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Should a Listing/Sellers agent be at all the showings of our house?

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

WHO sells a Home Best? The Listing Agent or the Buyers Agent? It is a long and divided argument whether the Listing Agents should or should not be at a Showing Appointment. For this blog, we are looking at this in the best interest of a Home Owner. Here in the Manchester NH area, it is more common than not that a listing agent attends a showing. Depending on what part of the country you are in, your custom may change.

 

I can say that NEVER do I get calls where the Seller states I want you to list my home and I do not want you to attend any showings.

 

I DO get many calls where the seller says that they will "REQUIRE the listing agent to be at every showing possible".

 

Buyer agents will tell you they HATE when listing agents are at showings. Sure they will, as the buyer agent represents the buyer and they are not looking out fr the sellers best interest by any means....

 

I find that most of the sellers with out a preference if the listing agent is there or not, do not really  know what a listing agent does. I can tell you that some agents marketing plan consists of a sign in the yard and a placement in the MLS. They attend nothing and are not there for any part of the selling process.

 

The HARD FACT is that a GOOD Listing Agent attends a showing not just to open the door, but to inform the buyer and their agent about the facts that make the home special. A GOOD agent will know to stay out of the buyer agents way and let them see the home. They know when to talk and when to listen. They are their to answer questions if needed. Lastly they make sure the lights are out and doors are locked. In some cases make sure the pets are inside and safe and the alarm is on. You don't have to ask too many sellers how often a buyer agent doesn't lock the door, leaves lights on or lets the pets out.....

  

THE SECRET OF SUCCESS to having the Listing Agent attend showings will depend on the custom for your area, type of home and most important, what the Seller requests of their agent.

 

The key to having a successful Home Sale or Purchase can increase simply by 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.

 

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.

 

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.  

   

 

  

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 Selling a Home, Call us for a FREE Market Analysis. If you are think of buying a Home please contact us to get a free pre-qualification.

 

 

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

 

You can search for Manchester area Homes For Sale by clicking here. what is for sale by clicking here.

 

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.
 

 

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(13)

Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

This is an interesting dilemna, Scott. When I sold real estate in NYC the listing agent was present 95% of the time. It was the norm. Here in Charlotte, the listing agent is present probably less than 5% of the time and now I'm used to the Charlotte-way of doing it. Both have their negatives and positives.

Apr 09, 2016 11:03 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Some homeowners want the Listing Agent to attend all showings. Vacant homes usually have a lockbox. We've had clients that have said they like it when the buyers agents just walk around with their clients as they like to overhear their feedback. Sometimes,  it's better they don't listen...

Apr 09, 2016 11:37 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Don't like a listing agent looking over my shoulder or showing me that WOW the bedroom has a closet...and we likewise are not those agents !

Apr 09, 2016 11:50 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

They do Nina Hollander and i go with the notion i do what my seller wants me to do.

Apr 10, 2016 12:16 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Call 631-805-4400 (c) yes i agree, it is not always best for a seller to hear feedback as it happens. 

Apr 10, 2016 12:17 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I dont either Sally K. & David L. Hanson and as a predominate listing agent, when a seller requires me to be there, i know when to speak, when to listen and to stay out of the buyer agents way

Apr 10, 2016 12:18 AM
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Scott Godzyk I would agree with you, but only in limited circumstances when the property is so unique tht special features need to be not just pointed out, but explained. This is not only a limited circumstance, but very rare that this is the case. So the question that still begs for an answer is , Why do so many agents from certain brokerages think that they need to be present at showings? My answer is they want to reduce the number of showins to better stack the deck in their favor to double-end their listings.

Apr 10, 2016 12:23 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Scott - I know from reading your posts for years that this is an area where our customs differ. Here, listing agents at showings are neither expected or, in many cases, welcomed.

Apr 10, 2016 07:20 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Scott --- it really depends. It depends on the local custom.  It depends on the property.  It depends on the seller.   

I have seen listing agent accompanied showings go well.  And terribly bad.   

It's not a one-size-fits-all type of response.  

Apr 10, 2016 11:25 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Scott, Yes, this is an area specific request or trend. I’ve never attended a showing on my listings … unless I was showing it.  AND, it is a true fact that many agents to leave lights on and doors unlocked. Very BAD agents. 

Apr 11, 2016 12:35 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Our market custom is that listing agents are not present at showings.  So on the rare occasion when one is present, buyers tend to want the showing over fast.  The listing agent we ran into over the weekend would not stop talking.  Didn't give the buyers space to imagine themselves in the home.

Apr 11, 2016 01:07 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

The listing agent isn't present at showings in my area but maybe 1 in a 100 times. It makes the buyers uncomfortable.

Apr 11, 2016 11:36 AM
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

In my area this is only common on upper end or unique properties, and primarily only when they are occupied and the owner is concerned for their security.  

I see the advantage as I know my listings better than any other agent doing a cold show.  I try to do open houses, post Silent Talkers (placcards around the home which highlight features) and provide lots of flyers with details and features, but nothing beats a personal presentation. 

Apr 11, 2016 04:08 PM