Do You Want to Sell it or Own It? Listing Agents - Help!!

Do You Want to Sell It or Own It?  Listing Agents - Help!

While setting up showings 24 hours in advance for a Buyer client looking to buy one or two homes in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley or Phoenix yesterday, I had to laugh.  Due to the higher price ranges, this proved more difficult than the lower end showings!

The first agent was out of town, the sellers were out of town, and another agent had an emergency so the home couldn’t be shown for 2 days.  Has anyone mentioned to this seller that this is why we have lockboxes?

The agent went on and on over the phone describing the home and that I could write an offer to “identify” the home in our 1031 exchange situation, as if I had never heard of the scenario before even though I presented the situation to her first.  And then proceeded to start telling stories of her short sale listings, of which I had no interest.  Pressing her to get off the phone I simply said I had an appointment.

The next agent had a voicemail stating that he was unavailable until 8/7 and that I could reach so and so agents to show the home.  Wouldn’t it be a GREAT idea to put this in the listing on the MLS and save us all the time and aggravation of writing down numbers;  listening to the message twice to hear the phone numbers, then redialing.  


The 3rd agent and I had an interesting discussion.  The seller lives in Prescott, AZ, did not leave a key with anyone and there is no lockbox.  The listing agent even said that the sellers didn’t have to sell, so there was no need for them to leave a key with the agent.  I’m apparently the third agent to call to show the home in the last few days.  Another “drive by” showing.  Why accept this listing or the clients as home sellers!

The next home is vacant and on lockbox.  THANK YOU!   Luckily the alarm code is included even though it is a vacant home.  The listing had good directions and explanations of the home finishes and access.

The next agent was more than helpful since, once again, no lockbox was installed for me to access.  Since she was willing to work with me, I was more than happy to call at a specific time frame to help her to arrive closer to when I would be there.

And finally, the last home included a seller phone number so that I could coordinate with an owner.  I’m always happy to work with whatever time works for sellers, if it fits our showing window of time.   

Three of the five agents I called didn’t even have a personal greeting on their cell phones so I re-checked each one making sure that I had dialed the correct number.  And one included an office phone number only so that I had to be directed to a cell number.

Agents, please be aware that making it difficult for buyers agents to show homes doesn't help your sellers sell their homes.  Phone numbers need to be direct dial, lockboxes or instructions should be clear, and give as much detail as possible so agents don't have to hunt for the home or the lockbox.

Sellers, if you are really interested in selling your home and not owning it, please give access to prospective buyers and their agents.  Make sure to review showing options with your agents for the maximum availability of your home.  Time is just as precious to buyers as it is to sellers.  Buyers looking to purchase in the Scottsdale, AZ area often come from out of town and ha