Are we being rude? (agent, sale, construction, property)
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My husband and I are planning on building a home next year. We are still looking for a builder. On the weekends there are some open houses for sale that are new construction. We've gone to look at those to get ideas and meet the builder (sometimes there and sometimes just the real estate agent). Whoever shows the new construction house is always extremely nice and knows about the builder etc. in hopes of getting our business. I don't feel like we are wasting their time.
Anyway, this last weekend we went to some open houses of homes that were in the 1-10 year old range that have been lived in and the owners are selling. We are always upfront with the agent showing the home that we are there for ideas only since we already purchased land for our home. Some agents offer advice on a builder others act like we are wasting their time. I could see that if we called and made an appt. but we are showing up at an open house when anyone else can. Plus it's a good way to see how a house by a specific builder looks after a few years.
Also, we thought this would be a good way to find an agent to list our house with when we plan on selling next year. If they ignore us or are rude then we keep that in mind. Some just seem to be happy that anyone showed up so their 1-2 hours there goes faster. lol
So are we being rude by going to open houses that have an owner vs. a new construction?
I don't think so, as you said it's open for anyone. Any agent should be happy to make new contacts, particularly those that may have a house to sell later.
Most agents get more clients at open houses than actually selling the house where they're sitting an Open House! So no, you're not being rude at all and it sounds like a good idea to go around to see various floor plans and options that you're considering.
An open house is open for you to see. Agents that act like you are wasting their time probably won't last long in the business. Have fun open house shopping!
My wife and I are in the same position and currently go to open houses just to get design ideas, etc. We have always been upfront with the agent there letting them know we are just looking and everyone we have talked to has been very nice and not rude at all. If they are already there and the house is open, it should not matter.
Sometimes I wonder if sellers should have a friend go through their open house for them to see how the agent is treating people. At one house the agent didn't even say hi, tell us anything, and just played on her phone the entire time! Of course there's also the ones who need to put the caffiene down also. lol
What you are describing is exactly the nature of open houses. It's not unusual to have neighbors come in or people working with other agents (who are not with them at the time) and an agent who acts like you are wasting their time is not a very service oriented person, IMHO.
Sometimes I wonder if sellers should have a friend go through their open house for them to see how the agent is treating people. At one house the agent didn't even say hi, tell us anything, and just played on her phone the entire time! Of course there's also the ones who need to put the caffiene down also. lol
Depending on your location, many agents doing Open Houses are the rookies in the office looking to build their business by meeting potential buyers. Some do it well and others not so well. If they chase your car down the street you'll know how hungry they are to meet a new client.
I don't think looky lou's should be treated rudely. But I wouldn't cross the threshold of an occupied property unless I had concrete reasons to be interested in the neighborhood, the builder or purchasing the home or recommending the home to people we knew might be interested. There are plenty of non-invasive ways to get ideas on websites and magazines and books...rather than going thru Mrs. Neighbor's master bathroom.
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lol
