Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

Senior Agent Reports Customer Refused Handshake at Property Viewing

Daniel Davie, a partner at Inskip & Davie in Sandy, Bedfordshire, has described an incident during a recent property viewing where a customer refused to shake his hand. Davie said he was "saddened and bemused" by the experience, which he shared with The Negotiator.

Davie explained that he arrived early for the viewing, prepared the house, and greeted the couple attending. He shook hands with Mrs Viewer, but when he offered his hand to Mr Viewer, the customer responded, "I don’t shake estate agents’ hands." Davie questioned the response, but Mr Viewer repeated his refusal.

In an attempt to reassure the customer, Davie shared details about his local background and long career in estate agency, stating that in 35 years he had never been refused a handshake. Despite this, Mr Viewer maintained his position.

Davie made a final attempt, asking the customer to shake hands "as one human being meeting another human being," but the customer "abruptly snorted" in response. Davie said he found the behaviour rude and was told by the customer that he might not view the house.

Despite the incident, Davie proceeded with the viewing, carrying the couple’s shoes from the front to the back door, giving them space, and offering to answer questions. At the end of the viewing, he shook Mrs Viewer’s hand again but did not attempt to shake Mr Viewer’s hand.

Davie concluded that he was still saddened and bemused by the encounter.