By Jeffrey D. Chute ABR, GREEN, GRI, SRES, SRS
In the day-to-day activities of Real Estate Professionals, sometimes the courtesy we extend to the public, the listings and each other can be ‘lost in the shuffle’ as we transact properties in a somewhat challenging environment.
This article is one of an occasional series which take excerpts’ from the NAR document “Pathways to Professionalism” and apply them to how we conduct ourselves in the marketplace. The items below are items are taken from the second section: ‘Respect for the Property’.
• “Never allow buyers to enter a listed property unaccompanied”.
If this is to occur, it is usually subsequent to a previously accompanied showing. The Buyer wants to return to the property, but for whatever reason their agent can’t accompany.
Consider sending a substitute to cover…or at least notify the listing agent to seek guidance. The liabilities of an unaccompanied Buyer can be a threat to ALL parties.
• “When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating, cooling, drapes; etc.) If you think something is amiss, contact the listing broker immediately.”
Imagine your seller client returning home to find lights on, heat/cooling adjusted, exterior doors unlocked and/or left open. Now imagine their return is several days post showing! Whatever sequence you opened the property should be reversed as you prepare to leave. Remember the Golden Rule!
• “Be considerate of the Sellers property. Do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke, dispose of trash, use baths or sleeping facilities or bring pets. Leave the home as you found it.
This can be challenging when the buyers are tied to their ‘iced double lattes’ while going from house to house, a child needs to ‘use the facilities NOW!’ or, as was my case, the Buyers insisted that any home being considered for purchase had to be first approved by their pet via a site visit.
We must balance these incidents with the fact that our respective clients are human beings with all that that implies. In fact human nature coupled with interesting behaviors are part of what makes our jobs so interesting…as well as challenging.
In the above cases, a phone call or a note left behind will help mitigate any untoward use of various facilities within the property.
Look for more suggestions in later columns or to view “Pathways to Professionalism” in its entirety visit
http://www.realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/pages/Pathways?OpenDocument&Login.
Jeff Chute is a licensed State Instructor, REBAC Instructor and partner in Chute & Payzant Real Estate, Inc., Plymouth. |