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Can you CHARGE Buyers to see a home For Sale to eliminate Lookie Loos

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Godzyk Real Estate Services NH License 033394

Are your ready to be shocked? Reading the Q and A page a Home Seller asked how best to only allow "Serious" Buyers into her home. In order to keep "Lookie Loo's" out, she asked if she could charge buyers to see her home. Here in the Manchester NH area I have not heard of that in 30 years of Real Estate. Yes it is true any home seller would only want qualified buyers through their home. No one has ever asked if they could charge admission.

 

 

When selling a home, the more people that see it the better. My tried and true policy is to ask if buyers have been pre-qualified for a mortgage. I then ask with who. The best scenario is a Local and trusted lender.

 

Most often to keep neighbors and Lookie loo's out, you simply do not hold open houses.

 

The problem though, is what if that neighbor has a friend, family member or co-worker looking for a home in this neighborhood?

 

A GOOD listing agent can over how the Home Selling process will work. They will tell you what to expect, what you need to do to get ready for it and provide updates after showings to let you know how the process is going.

 

 

THE BOTTOM LINE is that there is a Right way and a Wrong to buy or sell a home. This is an example of the wrong way.  One persons mess was anothers whole life. The other agent did not like the home and did not put forth any effort.  

 

The HARD TRUTH is that the BEST way to be prepared to buy or sell a home is by hiring a "GOOD" Agent. One that will guide you through each step of the Buying or Selling process. To the consumers who were successful, they found the secret which I would like to share with you. Free advice can be worth what you paid for it, so when you are ready, do it right. 

 

If you read all the way to hear, i hope you like my series of "catchy titles" They are meant to grab your attention and let Buyers and Sellers know how to avoid such pitfalls by simply hiring a better agent. One that will work with them throughout the buying and selling process. 

 

 

THE TOP TIPS TO FIND A "GREAT" REAL ESTATE AGENT

 

 1. LEARN THIS ONE FACT: One should know that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest Agent or Company. It is important to Hire the BEST Agent. In NH that could be me.   

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT AGENT: As a Buyer OR Seller in this market you need every advantage you can to get your home sold. It starts with choosing the right agent. a. Ask for a Full time agent whose sole job is to sell homes. b. Ask for a Full service agent who will guide you through each step of the selling process. Discount brokers often equal discount services. c. Ask for a Local agent who knows your neighborhood and is readily available when you need them is a must. Out of town agents can leave you high and dry in your time of need. d. Ask for a well experienced Listing Agent can give you the advantages you need when selling your home. Not all agents are created equal. Choose only the best.  

 3. HOME BUYERS SHOULD START BY:  Getting a FREE PRE-QUALIFICATION with a local and trusted lender. They will look at your credit and financial picture and let you know what type of mortgage you may qualify for and what your interest rate and monthly payment may be.   

4. HOME SELLERS SHOULD START BYGetting a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS. Learn what your property is worth in today's market along with how ling it may take to sell. If you are ready to sell now, learn what you should ask for it. How much offers may come in at and what the approximate selling price should be. NH Home owners should contact me now.   

 

 

IN SUMMARY the key to having a successful purchase or sale can increase simply choosing a better agent. The secret is that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. I leave you with now infamous philosophy, which is simple, to provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process.

 

 

It does not take magic to turn your "For Sale" sign into a "Sold" sign. it takes a full time Local Agent who specializes in Listing homes like yours.


If you are thinking of buying a Home please contact us. Get a free pre-qualification along with some of the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE through each step of the Buying Prices.

 

 

WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE THROUGHOUT EACH STEP OF THE LISTING AND SELLING PROCESS!!!

 

If you need to sell your home and you owe more than your house is worth, i may be able to help. I specialize in working with home owners to get your home sold. There are many options such as a short sale which may be able to help you.

Please try and avoid out of state or out of town agents and companies that make "out of this world promises". We are local agents with experience who never charge any up front fees.

 

 

 

We are local agents with experience who GET RESULTS!!!

 

We stand by you through every step in selling your home.

 

Another reason that makes New Hampshire a great place to Live, Work and Play.

 

About the Author: Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of the Godzyk Real Estate Services in Manchester NH. With 30 years of experience, Scott is a leading Agent for Listing and Selling Homes in this area. To CONTACT Scott Godzyk please call 603.661.2121 or EMAIL: Sctprop@aol.com . We are Full Time Agents ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs through each step of the buying and Selling process. We are proud to be locally owned and operated.

Comments(16)

Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Scott Godzyk ,

Wow!! That is a new one!! Charging a buyer to see a home..NOT! Don't see that working out well for a seller. I understand wanting qualified buyers in a sellers home but charging admission?? Not the best way for a buyer to warm up to a home.

Jan 29, 2016 09:57 PM
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

Have heard of Sellers of high-end homes only wanting qualified Buyers, but have not heard of Sellers charging Buyers to see their home - of course, 'never say never', Scott Godzyk!  HA!  Could seriously limit some people, and not just the people or neighbors walking by!  After all, because people may not want to buy does not mean that they don't know people who are looking to buy or who want to buy into that particular neighborhood.   

Jan 29, 2016 10:25 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Not at all Dorie Dillard , it was surprising to read this morning and something i could not wait to share with everyone

Jan 29, 2016 10:36 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Exactly Allie Angeloni , many times over the years i have had neighbors call and say they have friends, relatives or even co workers waiting for a home to go for sale in their neighborhood becuase of schools or such.

Jan 29, 2016 10:37 PM
Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker
Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd. - Lehigh Valley, PA
The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around

Scott,

My question is how would you differentiate a serious Buyer from a "looky-loo"?  Some of the so called "Looky-loos" may have a friend, co-worker or relative living out of town searching for them.

Brigita

Jan 29, 2016 11:24 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

There are people who appear to be looky-loo's and are serious buyers. You just don't know. As far as I'm concerned a seller should want his/her home exposed to as many people as possible. I've had looky-loo's refer a "real" buyer to a home because they saw and realized it was perfect for a friend or a relative. My experience is that if you don't want looky-loos, don't have open houses.

Jan 29, 2016 11:27 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Who is to say a lookie loo wouldn't be willing to pay to see inside. LOL

Interesting idea.  I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear there are buyers that would pay.  There are those people who think only things that cost money have value.  

Jan 30, 2016 12:25 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

LOL  Now that's a new one!  Of course, depending on the house and price of admission, there may be plenty of people willing to plop it down just for fun, buyers, neighbors or looky loos.  Kinda crazy. 

Jan 30, 2016 01:11 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Believe it or not I once had a Seller try to charge me $5 to preview their home which I quickly reported to the listing agent Scott Godzyk 

Jan 30, 2016 02:54 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Scott - As you suggest, lookie loos have their up-sides and can, on occasion, be the source of a sale. I wonder how much she was thinking of charging.

Jan 30, 2016 05:15 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Scott, there is a simple solution to the lookie loos issue. It's been working well for me and my seller clients for years.  The price to see the home is a loan approval letter and proof of funds current within 30 days.  Done.

Jan 30, 2016 07:15 AM
Linda Guess
Keller Williams Tri-Lakes Branson, MO - Branson, MO
Branson area real estate sales.

That is funny.  Charge to see a home. 

Jan 30, 2016 08:47 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Chargining admission to see a house?  That's going too far the other direction.

Jan 30, 2016 09:23 AM
Judith Sinnard
SMARTePLANS; Houston, Texas - Houston, TX
The SMARTePLAN Lady

The sellers suggestion is sourced from their frustration and dissatisfaction with the way their account is currently being handled. We can make fun of the suggestion or we can surmise for the one who is voicing the complaint there are likely 10? 25? 50? who also agree but don't go online with it.  There are at least 2 issues -- the inconvenience to the Seller and the Seller "suffering"  the invonvenience for unqualified buyers ... lookers-not-serious.  On the luxury side buyers are frequently qualified before they have a showing;  video and interactive floor plans are frequently used so they can have a high degree of familiarity with the property before they see it --- so if they make and keep the appointment they are INTERESTED, not casual looky-loos.  So what else can be done?

Jan 31, 2016 01:53 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Charging prospects for viewing a home would certainly be a good way to eliminate most of the prospective purchasers.

Jan 31, 2016 11:54 PM
Kris Collis, Associate Broker
Smart Way America Realty - East Stroudsburg, PA
Professional Results you Expect 570-801-5525

Scott, in the two years since this post, seller concerns have increased about 'buyers' in their home.  Hence the huge appeal of pre-MLS options.  Agents cannot vouch for integrity of their buyers even if client is pre-approved, a pre-approval is easy to obtain for a qualified person.   Requiring buyers agent to forward copy of preapproval letter as prerequisite to show is one filter however this subject needs a great deal of attention.  Neither the seller's security system nor buyers agent will notice whether buyer used invasive tech in the home.  Sellers have lost control over unknown use of invasive technology in the home.  As an industry we should be talking about how sellers can be alerted to invasive use of technology.

Apr 01, 2019 02:47 PM