BIC TIP #1191: Do Not Be a Pop-Tart Agent
Are you a Pop-Tart agent? You know the type. The phone rings, someone wants to see a house, and just like a Pop-Tart out of the toaster, you pop right up and head out the door. Stephen Long, The Notorious BIC, gets it. Eagerness is a good thing. But in his experience, taking the time to vet buyers first can save you money, time, and maybe much more.
Showing Every Caller Is Not a Strategy
Racing to every showing request can feel productive. You are busy, you are driving, you are opening doors. But if you have no idea whether the caller is ready, willing, and able to buy, you may be burning gas and hours on someone who never intended to purchase.
Stephen calls it “hauling and hoping”: hauling people around and hoping one of them buys. Hope is not a business plan.
Is This a Probable, Bona Fide Buyer?
Before you pop up, have a process. Meet or talk with the buyer, understand their timeline and motivation, and confirm they have a plan to pay for the home, whether that is a pre-approval from a lender or proof of funds. Make sure they understand how you work and that the appropriate agency agreement is in place before you provide services.
A few minutes of conversation tells you whether this person is a probable, bona fide buyer or just curious about the house down the street.
Good for You, the Seller, and Your Business
Vetting is first and foremost about your safety. Meeting a stranger alone at a vacant property is a real risk, and knowing who you are meeting matters.
It is also good for the seller. Sellers prepare their homes, leave for showings, and trust that the people coming through are serious. And it is good for your business, because your time is your inventory. Spend it with buyers who are actually going to buy.
The Practical Takeaway
Do not be a Pop-Tart agent. Build a simple vetting plan for every new buyer: identify them, understand their goals, confirm financing, and get your paperwork in order before the first showing. Your safety, your sellers, and your bank account will all thank you.
This BIC Tip is general real estate education for licensees and consumers, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules and forms change, so verify current NCREC rules, MLS rules, and standard forms, and consult a North Carolina attorney or qualified professional about your specific situation. See Disclaimers & Disclosures.
Mortgage topics are discussed for general education only and are not a commitment to lend or an offer of credit. Stephen Long, NMLS #2795861, Keller Home Loans, a division of Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Inc., NMLS ID 1025894. Equal Housing Opportunity.
