Just got off the phone with a prospective buyer who wanted to look at one of my listings.
Right off the bat-- he told me that he wanted to see the property. No problem here, I'd love to show it.
However, I never rush into a property showing--- without finding out: Do you have an agent and are you approved for a loan?
When I asked if he had an agent--- his response was "Yes, I have someone I have been working with" to which I promptly responded-- then it is best that your current agent shows you the house. I do not believe in cutting out agents -- who work to show my listings-- I will need them one day.
He replied back "Well, I'm not married to an agent"
This is when I noticed that this guy was a disloyal buyer.
When I asked about loan approval, he responded "Oh, that's not a problem".
I informed him that I do not show properties without proof of ability to fund the deal. His response was "Well, if you are too damned lazy to show the house..."
My response was immediate "If you feel that I am too lazy, then you are best working with another agent."
His response was "I just sold a $600,000 house-- I think I can afford a $400,000 one) . He then asked if I would require some sort of proof -- to which I responded "Yes".
Then he again stated his belief that I was too lazy to show a house to get my money.
I simply stated that he would be best working with another agent-- and promptly ended the call.
As a REO listing agent-- my time is valuable -- and my time is best spent doing things that produce income. Those things include working on my portfolio, networking with other REO Agents, working to build my REO client list..." --- my time is not best spent --- showing people with questionable qualifications houses.
I am not a tour guide. This guy probably did have the money-- but if I showed him houses-- and then he would probably do to me what he did to his agent -- find another property-- and just call the listing agent.
I encourage all other agents to take a similiar position-- we should not be showing houses to disloyal buyers -- with no proof that they can afford a house that we are showing them.
Am I too lazy? Perhaps. But I'm not out wasting my time -- and money showing houses -- for no return on investment.
-Jason
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