Showing Woes : {

I recently wrote a testimonial for CSS (Centralized Showing Service) and I am pondering, taking out an advertisement in every News source known to mankind to expound their virtues. Granted, they are not perfect and truth be told, a lot of what goes wrong is from REALTOR® error in the 1st place, but they offer a good foundation for making the appointment process, showing and follow up system as easy and secure as possible. They are open to critique and usually work well to work out situations that arise.

Was there a Real Estate memo that went out and suggested 2 different COMBO codes for use on the antiquated lockboxes? I can't tell you how many times I have seen the same 3 letters used by agents across a number of counties. Or better yet, I love it when they use the property address for the numbers. The Sentri-Lock boxes may be more expensive, but offer a number of layers of technological advantage to both the Seller and Listing Agent. They are just plain old more professional looking, if nothing else. With the decline of the effectiveness of print media, the money saved could be invested in replacing the older units and help to raise the low level consumer opinion of REALTORS ® and our business practices.

I have wasted immeasurable energy as a Buyer's Agent trying to track down elusive Listing Agents, not to waste their time or bother them, but to get permission to show their Listings and work for them to help get them Sold. I realize there are unreasonable Sellers, who do not understand the hindrance to getting their house Sold is purely the inaccessibility of limited showing availability, but is it always the client who is responsible? Yes, there was 1 agent who used CSS, but made the showing predicated upon approval by him and was unreachable 2 days in a row. Aarrgghh!! If you will answer your phone, great, make yourself the Showing Contact. If not, please do everyone a favor and DON'T! Calling the office is equally effective when they have abbreviated hours or better yet, are closed on weekends.

I especially love those who answer phone calls with e-mails. Maybe its just me, but my response is usually the same as the initial form of contact. No problem for going the extra mile and adding another form of contact, but if I call to show a property, chances are I am not on my computer : [

Kim Jones: Educator, Consultant & REALTOR®                                                                              For your new home, call Kim Jones and Company!                                                                        Cell: 443-622-0902   Office: 410-529-800