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Don’t Be Late to Home Showings—or Bail Entirely

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Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com

Don’t Be Late to Home Showings—or Bail Entirely: Why Courtesy Matters in Real Estate


Imagine prepping your home for a showing—corralling pets, entertaining kids in the car, and stepping out just in time for a scheduled buyer to arrive… but they never show. Or they casually stroll in 30 minutes late without a heads-up. Frustrating, right? As a realtor, I see this scenario all too often from the other side—and it’s a problem that can ruin more than just a schedule.

Your Agent’s Time is Valuable—Respect It

When you schedule a home tour with your agent, it’s not “just another appointment.” Behind the scenes, your agent has often lined up multiple showings, coordinated with sellers (who may have kids or pets to juggle), and sometimes even rearranged other clients to accommodate your schedule.

If you’re late—or worse, a no-show—it can throw the entire day off. Some listings may have tight windows of availability, especially if a seller only vacates for a short time. That means your agent may not be able to get back in again later.

As agent Golden said:

“If you don’t respect my time, then we don’t have a good working relationship.”

Being on time isn’t just about punctuality—it’s about etiquette, professionalism, and common courtesy.

Life Happens—Just Communicate

Of course, life happens. Traffic, last-minute emergencies, or even second thoughts can occur. The key is communication. If you’re running behind or need to cancel, a quick phone call or text gives your agent the chance to rearrange, notify sellers, or adjust plans for the day.

Real estate is a relationship-based business. Buyers who show respect, communicate clearly, and value their agent’s time are the ones who tend to have the smoothest—and most successful—experiences.

Why It Matters in Auburn and Opelika

In our tight-knit communities of Auburn and Opelika, word travels fast. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, your reputation matters. Respecting schedules builds trust—and trust helps everyone get to the closing table.

Looking to Buy or Sell in Auburn or Opelika, AL?

Let’s work together! I’m Laura Sellers, a seasoned local realtor who understands the market and values your time. Whether you’re starting your home search or ready to sell, I’ll guide you every step of the way—punctually and professionally.

📞 Contact me today to schedule a home tour or listing consultation.
📍 Serving Auburn, AL and Opelika, AL with pride.

#RealEstateEtiquette #HomeBuyingTips #AuburnALHomes #OpelikaALRealEstate #HomeShowingTips #RespectYourRealtor #BuyAHomeAuburn #SellAHomeOpelika #LauraSellersRealtor
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Laura Sellers

Associate Broker, Realtor, GRI

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 

Preferred Real Estate, Inc.

1810 E. Glenn Avenue, Suite 130

Auburn, AL 36830

Phone: 334-332-7263

Fax: 1-888-217-3682w

 

www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com 

 

TO VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN THE AUBURN-OPELIKA AREA PLEASE CLICK HERE.

 

EXPERT IN AUBURN - OPELIKA - REAL ESTATE SERVICES

If you are buying or selling  property in the Auburn - Opelika, AL  area, my team and I will provide you with the service that you need.  We're the #1 real estate company in Auburn's #1 office.  

Please call me today at (334) 332-7263.

 

To view homes for sale in the Auburn - Opelika area please click here. 

 

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Comments(4)

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Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

It is a negative if the buyers show up late, and a good excuse should be in order.  I have shown up late with buyers, but it has been because of extended time on a previous showing or too much traffic, 

Apr 12, 2025 08:27 AM
Adam Feinberg
Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse Advisor

When working with buyers, I try to build in sufficient time to get from listing to listing on a timely basis- but it doesn't always work out. Also worth noting- showings in my market works a bit differently- with the listing agent doing the showings, and the buyer's agent is optional during open houses (even if by appt) but expected during private showings. So, when the listing agent can only show during a narrow window- this is where I am more likely to fall into delays and late showings- as the client absolutely wanted to see this apartment- so we squeeze in the showing in between other showings that aren't as high priority, but the listing agents for those properties didn't want to or weren't able to adjust their calendar either. I do explain this to my buyer client in advance- and sometimes results in listing agents that get upset with us arriving late, but I would still rather the client have the opportunity to see the home ASAP- even if we risk being a little late. 

Apr 12, 2025 09:05 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

so rude to the seller. This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.

Have a super fantastic weekend!

Bill Salvatore with Arizona Elite Properties.

Apr 12, 2025 10:19 AM
Laura Sellers

I completely agree with you. Some sellers have children and pets and leave the property for the time of the showing and to be late is not a good way to start off the relationship with them.

Apr 14, 2025 05:36 AM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker
Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.
Apr 13, 2025 05:21 AM