I was doing some research for a area that I'm considering marketing. To my amazement while reading the agent comment I noticed that the listing agent had put in the alarm codes to disarm and even had the location of where the keys pads where. This was for a home listed for over $1,000,000.00. (not that the price matters) I was also shocked to see that the first photo you see is one of the Pool. I know this is Houston and we really don't have a winter but I just don't see showing the pool is a strong selling point in December. Thoughts anyone?
Good grief... why not just leave the Door Open?
And the Photo of the Pool - maybe in Phoenix in July, but not in Houston in December.
I saw that for the first time today myself its not so much careless ness of the agent as it is laziness.. They don't want to accept calls from other agents so they put any and all information on the MLS just so they don't have to answer the phone. That is very disturbing to me.. If you don't like your phone rings than find another job... I here Wal-mart is a pretty hoppin place to work this time of year.
David,
Did you contact the agent and express your concern about the alarm codes?
I should think that someone needs to.
A lot of agent do not think before they put things out there to the public.
Ignorance is bliss. I can't even imagine doing something that thoughtless.
Well....every occupation has their questionable people in it. Don't suppose you sent a memo to that person to let them know about that obvious lapse of judgement?
I'm assuming this property is on a lockbox system like Supra GE which real estate agents should be the only one having access to it. If thats the case I do want alarm code and location of the key pad in the MLS as buyers agent. Most of my clients select homes for showing 5 minutes before our showing appointment. Calling listing agent is no problem but if he or she do not answer the phone call that property gets skipped.
Wow, it is hard to believe that an agent wouldn't be more careful.
Our MLS has a rule about putting a construction lockbox code in the remarks. If there is a penalty they might remember.
We have strict rules against that sort of thing here. Can't believe Houston doesn't.
Thoughts? Yeah, report the agent. He's either stupid or lazy. Someone needs to look out for that poor seller.
David:
I have seen this here in Fresno, CA too. The first MLS photo is the pool. Usually if this is the case, the home usually is not in good shape. This home sounds like it was a very nice home. At least you had the alarm codes. I have shown some homes and the listing agent did not mention there was even an alarm. Upon opening the door, there went the alarm. The phone rang and it was the alarm company or police. I introduced myself on the phone. They immediately knew what had happened. I was then instructed how to turn off the alarm. This means that some agents should not be in real estate. Good blog David..... :)
Are you all saying you don't post lock box codes in the agent comment section?
The agent comment section is ONLY for licensed agents who we should be able to trust as ethical agents who will not disclose privacy sensitive information to others.
If they want to give the info to others... what is the difference if they call for the codes, and then give them to someone else???
The house is on Supra and you still have to call the showing service to schedule the appt, and your right Cameron, in a perfect would ONLY "ethical" agents are the ones that read the agent comments. However, the world is not perfect. If someone wants to break in a house they're going to. I just don't think we should make it this easy. Have a great day everyone!!!
Actually I would think its safer in MLS than if you provide it over a phone. Just think about it if you were listing agent and you got a call from a person who claim to be real estate agent what questions would you asked? Whats your name? Company you work for? Your license number? At least in my state all of this information is public knowledge and they can print that off directly from Department of Real Estate website. The only other piece of information that you possibly could ask is what your mls id but that person could get that as well. So I would say keeping in MLS is safer than giving it out over a phone
Comments(14)