RANT: LISTING AGENTS -- If you can't service your listing, refer it to someone who can!

Patricia,

We see this some in our area, but not as bad as your experience.  It is usually with the REO and/or foreclosed agents.

I think a huge problem we have is part time agents.  I am hearing more complaints about agent availablity as the market worsens. 

It is so frustrating when this happens, but I'm blessed...it doesn't happen that much here...and I'm serious, we have a lot of very committed agents in our area. I've noticed it does happen on certain types of properties, so if you are showing a batch in the same vein, so to speak, you end up with your scenario. It's usually because there are already multiple offers and the agent doesn't bother to call back. Not very nice, but it's the same answer for me. I wouldn't show it anyway because my clients generally don't want to be in multiple offers in this market.

Go find them a house for the ones who do reply, Pacita - you can do it!! Keep being the great pro you are!!

If the foreclosures were handled by the local Realtors, they will sell faster and perhaps better, servicing in any industry is the key to a good sound business. sticking a for sale sign on the lawn and moving on is not the right strategy to sell distress properties, we all suffer as a result of this tactics, the home buyer, the other Realtors, the neighbords, the lender, the investor and so on. If we cannot even get into the property, imagine what would happen if we were lucky enough to get into escrow with this company or the listing agent. It will extend the nightmare and will costs us a client. We could make this so much easier... if we just do our jobs!

Antonio

I don't understand it either - and it makes me VERY tempted to call the owner and ask "do you know what kind of agent you hired, I don't think they want to sell your property!!!"

It can be incredibly frustrating. There is no question about it. 

AMEN to all of it Pacita!

Another thing: RESEARCH YOUR PROPERTY BEFORE YOU LIST and put accurate info.

I'm in escrow right now with a property the LA didn't put the right parcel # and also didn't disclose a 2000+ sewer assessment. 

I included in the contract that seller clears all outstanding liens prior to close -- but geez louise  . . .

Pacita, Seems we all run into this and it's getting worse. The true professionals are working harder in this market than ever before.

Come to Queens, NY, the "call 40 listings to get 3 showings" capital of the world. 

Pacita -- It's 8:35 p.m. and I am still waiting to get callback from a listing agent I called at 10 this morning for a showing appt. for tomorrow. Actually, I called the office first and they did not even have any record of the showing instructions!  They referred me to the LA who is MIA!  I wonder if the seller knows the agent and agency they chose to sell their home is not prepared to do so! It just infuriates me! Oh, and by the way, there was only ONE picture of the house on the listing.  It's been listed 5 days!

Pacita - I feel your pain...and I am ranting with you!!  This week I've been told "the agent is on vacation", "the mailbox is full",  and best yet....the listing is "closed - in June" yet still active in MLS.  Grrrrrrrrrr

She was on vacation at the beach where she has bad cell reception and didn't have anyone covering locally...

OK - have to share my favorite story to date: 

Agent: You can't see the house because there are no keys in the lock box.

Me: When will they be there?

Agent:  I really don't have time.  Tell you what, I'll mail you the keys and you can put them in the lockbox when you show the house!

Me: I don't think so.

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?