Special offer
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®, Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
643,975
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

Sellers expect showings to be of people actually QUALIFIED to buy and generally will not show property without being prequalified. Getting their wants and needs list and setting them up with a drip campaign of available property so they can see prices to scale their priorities up or down is how I would get them started.

Jul 15, 2022 12:12 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,613
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Anyone that works Relocation as much as I do knows how to gauge the difference between getting the new-to-San Diego-client familiar with neighborhoods vs. the local shoppers without wallets.

If they are trying to get familiar with the market and it's only once in a while I say yes, after they have signed my BRE though and it's working around my schedule not theirs under these circumstances. If they are a nuisance, I share with them I need their pre-approval or the seller won't give me an appointment.

Jul 15, 2022 05:26 PM
Rainmaker
584,591
Shayne Stone
HomeSmart - Fulshear, TX
"Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" RETIRED

Then they're not a Client, but a customer!

 

 

Jul 15, 2022 01:51 PM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Based upon the information you provided, that would be a hard no for me for many reasons some of which others have already mentioned in their comment.  

Jul 15, 2022 04:13 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,286
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Hella Mitschke Rothwell it is better to prequalify the buyer and hot wasting your time.

Jul 15, 2022 01:51 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,407
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I have spent time with them Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® and on occasion they do surprise you and find financing through a relative or another "unconventional source. Other times (rarely) they do purchase a year down the line. Most often it's a total waste of time but I always worked with them as long as they understood that I will answer other calls first if they come up.

Jul 15, 2022 12:03 PM
Ambassador
3,125,406
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Starting a drip campaign is best if they are a year off. Makes no sense to show properties when unable to buy right now.

Jul 15, 2022 11:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

It all depends on the client.  I may show them one or two to wet their appetite.  If it's a situation where they can afford to but they just don't want to, then I'm more inclined to because people have a way of moving heaven and earth when they find "the one".

If it's something where they have a foreclosure that won't come off for a year and there is absolutely nothing they could do if the perfect, once in a lifetime, home came on the market today... then I'd tell them no and expect to never see them again.

Jul 15, 2022 11:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,311,387
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Where did you get this "client"? Do you have a relationship of value? Can't you set them up on listing alerts that will keep them abreast of the market? Why do the think that looking at houses that they are not ready to buy serves a good purpose?

I would tell the client that they should go to whatever open house appeals to them but showing them houses now does not make sense.

Jul 15, 2022 06:10 PM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

For me it would depend on why they can't buy for a year, as well as why they want to see homes now.  If I come to the conclusion it's a waste of time, my response is simply "no".  If it seems there's good reason for the course of action, Id probably take them out.

Jul 15, 2022 02:20 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

I have taken prospective buyers out to look (but I also explain that without the POF or PreApproval Letter we could not write an offer.  But rather than lose the relationship to another agent who will take them out I would probably show the property.  But I also take these moments to educate them on Buyer Agency, the importance of pre-approval, and set them up on a campaign and provide them with my phone APP as well as set them up in the MLS to receive updates of new listings so when they are ready I will be their agent of choice.

Jul 16, 2022 07:43 AM
Rainmaker
805,799
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

What kind of a client are they? Do you have a relationship with them already or are trying to develop one? I've had clients that I have shown homes too, that weren't ready to buy and have fallen in love with a home bought it then rented it out until they were ready to move. Those that have bought before be ready to move have been so happy they did as their home has only increased in value plus they made money on renting it out. Win, win! Good luck.

Jul 15, 2022 06:39 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,329
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Advise them to look at the listings online until they are ready.

Jul 15, 2022 02:09 PM
Ambassador
2,061,626
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

It depends on your relationship and the client.

I'm willing to show them a handful of properties, to get their feet wet, and learn the clients likes, dislikes and needs.  And then I'd set them up on a computerized search... and perhaps an occasional showing a couple/two-three times a year, just to keep their feet wet.

You never know... they might see a property, fall in love and decide to purchase sooner.

Jul 15, 2022 01:35 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,123
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

A person at this stage and speaking this way is a potential sale. i would vet them & then invest in them time wise. Along the way, I would educate them

Jul 15, 2022 01:33 PM
Rainmaker
1,090,637
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

I would need more information such as the reason(s) they are not ready to buy now and why they think they will be ready in a year. Is there a credit issue they are working through, are they short on DP funds and saving, do they expect a windfall to help with the purchase, etc., etc. 

Jul 15, 2022 06:22 PM
Rainmaker
900,118
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Send them info as to what's available now, they can view online and drive around on their own to get familiar with different areas.

Jul 15, 2022 02:20 PM
Rainmaker
1,197,052
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

It depends on what else is going on.  If I have the time , fine.

Jul 15, 2022 01:55 PM
Rainmaker
1,196,738
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

I've gone with people that are looking but not ready to purchase. It's a good way, IMHO, to help them get market ready 

Jul 16, 2022 08:46 AM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Did a loan officer verify they can buy in a year? A lot can happen in a year. Are they committed to you as their agent when it comes time to buy? Might show them a couple to see how they act, but it's most likely a waste of everyone's time. I also look at the seller's viewpoint. Why are you bringing people into my home that you know have zero ability to purchase it? It makes little to no sense, and it's an unnecessary risk.

Jul 16, 2022 05:21 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,472
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Depends on the situation.   I may show a couple to show them what is available in their price range now, but no point on showing several.

Jul 16, 2022 05:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,035,056
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

It depends on who they are and if they were referred.  I may take them to a few properties, but like Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® it would be easy-to-show homes, vacant on lockbox.  I wouldn't be calling out any agents at this point. 

You never know.  I did that once, showed two condos on the ocean and they bought one.  The husband wasn't planning to buy for years.

Jul 16, 2022 10:16 AM
Rainmaker
693,775
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

I will show them homes, in particular, if I know them well.  I want them to know the market when the time comes to purchase and what better way than to have them very familiar with the market than show them shoulder to shoulder.

Jul 16, 2022 08:53 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I would refuse as they have no intention of buying said property. When they are totally able, then I would start showing them. In the meantime, have fun looking at open houses where all the time wasters are.

Jul 16, 2022 07:40 AM
Rainmaker
763,783
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

"Let's wait until we get closer to the time you will be ready to purchase a house.  In the meantime I will keep you updated on new listings in the areas you are most interested if find that perfect new house"

Jul 15, 2022 07:07 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,370
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

John Meussner has you covered. Choose wisely.

Jul 16, 2022 04:28 AM
Ambassador
6,392,929
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I have paragon send them listings and let them know that we will not be wasting their time, my time or the sellers time by touring any properties until they are ready to buy.

Jul 16, 2022 12:19 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I show them a few houses every 3 or 4 months.
I do not see this as MORE EXPENSIVE than an agents' average cost per transaction.

Jul 16, 2022 10:58 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

The first thing to take into consideration is are they ready. willing and able to purchase now. If not that's the next hurdle to overcome. Until then no showings will be undertaken by this agent.

Jul 16, 2022 07:49 PM
Rainer
337,854
Adam Feinberg
Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse Advisor

All real estate is local- and my market likely operates dramatically different from yours. The specific apartments I show clients are often an introduction to the building - and the early stage of the search process is helping clients identify which buildings might be one to include or exclude as we move forward.  If the buyer doesn't like the lobby, amenities, building condition, etc- then they might want to exclude the building going forward. Depending on building size, it's possible it could be 6 months, a year, two years or longer before an apartment the buyer might like could come up in the building. That said- yes, I want to take a buyer out on showings even if they are not actually ready to purchase for another year.

Jul 26, 2022 09:58 PM
Rainer
378,387
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

a one time see three or four to determine what they like that will help me next year is fine.  At their whim... no.

Jul 17, 2022 11:18 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

In most cases I’d attempt not to show a consumer who isn’t ready to buy . 

You could set them up for new listings and show them the photo tour section 

and keep them advised to any interesting Open

Jul 17, 2022 09:25 AM
Rainmaker
901,493
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

It depends. I typically would not show until they're ready to write a contract. I have had a few people come from out of town that I've shown a house or two knowing they weren't quite ready to write an offer but were pre-approved. There has to be sound reasoning to view a home when you're not ready to write an offer.

Jul 17, 2022 07:55 AM
Rainmaker
2,241,001
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

No problem, send them your video open house on demand tours... let she/he/them see and hear all about the listings they want to tramp through. Their timing is off but eventually they will buy and all you had to do was send them the url links ... help yourself buyers. 10PM at night on a Sunday, a holiday, have at it. You can leave your shoes on...tour, retour and maybe they won't wait a year. Remember the expr ession "buyers are liars" and remind them interest rates are heading north and now's the time to strike while the property you want, that fits like a glass slipper is available... but won't be for very long Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® .

Jul 17, 2022 07:26 AM