Special offer
Andrew Antonio, UPSTATE NEWYORK AGENT (Joe Macri Realty)

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2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

If a new buyer calls and wants to meet ASAP, it's important to ask them all the right questions first. Are they working with an agent? Did they just start their home search? Are they living in the area? What's driving the need to see the house asap? Do they have a pre-approval?

And do a little research on the house. Is it a brand new listing? Been on the market forever? 

That will tell you whether there's a need to set up an "asap" showing.

And yes, if someone else agrees to show the house that person would get the commission if it's a valid buyer. 

Nov 27, 2018 03:23 AM
Ambassador
5,230,113
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Don't let their sense of urgency become yours. You need to take control of this ship!

Gather more information from them, get them pre-approved and ask lots of questions before you meet them at your office, THEN head out to see properties. 

SAFETY FIRST! No amount of possible commission is worth your life.

Nov 27, 2018 05:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

This is a fantastic new agent question and kid, I'm your broker. You're welcome. Now. Hold up.

You don't even know who these guys are. That urgency may or may not mean a damn thing. In fact, high pressure before process bothers me.

Serious consumers understand that we are professionals and that means we work by appointment.

You don't know anything about these people. How are they going to pay for this? Do they even know what they can qualify for? What exactly are they looking for. Does it exist? You need to take control of this situation.

And so what if flakes end up with another agent. That's good news for you if they are not serious. They can waste another agents time while you work with serious buyers.

As with all things in life, you need to be seeking quality before quantity. Pace yourself. You don't want them all, just the great ones.

Nov 27, 2018 04:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,197,152
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Interesting question,  do you have a relationship with this buyer?  Are theyprequalified? Have they even talked to a lender?  Lot of stuff to find out before I leave the office,  

and yes, they might find another realtor.  

Nov 27, 2018 03:23 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Nothing makes me move slower than being told that something needs to be done ASAP.  CONTROL your business; don't let some new potential (key word!) buyer call the shots.  Ask the right questions to qualify them and keep yourself safe.   We all have a responsibility to ourselves and public to do this right...! 

Nov 27, 2018 04:43 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I have no clue... I've yet to meet someone I don't know at the drop of a hat. I don't meet strangers at properties. What makes you think you'll earn a commission... do you know if this person is even qualified to buy?

Nov 27, 2018 04:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

They should meet you at your office or a public place so you can qualify them

Nov 27, 2018 04:01 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

    If it's my listing sign, I will ask the questions that Kat Palmiotti covered (are you working with an agent, do you have pre-approval, what do you like about this house, etc.) but most likely I am going to show them that house. 

     But "right now" and "ASAP" are not in my vocabulary, unless a building is on fire or there is money blowing in the wind.  We can set a time later today, or would tomorrow be better for you?

    On the other hand, if I never met this "Buyer" and they are calling me on some other company's sign, the question becomes "why did you call me?"

Nov 27, 2018 06:11 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

A random buyer popping up out of nowhere to see a property NOW, with a greta chance they want to make an offer, sounds too good to be ture.  And you know what they say about things that seem too good to be true, they probably are.  

Anyone worth your time and effort will not expect you to drop everything on whim, particularly if you don't even know them.  

Nov 27, 2018 01:50 PM
Ambassador
3,125,842
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Qualifying them to purchase is the first step. And I have never gained a buyer by jumping up, running to my car, speeding down the road and showing a home on the fly. Besides, a client is not yours until documents are signed!

Nov 27, 2018 07:10 AM
Rainmaker
577,750
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

I would try and get as much information as I can over the phone first, have they been pre-approved for a mortgage, are they working with another agent? Why is their need seem so critical?  Do they have a home teo sell, or are they renting?  I would search the property and the history details.

Nov 27, 2018 05:20 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Without being pre-approved and signing a buyers rep agreement I don't show anyone anything.

Nov 27, 2018 04:22 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

 A call from a unknown-to-you buyer is a possible lead. To me: See if there is a connection and then make your decision. If it's your listing, a different course of action would be recommended.

Nov 27, 2018 04:13 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Lots of questions before you can answer this. Pre-qualified, reason for quick action, my schedule, am I comfortable with these people?

Nov 27, 2018 03:33 AM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I have procedures set up for our team, safety and efficiency keep us from being poptart agents.

Nov 27, 2018 05:50 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I work with qualified buyers only. Motivation is good but it won't count on an underwriter's review of financials, income, debt, assets, credit history, etc. If that buyer sends me their loan approval letter and proof of funds, I will show the property.  If not, I am more than happy to let someone be the janitor for that buyer, and open the door for them.  Buyer vetting is essential and a company policy. 

Nov 27, 2018 08:13 AM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

My immediate answer is HELL NO! But if you are going to go do not go alone Andrew Antonio . Even though I am always armed I am not going to run off without some cover to meet someone for the 1st time at unfamiliar ground.

Nov 27, 2018 07:59 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Nothing stops you from asking the right questions before going out for an appointment.

Nov 27, 2018 06:39 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I like to ask questions first. Are they working with another agent? Do they have anything to sell? Have they been pre qualified? if yes with who? Then why must it be today, short notice etc? There are some buyers who are in my area and see something and need to go now before they head back to where ever. I go when the answers are right and i have sold many homes that way

Nov 27, 2018 06:35 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

In my personal experience, the "meet me right now" people were tire-kickers passing through, but you never know. If you screen them properly, they could turn out to be real, but make sure to ask for the proper id's and paperwork to be signed, e.g. Buyer Agency agreement to protect yourself.

Nov 27, 2018 06:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I can tell you're a noob. No mention if they are preapproved? If they can't afford it they are always in a hurry to see it.

Why do you think that every house shown receives an offer?

Nov 27, 2018 06:08 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

0

Nov 27, 2018 06:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

This will always be your call and yours alone. When no familiarity with the caller exists I would not "jump" into the fray. Experience tells me there's only a 1 in 10 chance of this happening instantaneously. The choice is yours!

Nov 27, 2018 05:39 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Talk to your broker if you have one at this time.

Nov 27, 2018 04:12 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

why take a chance of them calling someone else.... jump and meet them....

Nov 27, 2018 10:16 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

Real estate is seldom sold on the spot but some buyer's need to see a property when they ask & will call agents til they get one to show it to them on the spot. If you want that buyer, now or in the future- whenever he may buy something- then it's best to hop up & meet them at the listing/your office. I think you can ask the buyer a few prequalifying questions on the phone & get enough info to make the decision that much clearer.  

Nov 27, 2018 10:05 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I would try to get some additional information first.

Nov 27, 2018 08:49 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Andrew,

It depends.  We used to get calls like that at the end of the year in commercial real estate for tax reasons.  I would ask lots of questions before moving fast.  As big as Los Angeles is, we knew who was who, and if we did not, I could make a couple of calls....A

Nov 27, 2018 06:54 AM
Rainmaker
931,002
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

Quite possibly. If I am available right now, then yes- I'll go.

Nov 27, 2018 05:04 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Ask a lot of questions before going.

Nov 27, 2018 05:01 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Andrew, why the attempt to smear the motive of real estate agents by tacking on "...if I'm to make that commission."

Those who have been in the business for more than 5 years understand the compensation is the outcome (not goal) of commitment to higher callings of service needing the involvement of a professional.

Those same experienced agents know exactly how to manage a 'I'm at the curb and need to see it NOW" phone calls.  That response is never a 'jump to' loss of control of the situation.

Nov 27, 2018 04:51 AM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Good question. 

Well, a few questions will be asked and we will see.

Nov 28, 2018 07:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Yes, for sure, I'd ask questions before showings.

Nov 28, 2018 07:12 AM
Rainmaker
2,241,053
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

We've all had the guy call or says his sister is giving them a wheelbarrow of cash that could not get a bank home loan approval. Ask questions, make your time count. Sometimes the ASAP avoids the vetting out the good from the not so good prospective buyers AND sellers. You can not help them all. Work with the ones you can. 

Nov 28, 2018 04:25 AM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I don't meet random strangers on the fly, it's not safe.  I set furture appointments, do my research and due diligence and they get pre-approved.

Nov 27, 2018 10:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I've jumped a few times, they've never bought the house.  Yes, they can go call another agent, but they're usually calling me BECAUSE I'm the listing agent.  I've showed up in gym shorts and a sweaty t-shirt before, just let them know ahead of time "I'm coming from the gym." 

 

Be concerned for your safety though, sometimes these "right now" buyers can be dangerous folks.

Nov 27, 2018 06:11 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I'm with Kat Palmiotti  you have to ask questions before meeting someone at a property.

Nov 27, 2018 05:50 PM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

On the Monterey Peninsula we have a lot of buyers coming (many 2nd and 3rd etc. buyers) and some have gotten in touch with me late at night to see a home the next day. One comes to mind who said they were staying at a very upscale resort for only a couple of days, were to play golf at Pebble Beach, and only had a narrow window for the viewing.  Am I going to put them through the third degree? Nope, this happens way too often. I make sure I can get into the home then "confirm" the viewing and try to get some more information from them.

Nov 27, 2018 04:42 PM
Rainmaker
74,540
Ricardo Mello
Manhattan Miami Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
Manhattan & Miami Real Estate Agent

JUMP

Nov 27, 2018 03:35 PM
Rainer
378,517
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

depends?  Cold call?  are they working with anyone else? are they qualified? is it your listing?    

 

Nov 27, 2018 02:36 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

The call goes out and then the answer. Turn-on and then UP your customer servicing. Why? Lets see what it can do and produce

Nov 27, 2018 06:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Often they only go with the listing agent. In our area, people expect more price drop.

Nov 27, 2018 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I am leery of those type buyers, and want to VET them a bit before jumping in the car.  Are they prepared to make an offer - pre-approved or proof of funds?

Nov 30, 2018 07:27 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

If they can give me some proof that theyare ready to buy and I can fit it into my day...

Nov 29, 2018 08:32 PM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Andrew, if they are serious buyers, they will most likely be already preapproved for a loan, so ask that question. Also, feel free to ask them additional questions, like why do you need to buy something now, and why do you need to see the property ASAP?

I would not meet anyone I did not know without knowing more about them. If they were not preapproved for a loan, then they are not even ready to buy, so I would not just run out and meet them.

Nov 28, 2018 08:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

@Kat Palmiotti gave a great answer as well as did others in the same vein.

Nov 27, 2018 08:51 PM
Rainmaker
719,838
Sharon & Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette, IN - Lafayette, IN
West Lafayette homes for sale

If they are a sign caller on your listing they will have no loyalty.  You must interview them for your own personal safety and always best at the brokerage.  You must also have them talk to a lender to see if they even qualify to buy the property.  You owe that to your seller to protect their interests.

Dec 02, 2018 12:45 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

For us....zero.  With a team of 44 and climbing - we can almost always handle these last minute requests...

Dec 02, 2018 06:38 AM