Listing agent present during showings?

I'm so busy clutching my pearls I almost don't know how to respond to this.

Let's try: the selling agent SHOULD be present, since his or her job is to sell. Some agents do that by reciting a rat-a-tat list of features, some do it more subtly, but in just about every case it requires the presence of that agent. Your friend's expectations of his/her agent are completely realistic.

ali r.
{downtown broker}

I've sold many properties in NYC and have NEVER allowed a buyer's broker in without my broker being present. My broker is responsible for selling the property and also watching out for my apartment and property. He's also responsible for answering questions about the building and the apartment as part of his sales pitch. I have no contract with the buyer's broker to do the same.

Why would you want your sales representative present? Proposterous.

I thought most listing agents just let all the buying agents do the legwork for them, "working" remotely from the Hamptons, and showing up at the closing just to collect their cut.

Sometimes the buyer's broker tries to keep the listing agent away, even if present at the property, or will try to prevent them from saying a word. This is not polite and not good business, in my view. The best experience for everyone is when the two agents behave professionally and show that property to its best advantage.