Secure It Like It's Yours -Or- It Could Get Ruff!
In a day's time, a local Board office can be inundated with concerns and complaints about a perceived lack of respect within their Association. Complaints deal specifically with showing listed properties and the failure to properly secure them before leaving the premises.
A few things to consider:
Check the SHOWING INSTRUCTIONS prior to visiting a property.
If you are meeting another agent at the property, communicate your estimated time of arrival, especially if it has changed from the original agreed upon meeting time.
DO NOT “loan” or share your Supra lockbox key. This violates both the terms of your lease agreement and the boards policy governing lockboxes. Violation of these agreements creates significant liability for you as a licensed agent and independent contractor.
Before leaving a property, ensure:
• All of the lights are turned off.
• Windows and doors are closed and locked.
• Garage door has not been disengaged (red handle).
• Bathrooms inspected, especially the toilets.
• Keys are placed securely back in the lockbox.
• Nobody is left inside (including curious animals).
Here is a true story of what happened when the neighbor's dog wandered into a rural property because the front door was left wide open during a showing...
After getting a call from an agent who said a dog was trapped inside her listing, she asked if I could check on it. I drove over and opened the front door. A one-eyed dog came bounding out, greeting me with tail wags and a wet kiss, he was so happy to be set free of the prison he was held in for several days!
The last agent that showed the house accidentally locked the dog inside, damage that was caused was at least $2,000. He tried to escape by tearing down the window blinds, scratching the window frames and door jambs at both the front and back doors, relieving himself on the white, low pile carpets.
Thankfully, a looky-lou was passing by and saw him when she did, the story could have been worse, the poor animal could have died before being rescued. Perhaps the best advice of the day is treat a property like it's yours. Or it could get ruff! Huh, Sparky, who's a good boy, who's a good boy?
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