Most of us work with a real estate agent only a few times in our lives, so it’s difficult to know what is “normal.” Here are some tips that might help:
Scheduling A Showing:
– Plan Ahead: When you first meet your agent, one of the things you will discuss is the best time of day to meet for showings. Because homes sell quickly, plan a little flex time each day when you can drive out and look at a home if something new and fabulous hits the market. Your agent will plan to meet with you during that window of time, if possible, whenever you alert the agent to a home you want to see.
– Advance notice: If you receive an alert about a possible home match, if you are interested in seeing it, please let you agent know the property address and your available times to see the home. The more notice you can give, the more likely the agent will be able to secure the best showing time for you.
– Number of showings: While the number of homes you can see depends on schedule and the specific situation, most agents try to limit the number of showings to around 3-5 the 1st day you see homes, and up to 3 on subsequent days. The logic is this… With detailed listing information, it is usually feasible to at least narrow down the choices to the most likely winners in terms of home style, size, and location. If you need help narrowing down the list, try driving by the addresses to check out the neighborhoods, or ask your agent for guidance.
Transportation:
– Ride Along: In areas like North Idaho and Eastern Washington where most people have their own cars, buyers generally drive themselves and meet the agent at a showing. In addition to personal safety benefits, it also allows you to discuss homes in the privacy of your car while you travel, and reduces time if you are scheduling showings during lunch break or after work.
Exceptions are available for elderly, or for buyers without transportation, but as a rule, it generally makes more sense to drive separately.
Showings:
-If you arrive early: Please remain in (or near) your vehicle, or drive around the block and check out the neighborhood. If you are walking around the property without an agent escort, or the permission of the property owner, it can be considered trespassing. Try not to arrive too early.
– If you are running late: Please notify your agent if you are running more than 5 minutes late. Some showing time slots are only 15 minutes. If you will be very late, the agent needs to revise the plan.
-If you can’t make it: Please let your agent know as soon as possible. Even if his office is just a block from the showing, he may be traveling from another showing a few towns away, or might be rushing his earlier appointment to make sure that he is able to meet you on time. A courtesy call or text is very appreciated.
-The agent: Your agent, under normal circumstances, will be at the showing 5-10 minutes before the appointment time. If she can’t make it, she will notify you that a different agent will be meeting you, and she will provide that agent’s contact information so that you always know who you will be meeting.
During the Showing:
-Kids: Well behaved children are welcome at most showings, unless your agent recommends otherwise. Please keep your children with you during the tour, or ask them to play in the yard (if the yard is empty). If they run through the house looking for “their room,” there is greater chance that they might encounter something that is unsafe for them (Sellers without kids can forgetfully leave knives, swords, diabetic supplies, etc where kids could be tempted to play with them), or a higher chance that something might be damaged (collectables, figurines, etc). Your agent and the sellers will appreciate it if you can keep the kids by your side during the showing.
– Nanny Cams: “If you don’t have something nice to say” about a house, it’s best to wait until you are back on the street before you say anything. Many sellers like the genuine feedback from buyers, so they set up nanny cameras. There may also be security cameras that pick up your words and actions. Most agents will encourage you to keep comments general, until you are off the premises. And DON’T mention within the possible hearing of cameras that you are qualified for more than the house is listed for. You definitely don’t want the seller overhearing that!
-Agent Business Card: You will notice that your agent will probably leave their card on the table or kitchen counter on the way through. That is a courtesy to the sellers so that sellers know who has been in their home.
– Restroom Breaks: If you need a restroom break, it’s totally ok! Just mention it. It won’t bother your agent at all. If it is convenient to stop somewhere between showings, your agent may suggest that, otherwise, it is ok to use the restroom at the home you are touring (assuming that the water is hooked up). Please just be respectful of the facilities. Your agent may even crack a joke about it being a good idea to “try (the restroom) before you buy!”
Other Trivia
-Choosing An Agent To Call: To get the best service from an agent, do some research on local Realtors who are great to work with, then call one and stick with him/her. Unless your agent really isn’t a good fit, it is not polite to switch, even if you didn’t sign a contract to stick with him/her. Choose one agent, and stick with him/her! This also has a HUGE added benefit for you: once an agent gets to know you and your needs, they are more likely to access their off-market grapevine to find you homes that aren’t available by searching the web. If they don’t expect you to return to them to look at more homes, they won’t go through the extra work to find more for you to see! Sure, you will get the free web updates, but you miss out on the harder to find gems.
-Tips: There is no need (or expectation) to tip your agent. You are getting ready to make a financial investment in a home or property. Save up! If you would like to show your appreciation, use the same agent again for your next showing!