Comments on: Ask the Broker: Should I Leave My Home During Showings?

By: buzzy

buzzy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:14:47 +0000

I agree, but here's my issue from a seller's point of view. Many agents make appointments to see a house without bringing in any clients, whether for comparisons to a similar house they are selling, or checking out a place in advance of bringing clients, etc.

My issue is that they don't say they are coming alone, and I still have to treat it as a showing to prospective buyers – clean, turn on all the lights and leave with my dog. Sellers should be notified when it's just an agent coming through, and seller should not be expected leave the house. I've been told that agents will sometimes lie and say they are bringing in clients.

Sellers should be notified when agents are coming through without clients. I welcome any agent to view my home, but I certainly shouldn't need to leave for an agent only viewing. Isn't there some sort of code of conduct that agents should follow? This is my house and I have a right to know if it is agent only visit.

By: RealEstateUndressed » Blog Archive » The Carnival Of Real Estate # 107: Michael Phelps Style

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:18:09 +0000

[...] the Broker: Should I Leave My Home During Showings? by Jay Thompson, The Phoenix Real Estate [...]

By: Buyers Are Coming…You Should Be Going - Part 2 | Why Didnt My Home Sell

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:26:33 +0000

[...] But I’ll stick to my guns on this point. The potential to do more harm than good is real. Fellow Realtor and Phoenix Real Estate expert Jay Thompson wrote about this very topic at Phoenix Real Estate Guy. [...]

By: Joslyn

Joslyn — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:50:18 +0000

When a home seller has hired a professional, they should make every effort to not be home when buyers are viewing their home. Home sellers have a way of saying things that kill the possibility that the buyer will write a offer.

By: Linsey

Linsey — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:38:22 +0000

I had to give you some link love Jay. This is a topic I've covered at length on my own blog and this falls right into the very discussion.

It's so tempting for the seller to 'sell' all the great things about their home and neighborhood. The problem that arises is what one person sees as a positive, another person sees as a negative – the 'wonderful park where all the kids play is just around the corner' or the 'very outgoing and friendly neighbors' are a couple of examples.

By: Austin REALTOR Sam C

Austin REALTOR Sam C — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:14:23 +0000

Whenever I have shown homes and the seller was still there, my buyer's time in the house dropped dramatically. If someone goes out back, that is better, but still is a bit uncomfortable for buyers. It is all about coaching your sellers and making sure they do all the right things – turn the lights on, open the blinds, turn the AC down or the heat to a comfortable level, leave quite music playing — AND leave.

By: Michael Reilly - Aus

Michael Reilly - Aus — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:58:13 +0000

Can I add one more thing? When YOU leave, take your DOG with you too!!! Look, I love pooches as much as the next guy, but trust me, leaving Fido in the home with strangers is a recipe for disaster. In my experience, the dog will either jump all over the Realtor and their guests in an effort to meet new people or be totally freaked out at the site of strangers and make everyone uncomfortable. Trust me, no matter how nice you think your do is, there is a huge liability if Fido freak outs and bites someone. Although I love Dogs, I've had clients who were not fond of them and don't want the attention or worry of a bad dog.

By: Jim Boyer Harding NJ Homes

Jim Boyer Harding NJ Homes — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:18:43 +0000

By: Jay - The Phoenix Re

Jay - The Phoenix Re — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:58:44 +0000

As always, thanks folks for contributing so much to the discussion!

@Jay – if the seller is around to answer questions, how do you keep them away from the buyers? I would think their natural inclination is going to be to tag along.

@Paul – thanks for supplying a buyer's perspective!

Quite often the seller will say something that I know will be a complete turn-off for the buyer. In other words, the seller just “un-sold” his home.

Excellent point Elaine!!

@Marc – the problem with relying solely on what the seller's preference is the seller isn't the expert. I agree that the seller's wants, needs and desires should be taken into account, but the seller needs to understand the person they've hired to sell their home is the expert in this situation. An agent that simply bows to every desire of the seller may be doing them a disservice.

By: Jim Gatos

Jim Gatos — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 11:53:40 +0000

I forgot to add, that, in addition to the seller NOT being present, neither should the listing agent. Give me a break about me being lazy, my real value is in negotiating. and actually closing the deal.