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Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties, The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730 (Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070)

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Rainmaker
4,456,337
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Debbie I am a firm believer 10-15 min early is being on time ... it does not mean you have to go in... you can drive around the neighborhood....check out the area...Endre

Oct 27, 2017 10:50 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

I prefer early to late. If I can accommodate no problem, if they have to wait-REALLY NO PROBLEM!

Oct 28, 2017 04:46 AM
Rainmaker
4,571,731
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

It depends.  On the day.  On the circumstances.  On the client.  It's not a one-size-fits-all response for real estate. Or life. Things happen. And it all depends.  Really.  It does.

 

Oct 27, 2017 09:38 PM
Rainmaker
711,752
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I have people show up 10 minutes early. That is fine to me. 25 minutes early- they should wait in their car!

Oct 27, 2017 08:42 PM
Rainer
392,768
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

In my business 15 minutes either side of the appointment time is fine.  I recently had a client show up 45 minutes early. I was in the middle of a contract negotiation.  I did manage to only keep them waiting 5 minutes but it sure made for a hectic evening. 

Oct 28, 2017 01:44 AM
Ambassador
6,392,899
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

It happens to me too, throws off my preparation and the meeting is generally a bit off without the proper preparation.

Oct 27, 2017 08:12 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Those who arrive 30 or more minutes must be compelled to see you have other work to do. Otherwise your time becomes the dispensable element in the equation. The last message you want to convey is you sit about waiting for their arrival.

10 minutes early is often simply a traffic adjustment. Acknowledge their arrival but move appointment up only 5 minutes. About the same amount of time for the staff to fetch beverages.

 

Oct 28, 2017 04:36 AM
Rainer
370,200
Jay McHugh
SendOutCards-Appreciation Marketing Expert - Acton, MA
YOUR SendOutCard Mentor

Great question...I am always early...yet I never impose for excactly what you just said....vendors and even clients can make the appt uneasy if they arrive too early and expect for you to drop everything for them.....be early just don't expect to begin early and do other things during that time.....Chillax is one ....  great question....

Oct 28, 2017 04:43 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

If I was also available "early" - no problem.  If I had other things in progress - I would have met with them at the scheduled time...

Oct 28, 2017 04:04 AM
Ambassador
2,435,649
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

If I had something that really needed to be completed before I met with them, I probably would have set them up with some coffee, and let them know I had to complete something and would be with them as scheduled. Although I would have rushed whatever I was doing and wouldn't have kept them waiting too long.

But it's all about the precedent. The next time they might be even earlier!

Oct 28, 2017 03:12 AM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

I would have done the same, its frustrating. 10 minutes is early enough-I've sat in my car when I am too early.

Oct 28, 2017 02:49 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

  Make them wait.

Oct 27, 2017 08:47 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debbie,

It happens in Los Angeles, we all allowed for traffic, and sometimes you got somewhere early.  We would find ways to amuse ourselves, and if a client showed early, one of us would say hi, be cordial--get them a cup of coffee or water, and go back to our tasks.  A

 

Oct 28, 2017 07:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,225
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I let them sit in the lobby unless it's 5 minutes or less and finish what I'm doing. There are times I'm rolling into the meeting location 5 minutes early or on time myself, including my office.

I always tell my clients in advance- military especially, being on time is good enough and on time in my world. I book my tasks and appointments back to back at times and arriving 15 minutes early means you're appreciated, but will need to read a magazine or enjoy your iphone while you wait.

Oct 28, 2017 07:49 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

My Mother toaught me that if you are on time that means your late.

Oct 28, 2017 05:03 AM
Rainmaker
4,333,605
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

So many scenarios, but if I was in the middle of something that needed attention, and Larry wasn't with me, I would politely let them know I will be with them as soon as possible.

Oct 28, 2017 04:49 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I think 15 minutes is the maximum for early!!!

Oct 28, 2017 08:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I am always early to everything, it seems, because I allow for traffic, BUT I park somewhere, answer emails or phone calls and keep myself busy until just a very few minutes (less than 5 before my appointment time). Being early is just as rude as being late. 

Oct 28, 2017 07:01 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

15 minutes in my opinion, i would rather someone be early than late

Oct 28, 2017 04:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,056
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

This is one of the delicious things about being a boutique office out of my home. Folks don't get to do that to me. If I have an appointment with you, I will arrive a little bit early and sit tight. I will not trouble you until exactly our meeting time. In your position, I would have done the exact same thing, though. Because business is business and we can't control the weather.
"Come on in, kick back, I'll be done in a few and ready for our 11am."
Disrespecting time is disrespecting time, whether it's early or late. No Capricorn will approve! 😎

Oct 28, 2017 09:05 AM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

If I could accomodate - I would. Otherwise I would offer something to drink while they wait.  

Oct 28, 2017 09:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

In college if the teachers do not show up after 15 mintues you have your life.

Oct 28, 2017 08:42 AM
Rainmaker
7,835,266
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

If the appointment is at the office, we can be more flexible.

Be thankful that they arrived.

Oct 28, 2017 07:24 AM
Rainmaker
5,215,848
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

5 minutes early is fine and even 10 in some cases. Other than that, they can wait!

Oct 28, 2017 06:29 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I try to get to someones house 10 minutes early !

Oct 28, 2017 06:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

My dad was always one that was early & I'm sure that he made people nuts. Sometimes traffic in my area can make travel a breeze or a pain. I just roll with it.

Oct 28, 2017 06:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,196,588
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

I'm ok with 5 minutes. Yesterday I had a showing at 1:00 pm I got there 30 minutes early to look at the neighborhood and to ensure I arrived prior to my clients. When I arrived they were already there.

Oct 28, 2017 05:15 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Up to 15 minutes early is okay in my book, just like maybe being 15 minutes late can be acceptable. Anything longer than that... they can wait for me. I would simply come out and greet them and say I was still in a meeting with someone else.

Oct 28, 2017 04:52 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

10-15 minutes early is good.  

Oct 28, 2017 02:19 PM
Ambassador
5,229,296
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I think 15 minutes - the Air Force brat in me was raised on, "If you're not 15 minutes early, you're late!"

I typically park nearby and check email, make AR comments or make a few phone calls. If I'm waiting on someone and they're early, 15 minutes would be the courteous cushion!

I don't budget my time right up to the minute for that very reason but, over 15, like you, I would have stopped doing what I was doing and taken him. 

Oct 28, 2017 09:35 AM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

It happens and I adjust. I don't like it, but I'm used to interruptions on a daily basis and roll with them.

Oct 28, 2017 08:07 AM
Ambassador
2,061,096
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

I'm one of those people who often shows up very early.  I never consider "early" to be rude.  Now, that doesn't mean I'll drop everything to meet with them 25 minutes early, but I don't find it rude.

Oct 28, 2017 06:42 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I resepct the early bird and will feed them a worm or two anytime

Oct 28, 2017 05:30 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

It depends on where they are coming from.

Oct 28, 2017 03:48 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I think people arrive early and think that might be impressive. For a busy person like me, I plan my days tighter so early for me is 10 minutes. Clients arriving 20-30 minutes early that expect me to be ready to go or meet with them right then is an aggravation. They are definitely interupting something else that was planned.

Oct 28, 2017 05:31 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

I adapt when I can but would never impose so early on someone I was meeting. More than 10 minutes early? Text the person and let them know you can arrive early if that's convenient for them. Otherwise wait.

Oct 28, 2017 03:04 PM
Rainer
1,175
Kathryn Mackie
Agent Professor - West Jordan, UT

30 minutes before

Oct 28, 2017 12:59 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I don't remember anyone arriving more than 15 minutes ahead of their appointment time and was usually glad to accommodate them immediately if I could. A half hour might be pushing it a bit and yet I would not necessarily say it's rude.

Oct 28, 2017 11:16 AM
Rainer
117,135
Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula
House Match Inc - Poway, CA
Excellent Sales and Property Management

5-10 max.

Oct 28, 2017 10:58 AM
Rainmaker
643,875
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

depends on where and what the meeting is for, at the office like you mention, more than 10 minutes they will likely wait in lobby or conference room if it is available early with an offer for refreshments. If a showing, I schedule my appointments for 15 minutes before the time I set to meet clients, so if they are early, I can go ahead and show without delay.

Oct 28, 2017 10:15 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Depends on the circumstances, but more than a half hour is probably always rude.  They should be OK with waiting till the appointed time.

Oct 28, 2017 07:41 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Debbie Reynolds Twenty-five minutes is a little much. I would rather see someone early than late and have to wait for them.

Oct 28, 2017 06:53 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

I am usually on time or few minutes early,

Jul 15, 2018 09:38 PM
Rainmaker
343,109
Brad Thomsen
Big Bear Realty - Edmonds, WA
Real Estate Services

Hi Debbie,

More than 10 minutes tends to grind on people.

Let the person wait. It's their choice to be early.

Happy Selling!

Brad

Nov 26, 2017 02:05 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

We do see clients that are early, and 25 minutes is a bit early! 

Nov 01, 2017 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,896
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

I like to be at least an hour early. an't tell you how many times I get invited to sit down for a meal

Oct 31, 2017 07:48 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Unless I am already meeting with someone else or have someone waiting for a document that I'm working on, I will also stop what I'm doing and meet with him. Life just works out that way, no traffic when you expected it, another appointment took less time, so I show up early. There's nothing wrong with giving them a cup of coffee, the latest CARMEL magazine, and tell them I'll be with them shortly.

Oct 29, 2017 10:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I listened to an advice of a motivational couch who said it is rude to come early. So few minutes is ok, but no more. I agree with him, since I do not feel comfortable if someone comes too early and have to wait for me to arrive or to finish something. 

Oct 28, 2017 11:38 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,858
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Early is on-time, on-time is late.  I shoot to arrive 10-15 early.  That helps with any traffic issues too.  When I'm early (and if I get there WAY early, as I did recently for a showing (30 minutes early) I'll either relax in the car or go find a starbucks/mcdonalds and make use of the facilities.

Oct 28, 2017 09:14 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Anything over 15 min. s on the rude side without calling first.

Oct 28, 2017 08:27 PM
Rainmaker
900,008
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I think that in some ways early is worse than late (a little late, that is...).

Oct 28, 2017 07:25 PM