What’s a “1.5 showing?”

When one partner in a couple has seen the house and likes it, and gives their partner a green light to take a look.

Rules & Exceptions

As a general rule, Realtors acting as a Buyer’s agent prefer that both (all**) decision-makers be present at all showings.

That’s not only more efficient, time wise, but it gives everyone a chance to consult and compare notes in the house in real-time ” rather than from memory the next day (or week).

However, I can think of three exceptions to that rule.

One.  Scheduling conflicts.   When both partners work long hours ” especially when one happens to be, say, a surgeon ” getting both in the same house, at the same time, often just isn’t feasible.

So, you take what you can get.

Two.  One partner has significantly more specific or narrower criteria than the other.

That can be location, style, condition, floor plan, size ” you name it.

However, when that’s the case, it’s often best to let that partner identify a short list of candidates that pass muster, then involve their partner.

Three.  Hot, new listings.

Especially at lower price points, it’s possible that a well-priced, well-marketed home will sell in multiple offers the first 1-2 days.

If the Buyer’s agent waits until the couple is both free on the weekend. . . they’ll miss out.

**Includes the Buyer’s parents, (adult) kids, friends, contractor friends, etc.

About the author

Ross Kaplan has 19+ years experience selling real estate all over the Twin Cities. He is also a 12-time consecutive "Super Real Estate Agent," as determined by Mpls. - St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business Magazine. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Ross was an attorney (corporate law), CPA, and entrepreneur. He holds an economics degree from Stanford.

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