Home Shopping with a Virtual Agent
What?? Shopping with a virtual agent? You mean the agent isn't there with the buyers? You mean the agent is on Face Time or Skype or Tango or...? How can that be?
These were my initial reactions as I read about a business model a company has developed and implementing in cities around the nation. In particular, Detroit was mentioned in this article by Inman partly because they still use rotary lock boxes.
I am more than flabbergasted. I am not even sure there is a word for what I am thinking about this practice. OH HERE'S A GOOD ONE.... LAWSUIT?
How many ways can I see this going badly? How about the missing items the agent couldn't see. Or the cracks to make note of. Perhaps it will be a surprise the way the floors slanted, or aren't level. Maybe it'll be okay if you miss the water level over the exterior french drain, cause that's no big deal. I mean hey, a busy agent is a busy agent and we can't always be in two spots at once. Or can we?
BTW, how did the buyer get into the home? Twitch of the nose? Wow, 'cause I know my E&O insurance covers me when I enter a home but are the buyers protected? Does it cover a virtual agent? Would your sellers allow this practice? I have asked several selling clients and they emphatically reply NEVER! 
Would you allow a virtual agent show your listing? Sellers- would you like a virtual agent to "accompany" buyers through your home?
