“It’s Not My Problem (Really)” — Realtor Edition
What’s the difference between a “newbie” Buyer’s agent and a veteran?
It’s a long list, but here’s one example:
Newbie agent: When the front door knob comes off in their hands during a showing, the newbie agent is convinced that they broke it, and feels terrible. After making multiple, fruitless attempts to fix it, they call the listing agent, apologize, and offer to wait at the often vacant house (which can’t be securely locked) until the owner or listing agent can get there.
Elapsed time: 10 minutes to over an hour (depending on how long it takes for the listing agent to arrive).
Veteran agent: Recognizing that there’s “never just one cockroach,” the Buyer’s agent notes numerous examples of disrepair as they tour the home with their client. As the agent pulls the door closed on the way out, the door knob comes off in their hand. They immediately contact both the listing agent and their broker to inform them of the maintenance/security issue. Once they confirm that a responsible party is aware of the problem . . . they move on to the next showing.
Elapsed time: about 40 seconds.
“I’m So So Sorry” vs. “Sorry to Let You Know, But . . . ”
Just to be clear, Buyer’s agents never feel good when something breaks during a showing.
But, they recognize that responsibility for keeping the home in good repair — not to mention clean, inviting, and “showing-ready” — lies with the homeowner, not them.
And that the Buyer agent’s duty, once they’ve responsibly reported the problem, is to take care of their client, which means moving ahead with the next showing.
P.S.: The same Realtor response is appropriate whether the problem involves an ancient lockbox, bad house key, or any other foreseeable issue resulting from poor maintenance.
And no, this issue is completely different from damage to a “For Sale” home caused by Buyer agent or client rudeness/recklessness (exhibit A: “My shoes aren’t that wet . . .”).
Fortunately, thanks to “Minnesota Nice(?),” the above issues are blissfully rare.
