We were recommended to this agent who seems to have good track record and reputation. However, we have been out on our own for the past two weeks to look at houses. This agent just email us listings and gives us some additional info over the phone. Although we have 4-5 months window for shopping around, we feel we need to start looking right now rather than waiting till last month then make a hasty decision. Is it considered normal practice for agents to not taking clients around to see houses? We thought it otherwise.
December 10, 2009
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Since you have a 4 or 5 month window there is no real urgency. Should you see a house that you like right now, don’t assume that it will still be on the market in 4 or 5 months. Your agent is doing nothing wrong, and probably has other clients he or she is working with who are ready to purchase a home immediately. When you’re ready, your agent will undoubtedly accompany you for a second visit to the couple of houses you’ve “narrowed it down to”. You don’t need a baby sitter – so be glad that you have an agent who understands this and treats you as intelligent adults. Your agent pays for the information he or she e-mails to you (the MLS is not free), and syphons through the countless listings to find something suited to whatever you told him you’re looking for, so treat it as such.
Comment by hollywoo — December 10, 2009 @ 9:28 am
Let me let you in on a little secret about realtors or agents. They have a system that most of them are taught which is as follows…………..
Buyers fall into three catagories –
A – Buyers will buy now
B – Buyers will buy in 2 to 4 weeks
C – Buyers will buy in 6 months
Now given the above, who do you want to work with and be available for?
I’m not saying that B & C are not as important, on the contrary situations change quickly and a good agent or Realtor knows this and keeps all options open.
Call and tell him that you have the time now to look and that you want him to show you the houses available. He is aware of those listings (sellers) who may wait a little longer if they know that their house was wanted. If he says no, I don’t want you to find something you like now and it won’t be available when you are actually ready to buy, then he does care enough to give you service later down the road. If his answer is well you don’t seem to be ready…………………get another agent or realtor. This guy might have a good reputation but those agents usually come with egos once they pass a certain point in their careers (2 to 3 years).
Comment by Amit Gupta — December 10, 2009 @ 10:02 am
Have you asked your agent quite clearly that you want him/her to take you out to investigate various neighborhoods and understand your options, floorplans, Home Owner Association rules, amenities, etc., to help narrow down your focus? Establishing good, honest and regular communications from the start will keep you all on the right path during this adventure. Don’t assume your agent instinctly knows what you need, as a unique individual – ask!
Comment by Sven B — December 10, 2009 @ 10:16 am
Personally, if I did not take my clients to see houses of their choice, they would not be my clients for long. I agree that you should either discuss this with them, or just move on. You may want to give them a chance to explain. She may just not realize you are ready to start looking seriously so early in your home purchase plans. Realistically, houses you see now are not likely to be for sale by the time you are ready to buy. Having the time to drive around will offer you the flexibility of narrowing down neighborhoods or locations that you do or do not like.
Comment by venicefl — December 10, 2009 @ 10:24 am
Is it a “buyer’s agent” or a traditional seller’s agent?
When we bought our first house, we went with a buyer’s agent. While I / we did plenty of “drive-by’s” and looking on our own, for a few houses that we were really interested in, our agent came along and pointed out things we wouldn’t have noticed.
Why not ask your agent?
Comment by alakaybe — December 10, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Definitely not normal around here.
how do you get in the house?
Comment by scott.br — December 10, 2009 @ 11:00 am
No it is not normal for an agent to let their clients do all of the work. A good agent should make the time to schedule you in an appointment to go see the house together.
Comment by geekyold — December 10, 2009 @ 11:28 am
Just because your agent isn’t physically showing you homes doesn’t mean that he’s not doing the work for you. There’s a difference between working hard and working smart. Stick with him; I’m sure you’re in good hands. If an agent shows you hose after house after house after house…… he is working hard but not doing his job because he’s not listening to you. Think about it!
Comment by Tarlyng — December 10, 2009 @ 11:42 am
no get another one they should work for there commission
Comment by Larry197 — December 10, 2009 @ 12:13 pm
Agents do not take clients that have a window like yours. They try to screen your likes and dislikes first. Than when it comes within two months of the closing you want they start taking you out looking at the choices available to you that fit your likes. This is the way they work. Their month is time is money. If they are walking with you than they are not available for those that are buying NOW. The market and choice change on a daily basis’s and what you find today may not be available the time you are buying. The people selling their homes want closings as soon as possible.
Comment by Boss — December 10, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
NO I DONT THINK SO IF YOU R GOING OUT ON YOUR OWN YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR SALE BY OWNER
Comment by legermar — December 10, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
My husband and I have purchased five home in the past thirteen years, and each time we have had a different agent. All of those agents took us or at least met us and showed properties. Maybe your agent is too successful and doesn’t have the time in which case she is not giving you full service and should not ultimately demand full commission.
Comment by kbeth196 — December 10, 2009 @ 1:42 pm