Are Agents too Busy to Be Careful?

Most lockboxes here are the old combination type and that's what I use, but we do use a showing service to schedule appointments and they confrim that the other person is a licnesed agent. Member agents have a password and are notified whenever they have a showing, and non-member agents are verified by the service before being given the combos.

Hi Susan, I've wondered about the safety of texting appointments and lockbox combinations since there is no agent identification involved. At least when emailing you have the agent's email signature which will usually have agency name and phone number. I am a firm believer that the best and safest method is still the electronic lockbox, which registers the agent that opened it and entered the house.

Hi Susan - In my area, appointments are generally made via the listing brokerage.  The buying agent calls the listing brokerage who then contacts the buying brokerage to pass on any lock codes.

Dear Susan -

Interestingly to me - in the Lakeview area of Chicago where I was previewing homes, EVERYTHING was shown only with the Listing agent present!  Not one of the 12 had a lockbox and the local agent said that it was "customary" in the Chicago market.

I don't really object to any type of contact --- In our market, we are able to go online and see if someone is really an agent.  I am happy to be contacted in any fashion!

Have a happy day -
Lynn

In my region lockboxes are not quite customary, and most strata properties do not allow them. Here, agents generally show the homes they list, and if an agent has too many listings to handle on their own, they hire someone for showings. Some do use lockboxes, which are on a cell-system, and we are able to assign call-before-showing codes and track visits, but for the most part we can only do this on detached homes. The call-before-showing codes prevent agents from just coming and going as they please, but with a vacant property it may be preferred that there be no 'CBS' code. We do get notice of lockbox activity pretty much in real-time. The lockbox system here uses a card exactly like a credit card, that we carry in our wallet. When we need to use it, we just update it by sliding it into the reader/programmer, and it is good for a day. (sentri-card system)

We used to use Supra, but we have ditch the monster keypad now. YAH!!!

Considering how often agents don't lock doors or windows, I personally feel it is prudent to supervise showings, and lock up when people leave, but that is me. Security is important to me.

For determining if someone is an agent, we have a very simple system called touch-base. While scheduling appointments, if the buyers' agent is at the computer on the MLXchange system, just request they send a touch-base message, to which we can respond, or confirm an appointment. All agents, but only agents have access to this system, and the contact info is sent to our text, email, or both... however you like... easy as pie.

I see a somewhat nasty comment reqarding a requirement for sending a text to track people. To say that not every agent is able to text seems ridiculous. Well, I don't see the big deal with phone texts, although the level of security is too low for my liking... Every agent has a cell phone in this century, and it is a very simple matter to send a text, so let's lighten-up. If someone was offended by my requesting a touchbase, and they called me arrogant, as the person referred to above, I would seriously question whether to go to show such a person around. Life is too short for that.

Edit: Here most people do call to request a showing, which I like. I do, however, request at that time that they send me a touchbase message. It halps for keeping track of everything, and it does verify their identitiy with a high level of certainty. We all use the same computer system here to look up listings, and it is a very very simple action to send a touch base message.

CSS  (showings.com) is the best money I spend for all my listings. . .I recommend  this to anyone that is a listing agent

We use Supra keys.  I find that NH real estate agencies always check your status. Some MA real estate agencies check as well.  The loop hole I see is with bank owned property. They often require combo lock boxes which make it hard to control access. 

The electronic lock boxes are the most efficient way to keep track of traffic.  I have not experienced the requirement of making an appointment via email.  A phone call is still the most common request.

We get access via the MLS for the most part.  Sometimes we need to call for an appointment. 

Susan - I haven't had this happen to me but I can certainly see the danger.  Congratulations on your feature!

Texting the info would not work for me. I prefer to use the Supra lockbox.

Our association here is using Centralized Showing Service.  It is fabulous.  They log the appointment, confirm with the sellers, give out codes for combo boxes if necessary and you get a confirmation email if it is your listing, your showing and the seller can get one too!

I think that agents practicing this type of real estate are opening themselves up to liability and a whole host of issues.  And if this becomes mainstream, the public will demand a commission ectomy!  Why should they use a buyers agent if that agent isn't effectively assisting their clients.  Great post!

Our younger generation are in love with TEXTING. Look at the opportunities being missed by talking with another really cool agent that you could develp cross sales with just because you heard their voice, how they talk to you and if they sound intelligent. I think that would be a great listing tool to share with potential sellers when they are interviewing agents. To be sure that the agent has their BEST interest s in mind!

Jeanne

Susan - Wow, I cover the showing as part of my marketing explanation.  What great questions to make sure I incorporate into that segment to offer the confidence of security.  Thank you.

I live in a relatively small community (225,000 in the area).  I prefer some form of notification even with a vacant home.  Generally, agents here still call the listing agent or their office for an appointment.  The one problem I have had is, when agents learn by word of mouth, that a home is vacant, they will go and not call even though the MLS instructions specify appointment only.  I have not had any repercussions so far but to me appointment only means appointment only and give me some form of notification.

Susan,

In Southern California we use Sentrilock and other areas use Supra.  It is convenient and both systems keep a log.  It is a huge responsibility, one that should not be taken lightly.

Susan,

I 'm glad you wrote this post, and you bring up some good points. But I think you are missing one important point. I use the email system  now so that I have a written record of requests to show. Its much better than a phone call when I am driving and can't write it down. It doesn't mean I am not checking on who is showing my listings. I am just taking advantage of  latest technology to help me run my business more efficiently.

I think we are just too busy period...to be careful, to have lives, to breathe.  I also think the expectations are WAY too high on agents.  I'm expected to get back to agents within 5 minutes of a showing request, and if I don't, then I'm somehow not committed to my sellers, and the sale of their home.  BACK OFF PEOPLE!!!  Somehow back in the 1950's, people bought and sold homes without internet, cell phones, or instant communication.  We do realize we sell sticks and bricks, right?  We are not heart surgeons or firefighters, where every second matters.  I think everyone needs to take a deep breath.  Sorry, I think I got off topic and started ranting...HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Just linked this post to one I just wrote... How To Show a Listing The Rome Way...Without Being There.