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Who is Minding the Listing?

I pulled up to the listed home with clients in tow and as approach the door I see cobwebs around the handle and the lockbox. Information listed on the MLS sheet indicated the home on the market for over 215 days, which isn't unusual in this market. However, a surprise was waiting for me as I unlocked the box.

NO KEY IN THE LOCKBOX!!!!

I return to my car and immediately call the listing agent to inform him of this unfortunate occurrence and guess what, he had no clue. Yes, the listing was still open and available and no one had let him know there was no key. He was clueless about this property.

Who is minding his listing? No wonder the listing isn't selling if agents can't get in to show the home. This home is a short sale and so the agent appeared not to care. Why take a listing if you aren't going to follow through in a professional manner?

Agents have a code of ethics and professionals will do their best and live up to the responsibility they have on ALL listings and for buyers. Short sales and bank owned property's are difficult at best, however, if an agent isn't going to live up to the commitment and ethics in place - DO NOT TAKE THE LISTING.

Posted by Gaylen Thornton on 10/08/2009 10:31 AM

Comments (4)

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4 Comments on Who is Minding the Listing?

OCT

Good Article. Most REO agents work this way. Receive a lot of good info from Active Rain.

I currently have 2 vacant listings, and I go by on a regular basis to make sure the place is clean from the outside, pick up the junk mail, and check the lockbox. I sent by one trip, and surprised the owner who had come back into the area and was surprised that I would be looking in on the house. It is part of the commitment we make when we take the listing.

I know of REO agents who never even see the properties they list. They send their handyman or assistant out to put up a sign, install a lockbox and many don't even take pictures.

NOV

How is it that an agent takes a listing; the home is on the market for over 200 days, and he doesn't know there isn't a key there? Does he go by the house once in a while? Does he advertise it, or ever wonder why no one is showing it? Where's the key? Does the seller know the key is missing?

This is so unethical. Hopefully, not many of us are out there behaving this way.

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