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Tony Lewis, Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo (Summit Real Estate Group)

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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

"Showings are just not happening today as it is Christmas for many and sellers do NOT want showings today. I am more than happy to take you tomorrow." 

Seriously, family first!

Dec 23, 2021 09:36 PM
Rainmaker
676,031
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

someone that would call on Christmas and needs to meet right away is probably not someone I would choose to work with.  If eating dinner the phone would be not answered. Unless the property is vacant, not likely be able to see on Christmas anyway, and family time on Christmas is sacred to me.

Dec 23, 2021 02:06 PM
Ambassador
3,661,533
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Not a chance dropping our holiday dinner and rushing out to meet this 'so called buyer'.  That just is not how serious home buyers operate in my world.

Dec 23, 2021 07:16 PM
Ambassador
2,575,956
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I would say, "Thank you so much for your call! Unfortunately, I can't meet you today but I'd be happy to meet you tomorrow. Are you available at 11am?"

And I'd take it from there. One thing I've learned - work is not more important than family.

Dec 23, 2021 06:48 PM
Ambassador
3,430,532
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

My office is closed on Christmas.  Even if I am home alone by myself, eating or not eating, I most likely would not have answered the phone. 

If by odd chance I did answer the call, I would ask why they need to meet with me right away? I would do my best to help and discuss the matter over the phone. 

If they want me to show a property, that would not happen. Does not matter what the price point is.

Dec 23, 2021 02:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,538,744
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

So an entry-level buyer then?  LOL!!!

No one needs to meet right away on Christmas night.  They can wait until the next day.

Dec 23, 2021 02:18 PM
Rainmaker
5,313,845
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

I would not "receive" that phone call, as my phone would not be on for business calls on Christmas Day. It's nice to talk about servicing one's clients, but I can tell you my clients would never think about calling me on Christmas Day. A buyer who calls out of the blue on Christmas Day is not a client in my book. Someone showing me so little respect before we even have a relationship is not someone I'd want to have a relationship with.

Dec 24, 2021 05:04 AM
Rainmaker
618,036
Shayne Stone
HomeSmart - Fulshear, TX
"Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" RETIRED

LMFAO!!!

Dec 23, 2021 06:36 PM
Ambassador
1,472,185
Susan Emo
Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I wouldn't know about it until the 27th Dec.  Christmas Day and Boxing Day are reserved for family  Any Buyer showing zero respect for me, listing agents, Sellers and their families, really isn't a welcome addition to my business.  It would be a definite pass from me!

Dec 23, 2021 04:03 PM
Rainmaker
4,739,220
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Client selection is important.  If this isn't an ideal example, I couldn't think of a better one.  

Dec 23, 2021 08:21 PM
Rainmaker
933,268
Jeff Pearl
Samson Properties / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I would no nothing about the caller, so until I do, I'm not interested in dropping everything to run and meet anyone no matter what day it is.

Dec 23, 2021 03:23 PM
Rainer
195,689
Karen Climer
Demetree School of Real Estate - Orlando, FL
Teaching people to pass the real estate exam

I probably wouldn't have answered the call on Christmas Day. 

I would call the buyer back the next day, and offer to show them the house.  If it's too late for them, well darn it.

Dec 23, 2021 02:13 PM
Ambassador
2,324,782
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Thankfully, I never had that happen. But my initial reaction would be if you're going to jump at a request for a Christmas showing you might as well put a ring in your nose and give them the hook.

Dec 24, 2021 05:40 AM
Ambassador
5,168,027
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I don't jump up and go show property to any buyer "right away" no matter what the price point is. Eating Christmas dinner? Not answering the phone. 

Dec 23, 2021 10:23 PM
Rainmaker
2,849,068
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I had this happen one time to me and I didn't like it but I rose to the occasion typing all sorts of legal documents and doing various work in addition. One thing that occurred to me at the time is if I didn't do it and how much I would lose out (regret). I also thought it could be the beginning of losing business if I kept coming up with excuses not to go. An agent is supposed to answer the call. EPILOGUE: Took it right to the line and the people poo-poo-ed and didn't sign (the injury) and the insult was they had no good reason. Unless it is a compelling situation (?) I would pass at this stage in my life. But if you are hungry, you think differently. Good luck

Dec 23, 2021 03:55 PM
Rainmaker
827,985
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

Depends if we are having our family Christmas dinner or if it is just my wife and I. If it's just the 2 of us I know she would say go, if we have the kids with us then I am not leaving. We only see our kids every 2nd Christmas and since Covid it has been a lot longer. So I don't care if it is a million or billion dollar buyer.

Dec 23, 2021 01:54 PM
Rainmaker
874,080
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

First, my phone wouldn't be at my hip so I probably wouldn't know they wanted to meet until the next day.  It's Christmas.  I'm not working... for any price point.  

Dec 24, 2021 04:52 AM
Rainmaker
5,485,011
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Shayne Stone answered in Candice A. Donofrio fashion! Kudos to him. As for me I have worked Christmas Eve until late in the evening. As for Christmas Day, answer only personal calls!

Dec 24, 2021 04:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,101,239
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Trick question! A high end buyer would not be calling on Christmas, but spending it with their people. They'd message to contact them after the holiday.

If a client is known to me, IF (and it's a huge IF) they called on Christmas with an urgency . . . it would depend on the urgency. I have never had a client call on Christmas except to wish a Merry Christmas! And that would be a text or e-mail  . . . they're with their people too.

Anyone else wouldn't get through. 

In my experience, people who do not contact you until late in the evening or on a Sunday or both are not likely to close anything. They were bored lonely or dreaming!

When you know you need a property, you will most likely know before businesses are shutting down for the holiday.

"Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part." applies here.

Very good Q! Pop tart agents end up in net negative territory fast!

Dec 24, 2021 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
8,153,235
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I would consider the reason why an immediate meeting is needed. 

Dec 24, 2021 03:42 AM
Rainmaker
547,847
Steven Nickens
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers - Wailea, HI
R(S)GRI ABR, Maui Real Estate Hawaii

Maybe $10m, but I would need to see proof of funds.

Dec 23, 2021 10:45 PM
Ambassador
3,386,233
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

The same thing I did this summer when a million dollar buyer needed to see a property right away and I was caring for my elderly mother.  I explained why I could not meet them RIGHT NOW and offered to help them later that day or the next.  When that wasn't good enough, I had a colleague step in to help on the buyer's time frame.

 

With Christmas being a factor, if the property is occupied, whose to say that the owner's are accepting showings.   If it is vacant, there is likely a colleague that would help that is not otherwise engaged in family activities.

Dec 23, 2021 03:26 PM
Rainmaker
1,259,568
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Develop a holiday voicemail and email message encouraging them to leave you their information. 

Your faith and family are far more important than a purported $1M buyer. If I had a dollar for everyone who has said they were a buyer or seller and never ponied up I'd be retired on a private island set for life...lol

Dec 24, 2021 06:51 AM
Rainmaker
942,327
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

If it is someone I'm already working with, I would assist them. If it is someone new looking for an agent, I would schedule an appointment for a later time or refer them to someone else who perhaps doesn't celebrate Christmas. 

Dec 24, 2021 06:39 AM
Rainmaker
6,006,148
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I think buyers and sellers should understand it is a Holiday, and can wait until 12/26.   Besides the fact, if it is occupied, it most likely won't be available to show.

Dec 24, 2021 06:18 AM
Rainmaker
662,623
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

If it's dinner time w/ family not answering the phone, I'm closed on Christmas and will return the call tomorrow.

Dec 24, 2021 04:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

I would take my plate and eat on the way.

Merry Christmas

Dec 23, 2021 04:11 PM
Ambassador
6,689,776
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I'll let you know IF that ever happens.

Dec 24, 2021 08:04 AM
Ambassador
3,267,199
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

I'd finish eating dinner, call the potential buyer back and make arrangements to meet the next day.

Dec 24, 2021 07:58 AM
Rainer
414,579
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

A "million dollar buyer" is not the type of client who needs "right away", they are a planner which is why they can afford a million dollar house.  

And I'm not working on Christmas and my clients understand that God and family will always come before them.

Dec 24, 2021 07:43 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I would set another place at the table.

Dec 24, 2021 07:22 AM
Rainmaker
2,288,886
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

     Sure, love to show it to you... thank you for calling and what's your email? Or gonna text you the link. Send them the full blown open house on demand video. If a seller's family is carving their turkey and little Zeke asking for a third piece of pumpkin pie, no way you are going to open sesame that property anyway. Rather than make the buyer feel stupid for calling or get on a high horse about family comes first for you blah blah. Just send them the video which should be your finest grand tour of the place with full motion sight and sound. 30 second max.

     If land listing, sure, help yourself, tramp it and in the video, on the website, maps, plats, directions to get there. Everything in the real estate vending machine to take the tour, rewind, take it again day, night, holiday, no matter what the weather. Ho Ho Home for the holidays. The home show goes on. No delay. No break in the action. Do the next best work around solution and get back to the holiday family party. Was that a million in dollars or loonies Tony Lewis ? Asking for a friend.

houlton me christmas tree

Dec 24, 2021 06:07 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,799
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I have interrupted my holiday time with family lot's of times in the past 47 years. I gave up that practice because in that same time frame the multi-million dollar buyers have never written offers and none were lost in the shuffle because I told them NO. 

Dec 24, 2021 01:12 PM
Rainmaker
1,292,445
Peter Mohylsky,
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

eat quickly

Dec 23, 2021 03:34 PM
Rainmaker
1,444,648
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

The likelihood that I would get a call to show a house while I am eating Christmas dinner is pretty small. The likelihood that I would excuse myself from my family during Christmas dinner to go and meet someone who chose that time to insist on a showing is very small. So, the sub-set of pretty small being very small equals very little likelihood that I would be showing a house under those circumstances.

Right now…I am two states away from my market area, so the likelihood that I will be showing a house on Christmas evening is nil.

Dec 24, 2021 08:59 AM
Ambassador
3,213,539
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

not answer my phone and return the call on Monday.

Dec 24, 2021 08:35 AM
Rainmaker
922,444
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I would make an appointment for another day.

Dec 24, 2021 09:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,507,719
Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417
HomeSmart Stars - Addison, TX
Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate

Thanks to all agents who wouldn't go. I would! Not everyone celebrates Christmas.

Dec 24, 2021 08:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,650,542
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate

Unfortunately, my phone is off if I'm with my family celebrating the important events. My guess, any serious buyer should leave a massage and they wait a bit. If this is a repeat client,I'll be happy to call back shortly, since I check the phone every hour or so. 

However, I"m not a Catholic, and so many other citizen of the world so chances are ~ I might be available at 24/25 for the real estate related business. 

Dec 25, 2021 07:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,619,811
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors

I wouldn't get the call, my phone is off by dinnertime nightly. And on Christmas Vacation, I wouldn't know about the call until January 4th.

Anyone that has you compromise your boundaries is going to suck your joy for what you do right out of you. 

Dec 25, 2021 09:41 AM
Rainmaker
1,765,748
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

We would talk and make arrangements to meet the next day.  It happened 2 days ago for me and we opened escrow today!

Dec 24, 2021 08:15 PM
Ambassador
3,935,387
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

If I were cooking (not) I would invite them over for dinner. 

Dec 24, 2021 02:41 PM
Rainer
373,154
Adam Feinberg
Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse Advisor

While Christmas is not my holiday, it's one of the rare days that most brokers are off- giving me the chance to take some time for myself.  Since most listings here require the co-broker to show the apartment- it's not going to happen in most cases. Last year I had a doctor that I had been trying to reach for months- finally calls back on Christmas day- I didn't pick up, and decided despite the $4-6 million budget, I didn't need to work with a client that felt the need to view on a major holiday and was barely reachable the rest of the time. 

Dec 30, 2021 09:39 PM
Rainer
216,960
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

I would address the concerns over the phone and advise we can follow up tomorrow.  There are some people who like to meet, when something can simply be handled over the phone.  The dollar amount doesn't matter to me.  I want to treat all clients with the same respect and yet also managing their unrealistic expectations, when necessary.

Dec 28, 2021 06:25 PM
Rainmaker
1,541,923
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

I would listen for chains rattling and ask if the caller was the ghost of Christmas Past, Future...or Current. Jeff 😎Tiny Tim

Dec 27, 2021 06:49 PM
Rainmaker
30,645
Diane Christner
Bright Realty - Sarasota, FL

My experience with impulsive buyers such as this is that the more impulsive they are, the less likely they are to buy -- at least that particular property they called about.  They instead tend to bounce from agent to agent, not committing to any particular agent.  If they are willing to wait to see the property the following day AND after I have gathered adequate information about the buyer to determine if they are actually qualified to purchase that million dollar home, then yes, I would show the property to them. 

 

This would hold true for me for any buyer, no matter the price range.

Jan 02, 2022 08:56 AM
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