Agent to Buyer: “Stop By That New Listing on Broker Tour Tomorrow”
When an agent looks at a home without their client in tow, it’s known as a “Preview.” See, “Proper (and Improper) Uses of Realtor Previews.”
That’s in contrast to a “showing,” which is when the agent and client view a home together.
So, what do you call it when the Buyer looks at a home without their agent?
Interestingly, there’s no term for that in the real estate industry.
So, I’m going to coin my own: “Postview,” as in, “when the Buyer’s agent sees the home after their client has already been through” (assuming, of course, that they like it!).
Sending Buyers to a Home on Broker Tour
I can think of two scenarios where a client can see a home without their agent along (hopefully, with the agent’s knowledge if not at their direction).
One. Broker Tour.
At least in the Twin Cities, Broker Tour is from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. every Tuesday, and is when listing agents host open houses for their Realtor colleagues.
Agents who can’t attend — but think the home may be a fit for their Buyer — not infrequently send their clients through (I do).
Two. Weekend Open Houses.
Same scenario: the client wants to go through an open house, but their agent is tied up hosting their own open house.
Solution: the Buyer’s agent gives the other agent a “heads up” that their client will be taking a look.
Then, if the client likes it, the Buyer’s agent immediately doubles back to check out the house — ideally, later that afternoon.
P.S.: By contrast, a Buyer’s agent who is AWOL at a showing — because they gave their client the lockbox code, then either arrived late or left early — is a BIG no-no, and an automatic fine.
See, “Every Home Seller’s Worst Nightmare — and How to Prevent It.”
