Locked out.

Photo courtesy of:  http://www.stockfreeimages.com/

I know that some Realtors have the philosophy that you have to have established working hours, and communicate those expectations up from to your clients.  I am flexible, when working with my clients who have variable work hours.   For example my client, a registered nurse, who works 12-hour shifts from 7 am- 7pm.  When scheduling showings, she prefers going in the morning, at the end of her work shift.  It is not uncommon for us to view property as early as 8 am, and on one occasion 8pm.  

I had showed another client a "Hot" remodeled, bank owned and under priced townhome that was just listed.  After seeing this property, it would be perfect for my registered nurse client.  So, we scheduled an appointment to see the townhome on Sunday morning at 8am.  I prepared for the showing, pulled comps, and my MLS print out with any and all pertinent information.  I arrived at approximately 7:00 am, as I had learned the day before, there wasn't a gate key in the SUPRA, to access the gated community.  When I attempted to access the SUPRA, it alarms that it was scheduled for timed entry.  I was locked out!

I review the MLS again, to see if there was any mention about a timed entry on the SUPRA, or a location of an alternate lockbox.  Nothing, de nada, zilch.  The comments said "vacant, go direct any time.  Do not call for MLS status, MLS updated", you know, the usual jargon.  No clue or inclination that I would be locked out, in the cold, trying to go above and beyond for my client!

So I did the unthinkable, I called the listing agent.  Of course, at 7:15 am on a Sunday answer the phone went to voicemail.  I left a voicemail, and also texted the listing agent.  Within ten minutes, I received a call back, with instructions on where to locate the combo lock box.  I was relieved that I didn't inconvenience my client, who could have spent her valuable time sleeping, instead of being locked out.

After everything was said and done, we submitted a very respectable offer, over the asking price, that was rejected as they accepted an all cash offer.  Being locked out of this gated complex, to view a vacant property made no sense to me.  I understand the use of the feature, in situations where the property is occupied by either the seller or tenant. But for this property, it didn't seem to me as a appropriate, or necessary use of the feature.  As Realtors, we understand the responsibility that comes with the SUPRA access, and that each time we use our SUPRA, our access is registered. I guess I am still perplexed, but trying to find the 'golden nugget' in this lesson.  

When do you use the lock out feature for SUPRA?