In working with a nice couple we came across a home that was listed in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) in Orange County, California.
Here are a few highlights that were included in the listing:
- One picture of the front of the house
- Good price for the current market and size of the property
- Listing Agent's telephone number that when called had an outgoing message that said, "the subscriber is not taking calls at this time".
- Listing Broker's telephone number - "The number you have reached is not in service at this time."
- Lockbox location - "see agent remarks"
- Agent Remarks - blank
- Currently listed for sale for 1 1/2 years
My clients have been looking at this house off and on for a period of a couple of years. They first saw it when it was offered for sale by the builder at a much higher price. When they saw it on MLS they asked me to check on it for them. I was intrigued, so I drove by to take a look thinking maybe I could find a lockbox somewhere at this vacant property.
Here's what I found when I got to the property:
- No sign on the property (that's what it said in MLS, but I didn't really believe it-why would you not want to let people driving by know the house is for sale?)
- Lawn and shrubs dying for lack of water
- Checked every door, hose bib, gas meter, everywhere I could think of...no lockbox
This is an absolutely lovely property that is scheduled for foreclosure in about 2 weeks. I've emailed the listing agent to see how I can get inside the home to assess the condition before we make an offer...no reply.
So, how does one make an offer on a property like this? I wrote another post about this particular listing that will tell you how we are going to be handling making an offer. Read it here.
In this interesting market, Realtors® are having to do far more legwork than ever before. Many homes have multiple offers, many buyers are having to make numerous offers before they actually get to buy a home. If you or someone you know needs help navigating their way to buy or sell a home, I'm here to help.
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009
President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009
Marlene is a highly experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.
Marlene
It is Brokers like you that are always going that extra mile that make Sellers very happy. I have been trying to figure out why agents drop the ball in service, and become that secret agent. The no reply thing has me absolutely baffled.
All my best
Tom