No,,,,,If the buyers agent can not attend the showing then they do not deserve the commission in my opinion.  Personally I would never allow my buyers to go view a unit with anyone other than myself.  I bet if we offered the other agent a "referral fee" instead of their full commission they would magically rearrange  their schedules!

If the house is on a lockbox, their Agent HAS to let them in. If the place is occupied, I do NOT want the owner or tenant to show the place - wayyyyy too many issues there. If they need to "as a one time favor" to show the place FOR them, in the spirit of helpfulness (and I may need a return favor later), I will do it  - i.e., the other Agent has an appointment that is running long, illness or family situation, etc. Having been thru the last two years plus with my wife fighting Cancer (now for the 3rd time), I've had Agents  VOLUNTEER to help if I needed them to. My Broker even showed a place for me while Sue was undergoing surgery.

NO.... we are listing agents and we want to move property....we pay them their cooperating fee and we don't care if they never see the property.... and that's happened to us.... we are that buyer's agent's favorite listing agent....and that's our goal....it sells our listings....that's our focus....we don't place judgment on buyer agents.... that's up to their managering brokers to handle.

If the Buyers agent is TRULY a buyers agent they should be assisting in the decision making process, assceesing wants and needs and checking buying signals.  If the buyers are looking at properties with each LISTING agent or OWNER accompanying they are likely giving out signals to that listing agent or owner that compromises their purchasing position.  How can you TRULY represent a buyer if ou have no idea what they've seen?

Showings here are done by the buyer agent.  The buyer agent has to show up.  If they can't due to an emergency or something, then they will ask another buyer agent or in some circumstances the listing agent to do the showing.   Or they'll reschedule.

I wouldn't want my buyers going without me to a showing anyway.

I guess they wont be seeing my listing, it's the responsibility of the buyers agent to accompany their clients to the showing. Know if they make arrangements with me prior. The bottom line is you are getting paid to do the job then do it or get out of the business.

We all have our share of those agents who don't bother to show or show up at a property with their clients. I've ended up with their buyer on many occasions because of this scenario. Often they don't like the home their agent sends them to see. Unless they are under contract with that agent they are free game to show them just what they want. After all I've seen my listing and after communicating with them I know just the home they would like to buy and they usually want to see it. Am I stealing their client...not really as they obviously are NOT committed to their client and the client wants the commitment. Moral...keep your clients sacred and close. That's how you earn your commission.

I agree with most everyone that commented.  I would show it in an emergency or if I knew the agent and they needed a favor due to scheduling.  Otherwise I  am with most of you that I would reschedule for a time when the buyers agent could be there.

Maureen Harmonay The buyer's agent should accompany the buyer's when viewing properties. If it were an emergency, I would help out the agent.

No.  No.  No.  

p.s.  No.  

They accompany them if they want to get paid. I do every now and then get a call from one who just cant make it, if i know them and worked with them before in a positive manner, will do the showing without them. As the listing agent just think about how much info i will learn. 

In our part of the country the only way the home is going to be viewed is with a buyer agent. 

I do not want the bueyrs there unattended but if the agent can't show their client, I will do it for them but that is not optimum for anyone invloved.

Those agents need to reported to their Brokers.

Where did they get ideas like that!   Talk about liability!

I have notice listing agents are adding notices to there listing that if the buyer agent does not show the home with their buyers they will receive only 1% of the commission.  I would have informed the buyer agent that they must be present or have another agent come in their place to show the home.  Not being with your buyer or not having another buyer agent go with the buyer is not very professional.

Wow....that's just down right lazy on the partf the so-called buyer's agents. I would never let a buyer into a listing without being accompanied by an agentt. If I am asked as a favor to show it, I will - but otherwise, my answer would be no.

I rarely allow this to happen if the agent representing the Buyer can't do the work to accompany his Buyer. If I know the agent well and have worked with them in the past years, I have allowed this for an emergency but not for an agent I don't know who doesn't ask me and is just using me.  I will be present myself.  

I have no objection to showing for a Buyers Agent if they call me and talk to me.  I have had scheduling problems myself at one time or another and I like to help out.  What I do not like is agents that do this as a way of life and never leave the office.  Let's face it, that showing may be the one that gets us the offer.

Maureen, this is unacceptable and the buyer's agent could be liable for anything that went wrong during the showing.  The buyer's agent must be there.

If a buyer has an agent the agent needs to be at showings with them.

Exception: Open House

If a buyer's agent isn't interested enough in these buyers to show them the property....I'd assume these are buyers who haven't been vetted, who aren't viable (i.e. not prequalified to buy anything)....no showing would be my vote.

If I'm the listing agent and this buyer's agent convinces me they are good buyers and he/she just can't accomodate the showing then I'd show the property to assist my sellers in their effort to sell.

Our MLS rules dictate that buyers cannot enter a property without an Agent accompanying them.  If your too "busy" to show it, then I will have the buyers sign an agency agreement with me and I'd be happy to show the property to them.  After all, it's my job to sell the property.

I don't show listings except to my own clients. So somebody should show up with those buyers, except me. I would never let my own buyers have contact with a seller's representative. There must be someone in those agents' offices who can help out with the showing.

Maureen Harmonay - no way!

It is important that the listing is accessed by licensed professional - unless otherwise have some other arrangements!

I"m sorry that wouldn't work for me or my client. If the agents can't make the showing appointment, then they need to reschedule them for when they can make it. I've never had this happen. 

Nobody goes into a house in Michigan without an agent.  It is a $5000 fine if they get caught

Agent I have worked with before - no problem.

Someone not known working for a brokerage not known I'll suggest a showing at anohter time. 

Nice business model. 

I would have asked how they planned to get in. Except in unusual circumstances, I don't show my listings for other agents unless we work out a fee-splitting arrangement or other compensation for my doing their job for them. 

I knew Barbara Todaro would have a conflicting opinion on this. She and her agents have a different take on it - everyone should read her blog posts on the subject and see how it works for them. 

No!  If the buyers agent had a true emergency situation and the showing was urgent (buyers only in town for the day, family emergency etc...) I would meet the buyers and show them the home.  If the buyers agent didn't have an emergency (I have had agents tell me they have to be at work at their "real" job when the buyer wants to see the home) I will do a referral agreement (I explain to them real estate is my "real" and only job.  If the agent won't agree to the referral agreement I tell them to schedule another time when they are available.

Um YES! If they want the credit and commission they need to do the work like the rest of us! If a buyer calls on my listing and wants me to show it, when I find out they have an agent I kindly request their agent call to schedule the showing. They need to do the leg work as well. I have been told "I have an agent, but I don't want them to drive 30 mins on the weekend." Tough..should have gone with a local agent and tough it's their job to show you the home.  They need to do the leg work. Now if the buyer was in town for the weekend only and you had prior engagements, emergency, etc...I can assist if I am available. If I was the buyer's agent that had to make this request, I would offer a referral fee or send a thank you with a gift card. Don't forget , while yes it is the listing agents listing and job to get it sold, it's more than likely not the only home/ customer the listing agent has to take care of that day either. 

Also, if i cannot show a home to my buyers one a certain day for whatever reason, I get help from someone in my office and pay them a referral. 

They have to, how else would they get in?  Open houses are open to the public, and as we know a great way to meet potential buyers but I ask them first (as I do on internet leads) if they are working with an agent.  I have a lot of respect for agency.  If a person shows up, sellers are on (non-vacant house) and they asked to view it, up to the sellers.  If they dont have an agent, I can help them, once I explain dual agency (limited consent).

If a buyer wants to get into the house they need one or they can just look at the outside of the home...  Without going into a rant I'll leave it at that

I would tell them that I would be glad to notify if another offer comes in before they have a chance to show it.  We are not allowed to interfere with another Realtor's clients, so why put ourselves into the position to start with on purpose?  If the other agent is a friend of mine, I would show it out of professional courtesy though if I thought they would return the favor if I had a conflict and if they are the type of agent I would welcome on the other end of a sale.

One of these situations is bad enough, but two is too many. This is horrible! There are some pretty poor agents out there. Thankfully, I think that the majority finds this shocking and unacceptable. 

If my listing is difficult to schedule a showing on and if the buyers agent calls and talks to me in a mature and professional manner, I will show somoeone elses buyers one of my listings. I consider it a service to my sellers more than anything and again I only do it if the above two conditions have been met.

When I have a listing, I have made a committment to sell that property for my customer. I treat that house as if it is my own. I want to sell it and will find a solution to make that happen.  My customer deserves that.  Every showing counts and every problem has a solution.  So,  Maureen don't feel bad about what happened remember Karma goes both ways!

If it was an agent that I have worked with in the past and they are truly stuck and this is a one time thing (not habitual), then yes I would schedule the showing around other showings.  However I would need to know if they have approached someone else in their brokerage perhaps a newer agent to cover for them. I would also have to know their buyer's level of motivation/interests and how qualified their buyer is, i.e. verified cash, preapproval letter and etc. If they tell me that it is an Internet lead that they haven't met with yet, then the answer would be a very hard NO!  As usual, I will always work in the best interest of my client-seller.  

My motto is Putting People First. My clients count on me not to abandon them while they're engaged in one of life's biggest decisions.

I would do the showing.  My goal is to get the property sold.  

Just the good ole folks taking a walk through the home, not much liability with that action.  If I were a seller, I just can't think of anything that would please me more than to have just "some folks" walking through my home.

The buyers agent must be there to use the Supra box to open the door. If there is no supra, my sellers are instructed not to let anyone in without an agent present.

Certainly not at an Open House, and I've often shown a colleague's client my listing when their agent was unable to make it.  My job is to get the listing sold, and I work really, really hard to make it easy for other agents to do their jobs.  I do a lot of work as a buyer's agent, and I've had colleagues return the favor - especially during my bionic knee recovery. 

I don't like it when my buyers get to a showing before i do. Makes me nervous. Another reason I make sure we have a buyer rep agreement. I had a tenant client who got there 30 minutes before me. The current tenant let him in. When I got there my client had already left. I was 15 minutes early before the appointed time. Current tenant told listing agent about my client who decided to take the dwelling. I didn't fight about not getting compensated but i informed my client about the situation could have been a bad one. LA got upset with me and was very rude. That was 7 years ago and she still brings it up when we are in a small gathering. I just tell her Idon't remember anymore!

I never like the buyer/tenant showing up without me. EVER!!

If the agent contacted me and had a reasonable explanation, then yes, maybe. In our market, it would be hard to get anywhere doing business that way.  The house would be gone before the buyer got back with his agent.

Lots of interesting comments, yet, almost all agents will show any prospect their listing without their agent during an open house.  

I would not allow any showing of an occupied property without the buyers agent there.

How are the buyers gaining entry to the property without an agent?

Absolutely not! Must be MLS member to access our lockboxes anyway.

If their clients "must see" the home and they were already going out of town, I'll show the clients the home. It's only fair to my sellers. But the clients will not be allowed in the home alone. There's a reason why our association has Supra boxes.

My question would be, if it wasn't the buyer's agents, then what would whom would it be?

Depends. If none of us, listing agents there, another agent should be present. Unless, it is an open house. But if another agent asks me to help them out, I'll be there even if another agent is not.

Of course!  That's their job, not mine.  I'm not going to be responsible for the actions of their buyers.  I represent the seller.

Open Houses are one thing but they can't get into my listings typically, with a prior arrangement, because most of the time we coordinate with the seller and I do not show them. How can the buyer's agent do their job appropriately if they don't even see the house?

The Clients need to be accompanied for security issues, and respect to the Homeowner.

Maybe I'm a bit simple minded, but how would a buyer get into a house unless their buyer agent was with them?  The buyer agent calls the owner to give notice of the showing, then shows the house with the agent's lockbox key.  How would a buyer see a house without their buyer agent?

Buyers agent should be present when showing unless other arrangements are made ahead of tme with listing agent.

Buyer agents should plan to accompany their clients during showings. Home sellers should not admit anyone without an identified agent.

I noticed some time ago that some agents do note that they will charge Buyer's agent 50% of commission if the Listing Agents shows the property.  I haven't seen it in a while.  I would ask them to reschedule when it is convenient for them.  I wonder if the agent does not have control over her clients, they want to "shop" until they find their home and agent would prefer they go on their own. 

It is illegal in Illinois to have a buyer in a home for sale without an agent. I also agree with Cindy Davis how lazy could a buyers agent be to not even go with a client. Sending them out on Open Houses is a different story.

You Need a Buyer’s Agent who is experienced and Agent should be actively finding you homes, keep you informed of the process, answering all of your question.

I prefer that way.

You bet!

just checking on which questions have the most answers here at Activerain, this was one which sure got a good response from everyone.

I always show up for my buyers during inspections. I think it is part of your job! I just had a listing that went under contract and the buyers agent did not show up. When my seller came home towards the end of the inspection he was upset to find the buyers walking around the house with no agent!

This is a stay flexible experience.  I have gotten the call from the Seller stating the Buyers are here, and their Realtor is not with them.  I asked do you feel comfortable allowing them to tour your home, when I'm wasn't available to get there shortly?  When they were, and the Seller's didn't mind conducting the tour I was happy to stay on the telephone with them, or gave them the option to just direct any questions the Buyers had to their Realtor or me.  Fortunately, I work in a marketplace where there is very good cooperation, and we all know things come up.  Get the house toured.  The understanding courtesy may result in a very good deal brought together.

I typically get calls from out of area agents wanting to show the home, but are not members of the local board so their key will not work with our lockboxes. I will usually meet the agent with their client at the home to give them access, but I make it clear to the selling agent that I will not be doing the showing. The selling agent has to be present to show the home with their client.

Interesting comments.  Now and then, it happens.  I know the agent and they have a conflict so I will show the property to their buyers.  This is rare but it does happen. Our area is big on open houses so most buyers will attend the open house either on Sunday or Saturday.   I have had problems with leads from Zillow and Trulia who are working with agents but who "don't want to bother their agent" and ask to be shown the house.  

Dear Maureen,

Not sure, how this would work? Would you meet them? I have never done it this way, except when someone wandered into an Open House. Otherwise, I like to see & comment, for whatever that is worth in their decision-making process.

Showing property gets it sold.  Leave the egos at the door and show the property!  If they're qualified buyers and their agent simply can not accommodate them, why not?   If your listing are "agent accompanied" only -- then you'd be there anyway, wouldn't you?

No a thousand times No!

What assurance do we have that the prospective isn't going to share the lockbox code with their cousin Merlin who just got out of the joint after serving five years for breaking and entering?

As agents we have a fiduciary duty to our customers to provide a sense of well being and privacy.

I would never allow that and in 26 years have never had that request. You would be asking for trouble to do that. If anything goes missing for instance you have no defense.

Sure!  If they pay me a $300.00 "Showing Fee" via pay Pal (In advance).  I'd refund it at closing (as a bonus).  After all - I do represent the best interest of my Seller - and if they don't buy; I just made $300.00 for a drive quick drive to my listing.  Now what would you do if you were the Buyer's Agent?  You have to ask yourself one question, As Dirty Harry once refrained "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do you?

The Buyer's agent must show the property.   As a listing agent, I am available by phone and email to answer questions.

Preferably with buyer`s agent. With all due respect to many professional Realtors, we do have some buyer`s agents that continue to show property without prequalifying their buyers. They not only waste everyone`s time but also pose a potential danger to our sellers! Who are these people walking thru someone else`s private property?

No, no, and no again. If they want to refer them to me or another licensed agent, fine. No agent, no showing.

Many agents do not want to drive an hour or so to show properties in our area and will schedule appointments and then give the clients the code to a numerical lock box while not even notifying or asking permission from the listing agent.  That is why I generally ALWAYS have a SUPRA on my listings so that I have a better chance that the agent or someone in their office will be showing the property.

If it is an open house I do not expect the agent to come with the buyer. I expect the agent to be there if it is not an open house. If the agent cannot be there and request me to show it I do it.