In
all the years I've sold
Atlanta real
estate I've found nothing is
more chilling than to call for information on a listing
and not
being able to contact the listing agent
for more information about a property. It is occuring more than ever in
this current real estate market, and I really think it is totally
unacceptable for all. My first thoughts are
"What would occur if there
was an emergency?"
When we contact the listing agent we are doing more than
following protocol for appointments, showings, and asking
information. The listing agent under the law has a fiduciary
to their clients and represent their needs alone. Even if the
seller was not represented under agency, there are just some items we
need to contact to contact them for. Many listings today do
not have proper lock boxes, and we need codes to enter the
property. The codes more often than not are not listed on MLS
listings. A buyers agent may also want to check availability,
appointment only, showing instructions, disclosures, time frames and
ask of seller preferences if they are preparing a contract to
purchase. There is no worse feeling than calling the listing
agent only to hear the message ..."I am currently on vacation, and I
will return all calls when I return 20, days (Whatever time frame
applies) from now....ad nauseum!"
I often wonder did anyone ever tell the lame agent that they could have
their broker or another agent cover for them? Did they
consider the possibility that they would actually deter other agents
from trying to contact them? Does the seller even know this
is not how it has to be? If I were a broker, I would
personally discharge the agent from being affiliated with my firm, and
assign the listing to another agent if the seller agreed.
;)
;)
Yes. I totally agree--and as a listing agent I have not gone on vacation in forever:-) But, I am working on it--working on finding a replacement so I can take a vacation!
My all time favorite though was the active listing that knew there was no key in the lockbox. My buyer was so determined they eventually found it in the doorframe-----great moment, although it would have been much easier had they key be in the box.
You're not alone!