Use GPS is Code For Why Should I Help You Find My Seller's Listing

Whenever I see "Use GPS" in the directions field in the MLS, several things run though my mind.  The first of which is that the listing agent doesn't think enough of the seller to type a few extra keystrokes to put in the directions.  From there, my thoughts run as follows:

  1. Aren't we suppose to make it easy for buyers and their agents to find our seller client's listingGPS
  2. The listing agents assumes that the only people that see those directions are other agents (WRONG).
  3. The listing agents forget that consumers see those directions too and not all of them have a GPS
  4. What a terrible way to represent their seller.  
  5. I can just hear the listing agent thinking "if they want to see the house, they'll figure it out."
  6. I imagine the agent saying to themselves and others "if they are going to sell real estate, they should have a GPS.
  7. I think to myself "is this what they call service to the seller?"

For those of us that use GPS's, we know that occassionally, they will lead us to no man's land.  A little extra effort by the listing agent could serve as a backup just in case the GPS sets us on a path to Timbuktu. 

The only other thing that about directions that tops the GPS thing is when I see directions like "make a right at old Tom Butler's store, and then a right at the boarded up snow cone shack."  Okay yeah that's fine and all, but can you tell me how to get to Tom Butler's store?
 
But here's the killer:  You get this from agents that boast that they do everything possible for their sellers, and that they go out of their way for their sellers.  And yet, such a simple thing like including the directions to the listing seems to fly over their heads.  I guess they mean they will do everything but........
 
If I were a seller and I saw the directions:  Use GPS, I'd be asking "and this is how you're helping me to sell my home.  Is it too much trouble for you to include the directions?" And there would be NOTHING that the listing agent could say to me that would justify why they didn't include the directions. Shame on those agents for misrepresenting themselves and their seller clients.
 
 

 

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15 Comments on Use GPS is Code For Why Should I Help You Find My Seller's Listing

SEP
03
370,151 Points 23 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I hate it when you see directions and you don't know where the starting point is. North of what? south of where? it needs to make sense. I have new construction homes that don't have a gps location. Iexplain the address to use to get the gps to get you where you need to be.. that is all in the directions.. for agents and potential buyers to find. If you list a house directions are important.
5:38pm • #1
585,477 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hello Charita -- whenever I see "use GPS" in the MLS I think of three things ---1st is always YIKES, then (2) the listing agent is lazy and (3) the listing agent has no clue how to get to his/her listing and is probably not local.  Either way, it always sends up a red flag for this agent's credibility.
5:41pm • #2
1,049,549 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Charita, Maybe our MLS just slaps anyone who tries that, but I've yet to see anyone reference GPS directions.  However, if they did, I'd feel the same as you about it.  It's not that hard to include some form of directions if we've got a listing.
6:05pm • #3
616,726 Points 94 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I think I have seen the GPS reference used once lol :).  Mostly it's just really vague directions like the main road the subdivision is one then turn right at where the house is...well, can you tell me how to get to the main road first?!  Geez :)!
6:14pm • #4
584,863 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
So far I haven't run across use your GPS. It wouldn't suprise me at all. Thank goodness I can read a map when agents leave crappy directions in the MLS. Suggested
6:51pm • #5
705,667 Points 47 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Charita, First thing I think of  when I see  the comment like that in the" Directions: GPS" part of the description is the Listing Agent has no idea where the property is!
9:46pm • #6
SEP
04
559,521 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The only thing that's better here in NJ is when there are NO Directions!!!
3:55am • #7
275,890 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I hope that does not become common place in my market.  So far it is not.  It makes me think about those forms that people submit for their children when attending camp or school.  There are parents who actually put "911" as the contact for an emergency.  Are you kidding me???
5:00am • #8
643,206 Points 111 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I know what you mean Janis.  I always use Downtown Birmingham as a starting point. It just makes it so much easier.  What I have noticed though is that there are some very considerate agents that will have the directions included and then point out some GPS's will not navigate correctly.  I thought thas was really nice.

Totally agree Michael especially about the credibility.  It does not shine a very positive light.

BLiz I wish our MLS would slap a lot of folks for a lot of stuff including the GPS faux pas.

Ya know?  Brenda how about directions that are not only vague, but just plain wrong.  I used to rely on the MLS directions and use GPS for backup, now it's the other way around.

Lucky you John, because I'm sure you'd be a little ticked off too.

Endre I'm inclined to agree with you but I've even gone so far as to use Google Maps to get directions and then use those directions in my listing.  How are could it be.  Anybody can Google "Downtown whatever city" and come up with a startig point.

Some directions are so bad Laura that none would be better.

Kathryn I wish you were kidding, but it's hilarious that you're not.  Somebody needs to blow the air out of their heads.  911.  Seriously.  That's too funny.
5:21am • #9
115,892 Points 10 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I've never seen that!  If I was a buyer and I saw that I would be thinking "is that property so far out in the wilderness that the only way to get there is by using GPS???  I don't want to live there!!!"  
9:02am • #10
725,429 Points 103 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Charita - I've never seen that either, but if I had, I'd react exactly as you have. It certainly doesn't fall into the outstanding service category. I do see our equivalent, which is no directions at all. Google maps to the rescue.
11:40am • #11
643,206 Points 111 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Lisa I hope that that would never be the case. That would be a set up for sure.

Dick I don't know which is worse:  no directions or "use GPS." Maybe they are equivalent.
1:14pm • #12
SEP
06
353,597 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Charita-Use GPS is not the most helpful way to get one to the right house. And GPS is not infallible. I've been on wild goose chases with GPS and it's no fun.
9:00pm • #13
SEP
09
978,543 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Of course we can use GPS for any address, not just this particular listing agent's.  The courtesy is not there when they state the obvious.  What if they would written "Use Thomas Guide" in the olden days prior to GPS?  LOL
12:17pm • #14
SEP
22
197,187 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I will NEVER-EVER understand why lazy agents do that!!!! I want to push them in the forehead really hard!
10:28am • #15


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