If the purchaser has an agent they should be invited to attend
any meeting. It should only proceed without the agent if they have
declined to attend, or the purchaser is adamant that they wish to
proceed without the agent.
If the purchaser calls unannounced, and wishes to discuss any
substantive matter, the advantages of having the agent present
during any discussion should be explained. Should the purchaser
wish to proceed, the agent should be told as soon as possible that
the meeting has occurred and the substance of what was said, unless
the purchaser does not want you to do so.
When an agent is present, they may try to answer questions on
their client's behalf. This should not be allowed to happen - what
the purchaser has to say needs to be heard. The agent should be
told firmly but courteously, that whilst it is appreciated that
they are there to protect their client's interests, the purpose of
the meeting is to hear from the purchaser directly. It is only the
purchaser who has the necessary firsthand knowledge.
However, this does not mean that the agent should be stopped
from asking the purchaser to clarify any answer given.
