A Changing Market
For the past two weeks I have been helping an investor clients acquire their first investment property. In my area and for their comfort price point I can count on my hands the number of properties on the market. Properties are receiving 1-10+ offers within 24 hours of hitting MLS and a rising number of buyers bidding on properties sight unseen.
The Bum Rush Inside
With the scene set above you can figure the flurry of activity around these properties. That said I’m finding some disturbing trends some so obvious that my clients, who have owned multiple homes over the years, had some choice words about how our industry works. In at least two instances agents just plainly barged in the home without even a polite “can we show the home also possibly starting on a different floor?”. At another property the other agent showing refused to pass the keys and almost got in his car WITH the keys still in his pocket. The most frustrating was a customer who said they were “waiting on their agent” that kept knocking on the door during my showing asking if they could come in and look. When I said I was with a client of mine and could not escort them through the property they become frustrated and eventually left.
Let’s Bring Back Common Courtesy
As the market starts to become more active we need to keep the basics in mind. When we are showing a property the potential buyer should be the focus. They have a right to view the property without other potential buyers in the property (which I feel is a disadvantage to EVERYONE involved). Agents need to be mindful of this right and be courteous when another showing is occurring when you pull up to a property. If this occurs I use this time to tour the exterior of property with my clients of even take a short stroll around the immediate area. As for buyers trying to “sneak a peak” at properties, remember your fiduciary duty is to the person(s) you intended to show the property to and just letting someone who knocks on the door in is both unprofessional and a potential liability to you. Yes I know many buyers even with agents do this on their own but if you as an agent are encouraging this you ARE doing a disservice to your client.
Joe Loomer
July 29, 2009 at 8:59 am
Although we do not have your situation here, Matt, I have experienced the very things you speak of. It’s one thing to be an Open House host with a flood of prospects and lookey-loos coming through – quite another to interupt another agent’s showing.
Agree completely – bring back common courtesy and the most basic attempt at professionalism.
Navy Chief, Navy Pride
Jonathan Dalton
July 31, 2009 at 1:09 am
Baby, it’s 118 degrees outside. Hurry the heck up so we can get into the cool 104 of the house without air conditioning!