Automated Showings and Automated Follow-up? No Thanks! I Make My Own!

This does not sound like a problem with automated showings and feedback services, it sounds like a problem with an incompetent agent who does not read emails or respond to phone calls.

The main reason I use an automated showing systems for my listings is that when an agent calls for a showing they can screen the call and confirm the agent's ID number, brokerage etc. Ever been behind the wheel of a car when an "agent" calls you to show one of your listings in the next hour? Are you going to give them the okay to visit, or worse yet, give them the lock box combo if that's what you are using on that property without due diligence? How do you know the caller isn't just John Q Public or worse yet Mr Break N. Entering? Automated showing services are your first line of defense. After that, obviously you need to answer calls, provide disclosures and do everything else in a timely manner.

The automated showing system has its role -- but it does not replace competency.

What about an automated Realtor?  Sounds like she uses technology w/o knowing how to use it.

I have read through many of the comments and agree and disagree. Disclosures are uploaded in our MLS which saves that communication. At this point in time the expectation is that as professionals we carry some sort of PDA and are getting our emails immediately. For that reason, I do like using the automated appointment system. It is just more efficient. 

I do not care for the automated messages for feedback. That is a case where a phone call or personal email works best to get hones answers. 

The reality is the only good feedback is an offer. No offers price and/or condition.

That is a shame.

i have been in similar situations and ended up having to write the offer up "contingent upon satisfactory review of the Seller's Disclosure". in order to light a fire under the other agent.

Margaret, this is the best post I have read all day. I hate anything that controls my image. Having an automated system represent me? -  No thank you!

If you are so busy that you cant do these things, you need to seriously think about your time management

I think these are awesome.  I can't imagine doing these type of things myself.  Talk about something that you can outsource.

Our MLS allows us to post the disclosures with the liting so that they are available to a buyer's agent 24/7.  The system also sends me an email whenever anyone has downloaded the disclosures.  In addiiton to the disclosures, in this same download, I have added a letter to the agent thanking them for downloading the disclosures and reminding them what I need in orderto present an offer--signed disclosures, amendments, condo amendments, pre approvals, FHA amendments, etc. etc. 

I agree with you- I make adn take all of my own appointments- there is something so be said about a short conversation with the other agent- both buying and selling.  I love technology- I use it constantly, butn I want to either give or recieve some information form an indiviudal not a outsourced person that has no idea what I" am talking about.

Margaret- I love your company name! What a great take on your name! 

We use our mls showing assist which sends us an email right away. We have mostly vacant properties which are set up securely within showing assist. We also have a lot of tenant occupieds, so they require 24 hour notice, which we also set up through email and showing assist. We gather the automated feedbacks that we get back to help us sell our short sales if they are to benefit our seller's situation. We also sell luxury properties. On all of our luxury properties they are 'listing agent accompany'. Our office, just me and Nestor and our listing manager, handle 50 listings. The phone rings off the hook and Milet answers the phone because even with all the instructions to set up their showings, many agents still call our office. But our position is that we would rather be on the phone with tbe banks getting those buyers into a house and our sellers out of foreclosure than to set up showing instructions which can be done automatically.

For years we set up each and every appointment but when the phone just does not stop ringing there comes a point where you just need to breathe:) If you only have a few listings, then by all means, the chit chat is great. We know all the agents in our community and most of them are our friends. In fact my 5 best of friends are all agents here. They can chit chat with me when we go to lunch:) 

Katerina 

Also, here sellers disclosures are seldom asked for from buyers agents. Of course, our buyers agents must get them! But here also, you can write an offer subject to getting the sellers disclosures within a set time frame from signing. Our sellers disclosure is also very short, like just 2 pages. 

I'm with you - and while I believe in automated follow-up to visitors on your web site (via auto responders that keep you on their minds), this kind of automation just serves to make those people look stupid.

I'm sorry your buyers lost out - and hope the next home you find for them is listed by someone with real communication skills.

Margaret-I'm torn on this topic. Sometimes its easier to go through the automated when I get a quick response, other times I have to wait and sometime the appt passes before I even hear back.

Sorry your buyers lost out but there'll be another one better than that!

Margaret,

As with anything automated there is still a requirement that it be managed and maintained by the owner. It appears that this agent was either not paying attention to their listing, or was too busy working a deal which left you and your clients out in left field wasting your precious time. Grrr.

By the way, love your website.

Judy

I just had an encounter with this new "innovative" system.  It is horrible!!!  I called another broker to schedule an appointment, they then transferred me to their scheduling service.  Since I wasn't "registered" with them the rep had to input all my information into their system, then she couldn't get the spelling right on the address.  Now I keep getting these e-mails from this service to "confirm" my information.  I will steer clear of this firm and service if at all possible.

It's funny, when we were told as agents we would now have to make our own appointments, there  were lots of grumbles (the duty agent used to handle this).  But now we understand this great communication asset of this direct contact with your seller  at any time of the day...24/7.

This is just another example of dumbing down the society so that you don't have contact with anyone...that's right, only when you want to collect your commission!!!

SO SAD!!

It looks to me as if the listing agent/company stalled with the disclosure so they could get the contract/offer in for their own buyers before you could even get your offer in. ? Perhaps I am wrong.

sadd  but funny

I love that little Home Rome sign!  We had this conversation a couple of years ago where you were talking about being at all your showings.  I just listed my first listing tonight that brought that up before I did.  She said she wants me there whenever it is shown.  Smart Lady!

I despise automated feedback requests.

If you call me, I'll tell you what I think.  If you email me directly & personally, I may write a quite response.

If you do an automated request, then it's treated as spam.

It's a shame the listing agent in your story completely took himself out of the process.