Does the Listing Agent have to attend ALL Showings in their Listings?

Who should be at the showing of a home For Sale? In some areas, it common to have Buyer Brokers enter a sellers home without the Listing Agent there? There is a new debate growing as some Manchester NH area home owners realized their Seller Agents are not attending showings in their homes. There was some real concern for both safety and the lack of being represented during the selling process. In some parts of the country, a listing agent never attends the showing appointment. Here in New Hampshire it used to be that a Listing Agent always attended the showings. The trend has been for the large franchises to only offer unassisted showings where the listing agent does not attend.

THIS IS WHERE MY STORY STARTS when early on Thanksgiving Morning I get email. It is a list of questions labeled "Listing Interview". You see a home owner whose home was listed all summer and did not sell, is ready to hire a new agent, They have some very specific questions. I looked up their old MLS sheet and read through the questions. I could see a pattern right off. I answered their questions and emailed them back, I added a note I was available by phone until noon on Thanksgiving. 

Shortly after the phone rings. It is Mr. and Mrs. Seller. Their first line was "We do not want to waste anyone's time, our main request is an agent who will attend showings at our home." I said no problem. They were shocked and went on to tell me how many times their door was left unlocked, how the key was even left in the lock, that lights were left on and their small dog even let out. It was easy to believe a I see it often by buyer agents who dont take the time or care when they enter and leave a home.

They were quite excited that I responded so quick never mind answered my phone, on Thanksgiving. They gushed how excited they were. They said they wanted to list the home on the spot, but can we start showings after Christmas? We came to some agreements on how to proceed. I am heading over there to walk through the home and get signatures. They agreed to go over price, marketing and  what to expect during the selling process.

SUMMARY: On average it is common that Nearly ALL HOME OWNERS looking to sell that were aware of what unassisted showings were, do ask what the advantages or disadvantages are of having the listing agent present. I can say the only concerns seem to come from Buyer Agents or the listing agent that dont attend showings. Most often is they dont want the buyer to feel uncomfortable. But what about the seller? Are they comfortable strangers are in their home?

The benefits of an assisted showing are that the Listing Agent not just open the door for them. They meet the buyer and their agent, tell them in brief some home facts, what makes the home special, what upgrades there are, what no renovations are, where the lot lines may be, tells about the schools if they have school age kids and anything else that puts the home is a good spotlight.

A GOOD Listing agent then stands back, knows when to talk, when to listen and lets the buyer look at the home. They are their to answer questions. They then can give real life comments to their seller. It is rare if ever a buyer agent gives real feedback to the listing agent after a showing. 

The BOTTOM LINE is the home seller should be told of what the difference means and asked what they prefer. I get many listings because i am willing to do assisted showings where other agent will not do them. What is RIGHT, is what the home owner wants. They can choose to approve unassisted showings or can demand that the listing agent be there. It is their right and choice.

In Real Estate,  YOU deserve the BEST service when buying or selling a home. Real Estate is not time for trial and error or short cuts.  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.  

The most critical part of Buying or Selling a home is the Agent/Broker you choose. You have a choice of agents. Use your choice to hire the BEST agent in your area.

By using a 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 can help you find your dream home .