You aren’t just annoying sellers when you do not follow their instructions for showing their property. You may be violating the NAR Code of Ethics.
Standard of Practice 1-16 says REALTORS® “shall not access or use, or permit or enable others to access or use, listed or managed property on terms or conditions other than those authorized by the owner or seller.”
Common complaints include agents leaving doors unlocked, accessing the property without an appointment, and allowing buyers unaccompanied access to the property.
Don’t let convenience or the end goal of selling the property distract you from your obligations to sellers. Following sellers’ instructions leads to greater trust and satisfaction with your services—and may keep you from having to deal with an ethics complaint.
So, this means to me not to get irritated with the agent or broker that says the owner requires them at all showings.
Why would you get irritated. If the seller has specific showing instructions, then we are required to follow their requests. As a listing agent, we work for the Seller. That’s (as I read it) what this article is saying.
I have agents get irritated with ME because as the listing agent my client is requiring me to be at all showings. I had it correct in my brain, just didn’t come to screen that way.
Thank for the clarification. Appreciate you taking the time to explain. I get push back all the time from agents that don’t like the fact they don’t have flexible access. Better said, they have to be on time and keep to a schedule.
We are there because our client expects us to secure and protect their property.
Correct. But to add it’s a violation to do otherwise. It’s part of our code of ethics. Thanks for your understanding.
Dont’ mind them being present, just mind them trying to take over the showing. Feel free to offer information about your listing but please do not control the showing and talk over the buyers agent it is just plain disrespectful. Even if the agent does not seem to be on top of their game it makes us all look bad when we do not respect each other.
No…. you can get irritated… that’s not the problem.
This should be a logical conclusion. Our job has realtor is to ensure safety of their property. Yes an agent should be with all clients viewing a property
My thoughts exactly. The safety of the property, clients, and any potential liability that may arise from any incident/ accident are valid concerns.
In my experience, a frequent problem is, Buyer’s agents, either directly, or through a service, set an appointment for a certain time, gain all of the access info they need, and then actually show up whenever they want. I’m not talking about 15 minutes late. I’m talking about 3 hours, 6 hours, or even later than the appointment time. It’s very unprofessional.
Totally agreed with you. I do understand being late couple of minutes due to traffic ( Showing in Houston) However common courtesy to at least text listing agent to re-schedule or let the sellers know their time delay. I had an agent showing a new construction at 930pm – Vacant property. Even when the builder required not showings after 8pm – The Supra alert me the entry; Builder upset. I called the agent who was actually inside the property at 9:45pm to be out in 5 minutes before the cops arrived. Builder called the cops for trespassing and unauthorized access.… Read more »
FYI-you can change the settings of your Supra box to prevent ANYONE from accessing after hours if you need to. Obviously, I discuss that with sellers but many times they appreciate the added security that not even I can get into the box after a certain time.
Yeah most sellers scratch their head and say what are you doing here! I show them the appt from showing time and showing time never called them.
They have one job call the seller or contact them and can’t do that, it’s a shame but us a realtor say for service we are not getting!
Maybe agents not following the rules need a course refresher
Misunderstood words are usually the cause of mistakes – any mistakes. Let’s use dictionary and understand every words when we read and less mistakes will be made.
I would never show up late and enter a property . If so it would be confirmed by listing agent or seller. Depending on what State you live in. A surprised seller could injure you thinking you were an intruder. . My complaint is the supposedly buyer agent investor that has access and leaves the door unlocked . They rarely give feedback and if they write an offer it’s 40 % of what the home is worth. They have an LLC at a post box or shared work space and you can never contact them. Why waste everyone’s time. It… Read more »
I have come across so many houses that are left open gates, and actual doors left completely open and as a new agent, I am just shocked
Necessary instructions. Thank you.
As listing agents let’s help our sellers to understand the timing difficulties encountered when we are scheduling showings for our buyers. Are you going to pull up to the first house and your buyers say they don’t like the neighborhood and don’t want to go in? So you’re way early for the next showing. Or perhaps they really like a house, spend an hour there, so your late for the next showing. Do you want your sellers to get annoyed and lose a showing? Or do you want them to understand and let the buyers look because they might like… Read more »
Good point. Thank you