the windows? Bears?? - I'm kidding. Thank you for your thoughts on it.

Joe, oh that must have uncomfortable to find out in the driveway! At least you talked to the seller, what else could you do?

Maureen, thank you- that will be my new MO also, most professional and courteous.

Hi Jeffrey, thanks. Do you not feel the sellers staring holes in the back of your head? LOL

Paddy, yes- the buyer drive by, I don't think the agent needs to do this (unless they aren't familiar with the property), but, I agree with you, it seems it would narrow the appointment

Hi Bruce, great job. Like I said to Maureen, that will be my new MO also. In the past, I have worked to please the buyers by moving on, but I think the seller will appreciate the extra effort.

Hi John, sounds like you do a wonderful job giving buyers as much information as possible prior to booking the appointment- what a concept ! :-) so, if they don't drive-by you have the info they need

Thanks all- I appreciate all of your comments!

May 02, 2013 05:39 AM

Rob Arnold

Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. - Altamonte Springs, FL

Metro Orlando Full Service - Investor Friendly & F

Some will, some won't, so what. Things like this happen all the time. Just the nature of the business. If the home is occupied, it would be courteous for the buyer agent to call and let the sellers know they will not be stopping by.

May 02, 2013 07:55 AM

Hi Mike, your observance is what I have noticed also, when we start low... we eventually drift upward until we find the right one, and yes there are some ugly ducklings along the way! thanks

Thanks Bill, that would be the best result

Travis, that was funny,' not sure about the 6 course meal though :-)

M.C., thanks for the reblog, sometimes there is a hidden gem inside, you're right!

Bruce, that is a great story! I bet they felt a little silly knowing they had snubbed the house that they bought many times before! and a hidden fireplace, too! Thanks for stopping by with that, I appreciate it.

Kathy, it just occured to me, because we have many second home buyers from out of town too, that I've been saying they don't have time to drive by, but the truth is- if they are going to be using their second home thoughout the year, they will be making the same trip many times in the future---of course they could drive by. But, after they travel so far, it is just easier and more time efficient to forego the drive-by idea and go inside!

Thanks Gene, I agree, at least try to get them inside

Robert, that's true, you may have another buyer for that house and since your going in anyway to leave a card...why not?!

Oh Rob, So what?!!!! as Taylor Swift says, "why you gotta be so mean?" LOL I agree, it is courteous and shows respect for the seller's time to at least call. Obviously if the seller is a bank, or absentee owner then, they haven't been inconvenienced at all, still have to let the listing agent know.

May 02, 2013 02:52 PM

Patricia Aulson

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate - Exeter, NH

Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes

Hey thanks for the blog today I enjoyed the read.

I guess you just never know what people will do....

Patricia Aulson/ Seacoast NH & ME Realtor

May 02, 2013 11:55 PM

Nancy Hankin

RE/MAX Real Estate Consultants - Palm Springs, CA

Hi Everyone: I work in the Palm Springs California Desert where a good majority of homes are behind gated complexes, so drive-bys are out of the question. What I will do when a buyer says they don't want to go into a house is one of two things: I will call the seller from the car and tell them the truth ......that the buyers did not want to see the house because they felt the house, or neighborhood, or whatever did not meet the buyers needs. I also thank them for their time in preparing the house for us. Or I will tell the buyers I will be right back because I need to make sure to secure the property since the sellers may have left lights on or doors unlocked for our convenience. Oftentimes, the sellers will decide to follow. The only time I do not call or step inside when the buyer decides not to go inside as we approach the house, is when it's a vacant property or REO home.

May 04, 2013 12:36 PM

Kris Deaton

Staged 2 Sold Realty - Irmo, SC

Kris Deaton, Realtor/Designer/Stager

I've had that happen to my sellers before. They were waiting down the street in the car with their dog. After a long wait, they called me to say no one had come to show their home. I called the agent and he said the yard was not large enough. Well, it was a patio home! Seems to me the agent should have known they wanted a big yard before scheduling the appointment.

May 05, 2013 01:01 AM

Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Realtor Top 1%

RE/MAX Gold - Sacramento, CA

Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I don't know how I missed this blog, Mary. What a great thing to blog about, though. Because buyers do it all the time. They judge a book by the cover. It is rude to sellers who have made an appointment for the buyers to turn up their noses without even stepping foot inside.

I recall a buyer who told me she did not want to go inside because the house was brown. She didn't like brown houses. I made her go in anyway. And the place was a dog. Total dog. She left believing all brown houses were dogs and she was absolutely right.

May 05, 2013 10:29 AM

Thank you Patricia, I appreciate it. No, we never really know what people will do!

Nancy, It sounds like you do your best to either call the seller, or go ahead and go in, I think that's the majority concensus and the polite thing to do.

Kris, oh, see- I feel badly for your sellers, just sitting in the car- waiting for nothing. It's not a good situation.

Hi Elizabeth, well of course, all brown houses are dogs, didn't you know that? LOL Sometimes, people who judge a book by it's cover are really missing out. I'm reminded of the pig farmer who came into the office in his overalls and smelling like...((well you can imagine what he smelled like))- turns out he was a millionaire. You just never know, there are always surprises when we open the cover and look inside the book!

May 05, 2013 11:25 AM

Nina Hollander, Broker

Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC

Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

It happens... best you can do is call asap and cancel the appointment. Not that much different from a buyer finding a home they want to make an offer on before you are finished showing all the properties on the list. I work with lots of relocating buyers so there's no way they can do a drive-by in advance.

May 06, 2013 03:29 AM

Elizabeth Y. Foulds

Long & Foster Real Estate - Saint Michaels, MD

Your St Michaels Realtor

Sellers can get very upset when they have left their home and it is not shown. I also work with out of town buyers and on the odd occasion this has happened, I make sure that I call the listing agent so that they can advise the seller. On one occasion my sellers knew the agent had not kept the appointment and, when I called him next day, his excuse was that the buyers wrote an offer on the first home he showed them. I guess he didn't care about anything else!

May 12, 2013 06:05 AM

Wayne B. Pruner

Oregon First - Tigard, OR

Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI

I often do drive buys first. It helps if I know my way around before I see the Buyer and it does weed out the ones that will never work for the Buyer. Just yesterday I did this and crossed one off the list.

May 16, 2013 02:55 AM

Thanks for the great post today. I enjoyed the read.

Hey....."nothing ventured nothing gained." You never know what it's like inside....

A hidden gem perhaps.

Bookmarked for future reference.

Patricia Aulson/Seacoast NH & ME REALTOR

May 16, 2013 07:17 AM

Des & Spiro Kouridakis

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties - Yorba Linda, CA

- North Orange County Experts

Had this happen with a buyer just a few weeks ago. Buyers had wanted to see this property for a while but had to cancel the appointments two separate times at the last minute. I was surprised that the listing agent continued to try so kindly to make it work with my buyer's hectic schedule.

So once we actually got to the front of the house, my buyer just said "Keep driving. This isn't for us." I felt so bad for the sellers! That was the third time they had prepared for us to come by. All I could do was call the listing agent and apologize.

Sometimes the busiest buyers are the least concerned with losing other peoples' precious time.

Oct 19, 2013 09:49 AM

While it doesn't show everything, it shows a lot. I think it's worth a drive by .

Patricia Aulson/ Seacoast NH & ME

Feb 25, 2014 10:21 PM

Thank you all so much for your comments! Patricia, if you hadn't stopped by today, I would have missed the last ones, it's been awhile since I checked this post and obviously did not get the email notifications!

Make it a great day!

Feb 25, 2014 11:36 PM

Should you drive-by before making a showing appointment?

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