Feedback on Showings

Q: As the buyer’s representative, I am often asked for feedback after showings. Is this ok to provide?

A: There are some agency issues associated with providing feedback to seller’s representatives. The buyer's representative must act in the best interests of the buyer and should be careful to avoid providing any feedback that might negatively impact the buyer's negotiating position.

For example: “Yes, the client really liked the property… They were over the moon about the hot tub-pool combination…  It’s just where they want to live! Etc.”

As a seller’s rep, you’re ecstatic because you now know some of the motivation for the buyer. As the buyer’s rep, your client probably won’t react as warmly to this news.

Requesting feedback is a throwback to sub-agency when everyone worked for the seller.  As a seller’s rep, you would love to get your hands on this info. After all, the seller’s rep works for the seller and will naturally try to obtain an advantage for his/her client. However, if you know for a fact that your client isn’t coming back to the house as a potential purchase, you may want to give feedback but always discuss this with your client first – “Do you want me to provide feedback to the seller’s agent? If so, what should I say?”

More often than not, seller’s reps are probably most interested in feedback on the listing rather than that specific showing, for example, the price is good and the property is in good shape