It is the seller's obligation to make certain utilities are connected so that a buyer can do inspections unless otherwise advised in advance. But that being said, if you are trying to get a buyer to the closing table... you do what needs doing to make it happen and don't argue about whose job it is. Of course, it's not your job to personally make the connections, but to make sure a professional does. I'm a bit confused, as usually whoever owne the propane tank does the connection at time of deliver.

that's NOT any real estate agent's job.... have the listing agent hire someone to do all connections for testing...

I'm assuming that the listing agent requested that the buyer be responsible for the connection.   Depending on market conditions and other factors, I have seen language in mls agent only remarks as well as in purchase agreements/counter offers that can be real head-scratchers.   That said, people can and do ask for lots of things, what you/we/our clients decide may be depend on the individual situation.  

They are all random Absolutely but I am very late to this question and all the cool answers are taken ;-)

I was asked to make sure the dog went potty before I put him back inside. 

Never had one ask me to personally do anything.  We did have the buyer install a new septic system on my seller's property so the property would pass inspection and the buyer could get the house approved for funding.

Interesting question and I think Nina Hollander has the best answer.

Most requests have been pretty ordinary.  I'm starting to be "that guy" who wants everything in writting, since too many agents now have negotiated on behalf of their clients without ever talking to their clients!

Listing agent asked me to have my buyer pay for her mistakes.  I said no. She then asked me to take it from my commission.  I said ... hello no.  She ended up paying $2,800 and said "I cannot believe you are doing this to me." 

Ha ... I did nothing to her . She did it to herself.  We cannot fix stupid. 

I've had an agent ask me to show the property for him. I had other plans so I refused.  That's not as bad as being asked to hook up the propane!

Nina Hollander nailed this one!

Easy, hire a pro to hook it up and it should have been hooked up anyway before liting.

It's not up to you to hook up the tank! 

I can't think of anything crazy another agent has asked me to do. So far anyway.

Generally the guy who delivers the propane will hook it up and make sure there are no leaks.

It is not up to the agent to ask such things. If his client requested anything, it should be in writing and I'll consult my clients what they decide to do. No decisions shall come from an agent. 

 Bring their sign and lockbox to closing.

Had an aget ask me to do a home inspection for her client

Argh. Whose house is it? They need to have it hooked up.

It's not your liability either. Screw that!

But I digress.

I have lots of lazy or ignorant agents ask me to do silly stuff, I set them straight.

HA!  'No Way' is my answer Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula  - for one thing, I can guarantee that I've never done this previously, nor seen it done by anyone, and would not even consider what the liability might be . . .  seriously?!

Absolutely not your job. I have not been asked to do anything out of my expertise.

That is not the agent's job! Hire a professional.

I can't think of anything myself

Ask to donate part of my commission

I usually bring the lockbox to closing after we do a walk thru, but the other day the agent asked me to bring his sign too!  

Can't think of any.

I certainly would not mess with any gas lines; it's a safety and insurance issue.

Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula - For my listing, I scheduled and attended the buyer's walk-through while buyer's agent was having a vacation in Vegas!

Yep, that is correct. Once you do you are responsible. You might ask the owner how they feel about it with their approval. 

I agree that's no agents job and filled with liability I would not accept!

endless stories

I've been trying to think of something crazy, but I can't right now....-Kasey

If one puts on the diffrent hats...everything gets done. If not, outsource it

The seller has responsibilites as per contract. Not your job!

I do not do maintenance or repair work.

Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula It would have to be connected by the propane company or someone qualified to do this. It is the seller's responsibility.

I would not hook up a gas connection in my own home.  That is a professional's job.  

In our market area, it is up to the seller to make sure utilities are on and connected to facilitate inspections. Have the seller see to it.

In Florida, the seller will need to make the property and appliances accessible for inspection.

Open the garage door was the request.

"Push the button illuminated with the green light."

"I'm doing it but it won't open. What is wrong the the garage door?"

I go over and with the greatest exaggeration of at ET finger, push the button illuminated with the green light and the garage door opens.

One asked for a copy of the Property Pedigree although the buyer had no interest in the house. She wanted the secret sauce. She got the GPS.pdf instead.

That's not his job or your job! The seller needs to have it ready for your inspection/walk-through!