Impromptu Office? Now, THAT’S Low Overhead
I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but when you commandeer a table at Barnes & Noble for a group of people, spread out a bunch of contracts, and clearly “set up shop” in plain sight . . . you do tend to attract attention.
In this case, a Realtor was explaining to his prospective clients (a couple) how “dual agency” works (“there are pro’s and con’s . . .”), and otherwise familiarizing them with the particulars of a standard Buyer Rep(resentation) contract.
For all I know, he moved on to discuss a suggested offering price for a home they were interested in.
Before he got to that, though, I got up and moved.
Tacky (very).
Not to mention indiscrete.
Preferred Meeting Places
While I’ve certainly seen Realtors discuss business with clients at coffee shops and other public places, personally I think it’s a very poor practice.
The client’s Kitchen table, the Realtor’s office or car, or even a home that you’re showing (provided the owner’s nowhere in sight): all fine.
Starbucks (or Barnes & Noble)?
Bad idea.
P.S.: Years ago, as a new CPA, I remember my employer giving me and my fellow initiates explicit instructions never to discuss business in public — but especially not in elevators or other close quarters.
You’d think that would be common sense — but apparently not.
