Real Estate Etiquette Tips

Real Estate Etiquette Tips (when buying Real Estate)

For most people, buying or selling real estate is something only done a handful of times. It’s a big transaction where stress and emotions can play a factor. Keeping to a few simple rules of etiquette during your house search will streamline the process so you can get to closing day as quickly and stress-free as possible.

• Be Communicative – Have a burning question or a potential problem? Your Agent needs to know and wants to help! Clear communication is vital. Communicate any questions or concerns to your agent so they can be addressed. If there is no communication, there can be no problem solving.
• Be Ready – Time is a precious commodity. Once it is gone, you can never get it back. Be courteous to other people’s schedules and your own. If you are not ready to buy a property yet or are not sure you can make the appointment, do not schedule a showing. The sellers have taken time to prepare for each showing by leaving the house and preparing for the showing. If you just want to look, that is ok; but wait for the open house or check out the pics and virtual tour online. If your schedule varies a bit and you may have to cancel the showing, wait for a time that will for sure work for you before scheduling. Of course things do come up, so if you can’t make an appointment, cancel it asap.
• It’s Not Yours – When house hunting, always be respectful of other people’s property. Until the documents are signed, money changes hands and you have keys, you are in someone else’s house. It is not ok to “snoop” in someone else’s home. Act as a guest, because you are. The house is for sale—whatever is inside their furniture drawers is not.
• Loyalty Matters – Be loyal to your Agent and you will receive their loyalty in spades. Agents work on commission, so most Agents are not going to make you a priority if you are also viewing properties with other agents. Find an Agent you like and trust and stick with him/her.

The Golden Rule applies equally as much in Real Estate as it does to anything else and summarizes the etiquette when buying real estate. If you want to be treated fairly and honestly, treat others as such. A little consideration goes a long way towards a seamless transaction and makes for a much happier buying experience in the end.

Lisa E. Priest isn’t always sure which one is the salad fork vs. the dinner fork and is a Broker/REALTOR® with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or at BuyPalestine.com.