It depends.... I'm from the old tricky school.... I have the knack to make the listing agent do a full presentation, answer questions and make them do disclosures, sales pitch-promises and exaggerations, and saying things that should not be said, as we actually take written notes, and write those in the contract (we have a section for that in our AZ contracts called verbal representations).

Hand them enough rope, they'll hang themselves.

It takes a skilled and very experienced agent to maneuver around that...

And it's been a real issue in the past, where some listing agents go further and want to become part of the buyer conversation between my client and I. 

I've been on listing agent side of it.  I've had about 40% of buyers agents turn the showing over to me as soon as they walk through the door.  Normally I just trail behind and point out unique features to the AGENT that only the listing agent would know about.  Hence why I say that the listing agent can do a better job selling than the buyer's agent on unique homes.  If the buyer's agent turns over the showing to me, then I lead the tour.  It's always their choice though.

Some agents are better than others.  Had one listing agent give up their seller's bottom line price at an open house tour yesterday.

I do NOT want the listing agent hovering, and will physically place myself in between them and my clients. Once we are around and through, we'll ask questions and yes, most of them do talk way too much!

Hella,

In our world as listing agents, we were there to answer questions.  We let the agent do their thing, answered questions, and moved.  Other than greeting the potential buyers, we would withdraw from the showing.  A

I cannot make an agent or a seller do anything - certainly not stay outside for a showing.  If the agent was interfering in any way I'd perhaps ask them to refrain or step outside ... yet, in the end, I cannot make them step outside or be quiet. Often times I will get information that perhaps I should not have. 

I can't " make them" do anything. I assume agent is doing what seller wants them to do.

all details about the house should be disclosed, especially if it's something that would make a buyer change his/her mind about buying the home.... full disclosure is what we do and we have no issues.... everything sells....

if you're referring to financial information, drag that agent out back and shoot her.

If a seller prefers I attend all showings, I leave it up to the selling agent, but prefer they have their privacy for open discussion!

  Ask the agent to give the tour... pry information out of them that will benefit your buyer.

A lot of our luxury market requires the LA to be present and I don't have a problem with them being there. I just remind my clients before going in NOT to talk to the other agent other than to say their first names (introducing themselves) and to talk about the weather. 

Oftentimes the LA will give up information that helps us in negotiations so, I say, bring it on! Do I like them being there? Not really but, I've had the shoe on the other foot as a LA and I'm ONLY there for security and to answer any HOUSE-SPECIFIC questions...and, of course to find out everything I can about the buyers!! 

As a listing agent, I ask the buyer agent what would they like. Either they do it or I do it or we do it together. I always make the buyer agent look good. I am the best qualified to spiel the home and tend to agree

I always tell my buyer to listen and not talk beyond small talk and let the agent make the decision.  I agree you can gather a LOT of information that sometimes you shouldn't be getting.  I take advantage

It's the agent not the seller. I bet the agent thought it was a great idea so she could size up your buyer. Problem is she talked so much she gave away the farm.

When we are Listing Agents and have to be at a Home Showing, per our Seller's request or because of pets, we do not conduct the tour, but would answer questions.  We have seen Buyer's Agents not be able to answer questions about the community or the listing, so they may not have done their homework Hella Mitschke Rothwell.   

I usually ask for an overview of anything we should know, perhaps a few questions, then ask if we might have time to ourselves to just walk around. It’s surprising sometimes what you can learn in these brief discussions. But I had one agent who did nothing but hover from start to finish. It was very uncomfortable, and annoying especially for the buyers

There is a risk in that, for sure. 

If I am asked at a listing agent to be at the home for showings, I will stay inside the home as instructed.

Depends on the property and the agent. If it is large house and the seller lives there, I'm ok with being toured. 

It depends. If I feel like they can do a better job and I know the agent, I will ask for their assistance. I do advise the buyer to save the questions for me and to keep conversations to a minimum.

It depends, as a listing agent who gets this request from a lot of sellers in NH, i know enough to open the door, give my very quick intro and let the buyer agent see the home with their buyer. I know what to talk and when to listen. I answer questions, turn out the lights and lock up as many buyer agents can not seem to get that right. My seller is happy, the buyer agent is happy and hopfully the buyer makes an offer. 

It depends - usually I'll have them stay outside but if they offer information I won't stop them

I don't mind if they stay, but I don't let them give the tour... hopefully they will stay in the background.. but if they talk and give up information they should not that's a bonus.  I also like it when Seller's are home as they often give up information freely they should not and put themselves at a disadvantage. Their agent should have counselled them better... It's somethign I always do with my Seller's. I tell them not to talk with the perspecdtive Biuyers or their agent, and to direct any questions to me.

Ugh, love the comments. 

I have not had a listing agent present since I left NYC 20 years ago. If I were with the buyer, I'd ask them to leave us alone. Besides, listing agent doesn't know my buyer's hot buttons and I do. 

Once lockboxes became the norm I would do a listing that required that.

Let them do the tour and advise your clients to be careful with their comments.

I know what you mean, sometime they tell to much.

I have shown homes where the listing agent was required to be in attendance, and prefer they stay at the front door.    When this happens, I make sure my buyer does not say anything.....

I don't mind having the agent there, especially if they or the sellers insist on it. Use them to get usuful information. Up to them if they want to conduct the tour.

Hella Mitschke Rothwell In my area with commercial real estate, it is customary for the listing agent to attend. I let them give the tour and answer client questions privately.

It depends on the agent and my familiarity with the property.

Carol Williams nailed this one!

Hella Mitschke Rothwell - I prefer it that way for sure.

If I have to be at the listing I intrduce myself, let the agent know I am there for any questions and then excuse myself.

Who better to lead the tour than someone who has had the tour from the sellers.

If they make mistakes in this tour then politely let them know after the clients are gone.

When my wife was an agent, the listing agent says she gets a better deal if going with her. Get rid of your agent-my wife.