Are you sure you want ME to Show You This House? I'm Not Your Agent!

Simply secure a BPA to show the property. If the prospective buyer rejects the BPA, simply thank him for calling and move on. NEXT.

Very interesting and very common situation.  In Illinois, sub-agency was abolished in the 1990's. So the cascade of problems, while similar in the end result of who gets paid, would take on a slightly different spin.  I suspect this does vary state to state based upon each state's agency laws.

Thanks for the post. I miss NC.

I'd be curious to know how many Seller's Sub-agents either arbitrate or sue for procuring cause.  I generally decline to show when they have a buyer's agent because I don't want to invest my time or expertise if I am not getting paid. If the buyer's agent is out of town or ill, I would but generally no.

Debe, we have seen an increase in calls from buyers who already have agents and "just want to see this one home." I'm always amazed when they say their agent is too busy to show them the house and then remind myself it's time to educate. Some get it and some even after explanation are just plain mad we won't run out to open the door for them. Excellent post.

While it is true that many buyers don't understand how we work and get paid I think many just don't care. It todays' world of smart phones & instant gratification so many people that call my office "want to see the house right now." I'm sure I'm not the only one that has had buyers flat out lie. (I often joke with my wife that I'm going to put Jonny Lang's Lie To Me on the phone for my on hold music).

A few months ago I guy called on my listing. I asked him if he was working with an agent and he said no. During the showing I asked his wife if they had been to a lender yet. She said yes, my agent's husband and handed me cards from both. When I asked the husband why he'd told me they weren't working with an agent he got very defensive and said "I didn't lie, you misunderstood." I may not be the smartest guy in the world but I understand the difference between yes & no.

Debe, GREAT post, and so often we get calls off our sign or they find the listings elsewhere and want us to go out of our way to show, and expect us not to get paid.   

Great post Debe Maxwell! As many others have already written, it's all about education.  Do some buyers know the rules of Agency in advance and break them anyway? Sure they do! Patience is in short supply in our society with everything being instantaneous, so it makes sense that if they want to see the house now, that means (to them) NOW! They'll take the first person who will show it to them, Agency be darned!

Reminds me of a call I had yesterday that started like this..."I know I should not be talking to you but..."  Basically, caller liked my listig but their agent was young (the caller's words!).

Excellent Post!    Actually not just buyers need to read this ALL agents should be taught the practice of making the buyer sign a single showing agreement, when they call agents because their agent is too BUSY!??   I do not like wasting my time and learned this lesson the hard way, of course!

No matter how many times you may explain agency to sellers and buyers they do not always connect.  Everyone listens at different speeds.  If it doesn't apply to instant "my situation" many times it doesnt apply at all in those minds.

Another reason to learn to say NO.  How many agents do not even qualify a buyer before putting them into their vehicle to show property?  If buyer is not willing to porovide a pre approval or proof of funds, it's a sign.  

Thanks for the content and value you continue to deliver and share in our #Active Rain community Debe Maxwell 

I just love it when I get these calls! Another great article Debe!

Ask if they actually have a signed Buyer Agency Agreement. If not, nobody represents them.

What a great way to communicate with the buyers.  

Great points (and reminders). Yes, I do 1. talk agency and 2. never show a home without POF or a Pre-approval for entry.

I wish our MLS would have available for us a form to use for just these one-time showing occasions, just like they hvaeth e Buyer's Agency Agreement.

Debe Maxwell "Have YOUR agent make these appointments for you! That’s what we do - this is our JOB, this is what we are paid to do - for YOUR protection."

Right on target - and - re-blog!

Thanks for sharing. It is common. I agree it should be read by all buyers.