Recognizing a Problem with Your Buyer’s Agent
Recently, a reader contacted me after they had already begun working with a buyer’s agent. They had been following my blog and had taken my advice to interview two or three agents before choosing one. They felt confident in their decision at first, but after a few property showings, concerns began to surface about the agent’s poor behavior.
The Issue
The buyers noticed that during nearly every showing, their agent would take phone calls, step away from the conversation, and miss opportunities to answer their questions on the spot. They were not opposed to the occasional important call, but the frequency made them feel as though they were not a priority and they felt that is was poor behavior. They often had to wait to ask their questions, sometimes forgetting them entirely, and began to feel they were touring properties without the benefit of the agent’s insight.
Why It Matters
A buyer’s agent is there to guide, advise, and provide real-time feedback as you tour homes. While real estate professionals often have busy schedules and many calls to field, being fully present during showings is a critical part of providing good service. The buyers were right to question whether this was typical behavior and to consider whether it was impacting their home search.
Professional Standards and Courtesy
In my years of selling real estate, I made it a priority to silence my phone during showings unless I was expecting an urgent call. If that rare situation arose, I would alert my clients ahead of time and ask for their permission to take it. This practice kept the focus on the client and showed respect for their time. An agent who consistently interrupts showings for calls without explanation may be overextended or simply unaware of how it affects the client experience and frankly just exhibits poor behavior.
How to Address the Problem
Communication is key. Let your agent know how you are feeling. Be specific about when and how the phone calls have been disruptive and explain that you would like their full attention during showings. Many agents may not even realize how much time they are spending on their phone and will be willing to adjust once it is brought to their attention.
Evaluating the Response
How the agent responds to your feedback matters. If they apologize and make a clear effort to improve, that is a good sign. If they minimize your concerns or continue the same behavior, it may be time to consider finding another agent. Your home search is too important to settle for less than the service you deserve.
Final Thoughts
You have a right to expect that your agent will be focused on your needs when showing you properties. By addressing the issue directly, you give them an opportunity to improve, and you also protect your own home-buying experience.
If you need advice about working with a real estate agent, or if you would like to be connected with one of my trusted professionals anywhere in the country, reach out to me. I am always happy to help guide you through your real estate journey.
