We got a call from an agent wanting to show one of our short sale listings. The seller, like many sellers who find themselves unable to pay their mortgage, is working all the hours he can to keep his job....and his financial head above water. He also has a dog that requires removal before showings...not a real "agent or buyer friendly" kind of bark/bite guy.
The agent wanted an almost immediate showing....the time did not work for the seller and he gave me 3 other whole days that he would work to accommodate the buyer....he well understands the need to sell...he is also so tired he isn't sure what day it is ...what time it is....and we sure understand/empathisize with that...the selling agent does not.
"Well...if 
he is facing foreclosure he should make his house available ANYTIME or he'll Never sell it," he snapped....crackled and popped.
"Gee....I am not going to tell a seller who is working every hour he can that he must accomodate your short notice showing....whether you are a buyer's agent OR a seller's agent...with short sales...compassion is the first order of the day. He isn't being uncooperative....he is offering several other times and will do his best."
CLICK ! Hmmmm...might have lost a showing...if the patience of the buyer is as short as the patience of the agent, it would not have worked anyway.
Short sales...long patience...great compassion...good outcome for all concerned.
I always try to convince my sellers that every opportunity lost may be the only one you get; however, I understand that sleep is vital and sometimes circumstances are such that is can't be done. Real estate agents need to TRY to be professional. I believe that in this instance, everyone concerned was better off not dealing with particular individual. Based on his level of professionalism, he might have turned out to be your worst nightmare (and I've had some doozies!).
WOW, we are Short Sale listing agents and have rn into these sellers too. My wife and I do and we know it might hurt the showing, put times when the home can be shown and or by appointment only. One thing I must say the by appointment only seems to make the home seem more exclusive...
Good luck and bring on the Short Sales...
We had an agent call with a showing report once complaining that the condo smelled like smoke..and she should update this and that...it was a short sale...I am telling her no such thing...clean yes....no smoking and updating...I don't think so...
I think everyone's a little short on patience now adays. Seems like I am running into more and more grumpy demanding folks. Is it a full moon? Nope think it is just alot of people are at the end of their rope. Instant gratification society and instant is not what a short sale is. If they were so quick to write off this property, then bet they would not be in for the long haul.
We agree....we discuss patience with the agent and stress that to them to stress to their buyers...no agent no matter what side of the table they are on should want to put a seller thru multiple offers that keep taking a walk !
Sally & David - Bottom line is homes with dogs are harder to show. Any listing that requires notice loses showings. No excuse for snapping at you, though!
Bowser is big and growley....we have gone over ourselves and taken him out....he looks like he could eat an agent all in one bite !
ARGH! Maybe next time the selling agent can take it upon themselves to PLAN a showing AHEAD of time rather than gripe at your seller for THEIR shortcomings! (just hope they are reading you)
:)
We can all only hope....but the phone just rang....how about in an hour....ewwww !