Going out of town Listing Agent? Keep the basics in mind.
Yes, Listing Agent you deserve to leave town for the weekend. In fact, we all do from time to time. However, if you have active listings there are some basics you need to keep in mind.
Let's call this Scenario 1 - You leave town the same day your very attractive, and attractively priced property hits the MLS. You get immediate action from a group of agents, including yours truly. Now, I can't speak for the other agents, but I tried to call you that afternoon ( Friday), left two voice mails, sent several text messages and even emailed you with questions.
Late the next day, you send back a cryptic message that you are out of town and don't have email access until you return late Sunday. Really? You leave town with a new "hot listing" and you don't have email access for offers? Nor, apparently, do you have the ability to return calls or texts in a timely manner.
If you are a Listing Agent heading out of town for the weekend, here are the basics to keep in mind.
1. Take the time to record a voice mail message that briefly explains the situation. For example:
" Hi this is Listing Agent, I am out of the office until _______ "
Message A. "If you showed one of my properties and need immediate assistance please contact my colleague at 360- ###-###.( If you don't have a colleague, at least make sure you have the ability to check messages and returns calls once a day.)
Message B. "Unfortunately, I'm not in a location with full-time cell service. However, I will be checking voice mail each day at 5PM and will return your call". ( If you can't provide either of these options - STAY HOME, your sellers need you.)
Give brief offer instructions:
"If you're writing up an offer on one of my listings, please give me until __________ at 5PM to present the offer to my seller(s). ( That way the offer won't expire before you return to town.) And, thank you so much for showing my listing and for your efforts."
Scenario 2. You leave town and have active listings, but haven't been getting a lot of action. Don't assume that while your away thing will stay quiet. Trust me, if you want to make the phone to ring, leave town. Therefore, see above messages for scenario 1.
Finally, when you return. Acknowledge all offers immediately, once again assuring the agent(s) ( and their buyers) that you are presenting the offer(s) in a timely manner. Don't forget to thank them for their efforts. After all, they were showing properties ( your's included) while you got away for the weekend.
If you're a listing agent who is going out of town for the weekend, enjoy your time away. However, your sellers deserve your continued marketing and sales efforts, so keep the basics in mind. ( Or stay home!)
( By the way, we submitted a very strong offer - $5,000 over asking price, and I still haven't heard from this particular agent. I have no idea if it was ever presented.)
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