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Update: I'm too lazy to show houses

By
Real Estate Agent with ARDENT PROPERTIES

My Original Blog

This is regarding the guy who told me that I was too lazy to show him homes-- since I refused to show without a pre-approval letter. 

I got a call last night from an agent from a Discount Brokerage and we started chatting about her buyer.  Soon, I realized that she was calling about the same guy that I had spoken to-- who called me lazy since I wouldn't show him a listing without a "piece of paper".   She told me that he was supposed to be bringing proof of ability to finance (after numerous other showings) -- when she showed him my listing. 

When I quoted him to her "Well, I'm not married to my agent" -- she acknowledged that this buyer was not loyal to her or anyone else.  She was aware that he was trying to go unrepresented -- so he could received whatever benefit he perceived he could obtain.


She also told me that she has shown this guy about a dozen houses before-- and she is finally putting her foot down to require proof of ability to pay.

Initially-- I thought I made a mistake-- I mean this guy wanted to look at and potentially buy one of my listings ($375k) -- unrepresented-- I'd make a FULL-BIRD COMMISSION.  However, my belief and conviction not to show un-approved buyers a house --- Was affirmed when I realized that he was looking at over a dozen listings-- and not providing any proof.

 The reason I am posting this follow-up blog-- is because some agents agreed with me-- others disagreed with me-- Those who disagreed -- did so on two fronts:  1)  I am not representing my seller by refusing to show the property 2) I could have earned a double commission

Thanks

-Jason

Show All Comments Sort:
Anthony Saunchez
Campa Properties - San Bernardino, CA
How can we be of service
This guy sounds to me like a window shopper. He is living in fantasy land and probably will not and cannot buy a home if his life depended on it. Thats why he does not want to commit.
Mar 08, 2008 09:51 PM
Jason Bhattacharya
ARDENT PROPERTIES - Chesterfield, VA

Anthony,


Have you been talking to my ex-girlfriend?  She said something similar about me!!!!! :Evil Grin:

 

 

-Jason

Mar 09, 2008 03:16 AM
Anthony Saunchez
Campa Properties - San Bernardino, CA
How can we be of service
I will assume we are talking window shopping and not commitment.
Mar 09, 2008 07:15 PM
Jason Bhattacharya
ARDENT PROPERTIES - Chesterfield, VA

Both.  LOL

-Jason

Mar 10, 2008 03:12 AM
John Kim
Property Services & Short Sale TC - Irvine, CA

Hey Jason,

     So their term for "LAZY" is efficient?  At least you only wasted a few min. of your time and some min. on your cell phone.

Mar 13, 2008 05:24 AM
Mary Strang
Viroqua, WI

I agree with your not wanting to show without knowing ability to pay. You have to work your business plan, if you make a commitment to not show buyer without proof of ability to pay, that's the BP just let your sellers know this too, to make sure they understand and why.

Mar 14, 2008 01:02 AM
Brad Butler
Liberty Investment Group - Corona, CA
I pretty much unless its a solid referral always ask to get something from them to show commitment.  In this market I don't have time or money to wast on "Looky-Loos" There's an expression...I didn't say i only heard it "Buyers are Liars". Only in some instance's. Typically i do trust most people in general
Mar 14, 2008 10:18 AM
Sarah Nopp
South Sound, WA

You also could have been knifed and robbed. Cheery isn't it? I never show to strangers. They have to meet me elsewhere and actually talk to me.

Ask a police office how insane stupid they think we are to show houses to strangers.

May 15, 2008 07:06 PM
Tina Merritt
Nest Realty - Blacksburg, VA
Virginia Real Estate

I'll never meet a stranger at a house.  Am I being lazy?  No, I'm being safe, smart and responsible.

Tina in Virginia

May 16, 2008 12:35 AM
Stacie Cunningham
Altera Real Estate - San Clemente, CA

Gas is expensive!!!!! My time is expensive!!!!!! He may call you lazy but I call you smart!~Stac

 

PS~ I say Boo!! Boo to the bad buyer!! Boo to his name calling and Boo to having that poor Realtor drive him around and NOT marry her!! LOL! Boo!

May 16, 2008 05:28 PM
Frank Sauer
CENTURY 21 Garner Properties - Independence, KY

It's also a service to your seller not to waste their time and energy preparing their home to be shown to an unqualified buyer.  When doing a listing presentation, I point out to buyers that I'll make every effort to ensure that their property is only being shown to buyers who can actually buy.

May 17, 2008 03:53 AM
Andrew Monaghan
The Monaghan Group - Glendale, AZ
CRS, GRI, EPro Associate Broker

It never ceases to amaze me that an agent will put someone in their car, drive around all day, look at homes, buy breakfast/lunch or dinner.... and not know if the person is a viable prospect, if you cant show that you can afford it why waste time.

 

May 17, 2008 05:15 AM
Frank Sauer
CENTURY 21 Garner Properties - Independence, KY

If a buyer is paying cash the Banks expect a proof of funds letter.  I guess private sellers should, too.

May 17, 2008 03:30 PM
Cameron Wilson
Labrum Real Estate - Murrieta, CA
The Short Guy - Murrieta,Temecula,Menifee Californ

No proof, no show, no problem.

If a buyer is serious they will provide everything necessary to make a purchase.

May 18, 2008 04:12 AM
FRANK LL0SA Esq.- Northern Virginia Broker .:. FranklyRealty.com
Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc - Arlington, VA

There is no problem only showing homes to qualified buyers, if your sellers agree to that process.

What I don't get is this line "finally putting her foot down to require proof of ability to pay." Um What about putting her foot down and getting an exclusive buyer agency agreement? He probably CAN pay, but probably WONT use her.

 

Frank

May 22, 2008 05:21 PM
Stella Barbour
NoVa Brokers LLC - Vienna, VA
Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland

I agree with you on the lender letter.  I have shown homes without it but usually when referred by someone else that I previously helped.

May 28, 2008 05:20 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Hang tough on those "pre-qual" lender letters Jason.  There's no sense wasting your time or his.

Myrl Jeffcoat
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

 

 

Jul 12, 2008 05:47 PM