Courtesy of Jules B. Yates, Exit Realty Paramount
I have to imagine I will get a lot of comments on this one but in many cases it had made all the difference in the world. In fact it has made me thousands of dollars. Why would I show up to tour a home or property when another agent set up the showing?
My theory is this...no one knows the property as well as the seller and in their absence that leaves me (if I did my job thoroughly). Naturally if we are busy we can not always show up every time there is a showing but many Realtors (especially those new agents) have lots of free time on their hands.
Although I specialize in development property, I do occasionally take residential listings. When I do I make the seller aware that I will make a point to try and be there for all showings no mater who books the showing. This accomplishes several objectives:
- I am there to make sure the home or property is ready.
- It gives me the opportunity to give potential buyers information on the property that may not be obvious or easily explained in a brochure.
- It gives me the opportunity to get honest immediate feedback from the buyers (Sellers love this).
- It gives me chance to meet agents with whom I have never worked with and they in turn see my professionalism.
On that note, I make the other agent aware that I will be there for the showing and that I will be happy to step outside or otherwise disappear if they need privacy. On occasion I am asked if it is necessary for me to be there and 9 times out of 10 this objection is due to the other agent not knowing what time they will be there and not wanting me to wait.
How do most agents or buyers react to my presence? Most of the time, the buyers love me being there and so do the agents. In fact I am usually thanked again and again. For example if a home has been remodeled and the improvement are not obvious. Another case may be with new construction.
In one case a top agent sent out a licensed assistant to show a home and while walking through the unfinished basement the buyer (an older gentleman) looked up and said, "Oh my god, they cut off that beam". The assistant said, "You are right".
Being a licensed builder I knew this was not the case. I pointed out that the beam was intentionally cut off and the load was transferred via another beam to two jack posts on either side. This was done to open up the room so it can be finished. This is just one example.
Again, this won't apply to all cases but hopefully you can use your judgment to determine when this is necessary (or in the Sellers best interest) and when no to bother.
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