Have you ever called your real estate agent to book a showing? Here is what happens.
- Your agent contacts the listing agent to make sure the property is not sold.
- Your agent sends a formal request to show the property at a set date and time.
- The listing agent receives the message and makes a log entry, contacts the seller and waits for approval. If all is good, the showing is confirmed by the listing agent sending a confirmation message back to the buyer’s agent via email and text message.
You simply meet the agent at the listing and are quickly escorted throughout the home. Simple!
WAIT!
What if the seller cannot accommodate the showing as requested? What if there are tenants who do not respond timely to the listing agent’s request. What if the showing is cancelled or delayed by the seller or tenant? And, what happens when the buyer’s agent has lined up two or three showings and now has a gap in the schedule? What if there is a pending offer? What’s the status of the offer? Is the offer in negotiation? What’s the process now?
Booking a showing may seem simple but there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes. In most jurisdictions the timing of offers and showings comes under legal scrutiny should a conflict arise. Agents have specific legal and ethical rules that govern their conduct designed to benefit the public.
Often, these rules and ethics are not crystal clear and agents do their best behind the scenes to ensure fairness. This is one reason why top agents often say such great things about other top agents. A solid transaction always takes two talented agents!
Veteran full-time agents will agree:
- Negotiation starts when the showing is booked. Every comment, question and nuance is important should the buyer write an offer later on.
- Every showing is important to the seller and to the buyer. If it’s not, don’t book it. Be respectful. You are not buying every house you look at but someone took a lot of time out of their day to prepare the home. Respect.
- Feedback is appreciated. What did you like or dislike? This could help the seller in the future. And, more importantly, what did you purchase instead?
- Work with a full-time agent. You will notice the difference.
Viewing and screening properties is the most important element in real estate sales. It may seem like a simple appointment but it can lead to a great real estate purchase with the right advice.
D