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One of the most troubling “new attitudes” in the real estate arena is the notion that any house that is listed is open and available to be viewed WITHOUT a real estate agent present.
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59 Comments on Just because a house is “For Sale” does not mean that it is “Open!”
It hasn't happened to my listings that I know of, although one set of buyers stopped by my listing as an appointment had been set and they told my seller that their agent was sick and couldn't be there. I had given the agent the lockbox combo and thought for sure she gave it to them, thinking the sellers would be out.
I contacted the agent and she swore she didn't give them the code and she didn't know they were going to stop by and the only reason they came up to the door was because they saw a car in the driveway. I don't think the agent had canceled the listing, but I might be wrong. I was ready to report her.
We took the lockbox off one of our listings after we got a contract because we had a funny feeling the agent might have given the buyer the lockbox code. Problem solved by doing that. Seller met them to let them in for measuring, so now the buyer knows she can't help herself.
I guess if stuff like this continues we'll have to get new "riders" or signs to post on doors and windows, especially for vacant homes, stating No Trespassing, Police will be Called, Agents Must Accompany all Buyers, etc. Sad!
Michael Rasch (#31) has a great way of dealing with this problem.
Bravo!!!!!! I can't believe the audacity of some people. So many consumers have copped such a self righteous and indignant attitude of self importance these days.
Richard:
I am horrified that some one would actually break into a home to see it. How can buyers be so misguided as to think that an agent would give a buyer the lock box code to see the house without an agent.
Richard,
Sounds like people have no manners anymore. The only solution I know is to put a "call before showing" code in all your SUPRA boxes. So far we have not had that problen here in North Idaho.
Standing in front is ok...love those calls, I'll run over if I can. But INSIDE? yikes.....
Hi Richard, I too use the electronic lockboxes. I have agent get upset with me because they are too cheap to buy a key, but combos are not secure in my opinion.
This is so true, I am always amazed. Do people not understand that they are tresspassing? Clearly not, but I just don't know how that is misunderstood. I get calls too, asking for the code to get in. I've even had buyers say, "well, so and so agent gave us the code last time, why can't you?" That is a big fat bad thing if agents are accomplices in the tresspassing. I am going to reblog this. Short, sweet, too the point and oh so true. -Kasey
Richard... I am wondering if these prospects were so used to looking at foreclosures... which are almost always vacant... that they may have thought your listing was also vacant.
I have heard that some dummie agents in market areas that have a great percentage of foreclosures... actually keep the back door of these homes open... just hoping to get more showings. Really, really dumb idea.
I can understand peeking in a window if a house is obviously vacant - but breaking in? That takes a whole lot of gall.
You are right. Happens all the time. Can't tell you how many calls I have had from sellers asking me to come right over and get rid of the people they let into their home.
How are they getting in the house if it is vacant and they don't have an agent. Oh never mind I know the answer they either break in or some foolish agent leaves the door unlocked.
I recently received a call from a buyer standing inside a vacant listing.....He found a window unlocked and wanted to know if I needed it locked before he left. Needless to say, I went to the home to make sure it was locked up tight.
Well it could be worse - They could ask you to show them the house as they do not want to bother their agent.
Great point, Richard! I have clients that will drive by the houses I send them first to see if they like the area, curb appeal, etc. When they know it's vacant, they can't seem to help themselves.
Unbelievable topic, yet not sure it happens often.
I have this happen all the time in my rentals, I generally tell them to "just wait there and the police will be there in a few minutes, the neighbors called them as soon as they saw you peeking in the windows"
It always shocks me, when a client says they like the inside of a home before we go to see it and I ask how they saw it and they tell me they walked around and peeked in the windows. I know it's exciting when you think you find the right home, but you can usually get in pretty fast with the help of an real estate agent.
As some have noted, it isn't only VACANT homes that prospects wander around! Some assume (incorrectly) that every For Sale sign indicates a vacancy, but not every home that has open window treatments indicates "come & look inside"!!! Thanks for sharing, Richard.
In this area, entering someone's property without the proper authority and accompanied by an agent is called something ranging from "breaking and entering" to "tresspassing." Either way, we are instructing agents to tell their clients to call the police if people show up and try to enter without an appointment or their agent. I fail to understand how this perspective eludes some buyers!