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So, I got some automated email feedback today, and it made me wonder how other professionals would act and react ....
"BTW, the front door was unlocked and slightly open when we got there. I did leave it unlocked when I left as I found it."
I guess that means the agent latched the door, but didn't lock it. Aren't we supposed to secure the homes we show? Or am I missing some "leave it as you found it" admonition? If it matters, this feedback came via the immediately updated automated system this morning; the showing was yesterday afternoon.
Location: Sarasota/ Bradenton - University Pkwy area
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Originally Posted by BoBromhal
So, I got some automated email feedback today, and it made me wonder how other professionals would act and react ....
"BTW, the front door was unlocked and slightly open when we got there. I did leave it unlocked when I left as I found it."
I guess that means the agent latched the door, but didn't lock it. Aren't we supposed to secure the homes we show? Or am I missing some "leave it as you found it" admonition? If it matters, this feedback came via the immediately updated automated system this morning; the showing was yesterday afternoon.
Sometimes I've shown properties where the owners took the dog for a walk down the street while I showed the home, so they did not want the door locked on my way out, but the listing agent gave specific instructions up front about not locking the door. What were your showing instructions?
If I walked into a situation like that and was not specifically instructed not to lock a particular door, I would call the listing agent immediately to advise them of the unlocked door and ask for instructions on how to deal with it.
I had a somewhat different situation this week. An agent was supposed to show a listing of mine that did not have a lockbox, the owner or a relative had to be there to give access. This particular buyer's agent was well aware of that. Two hours after the scheduled afternoon appointment time, the seller called to ask if the agent was going to show up or not. When I tracked down the agent she said the buyer decided to make an offer on something they had seen that morning, so went back to her office to do paperwork. The agent had several hours before my listing's appointment in which to cancel. She seemed offended when I said the seller was upset and the courteous thing to do would have been to take a couple of minutes to either call or text me. I apologized to my seller on behalf of this agent, but it ticks me off when agents are no shows, especially under these circumstances. From our conversation, I got the impression our showing was not the only afternoon appointment she blew off.
How can we expect the public to treat us as business professionals when agents do not act like business professionals?
I once did a "Leave it as I found it" based on how the house looked like the seller just stepped out so I could show.
Front door wide open, fresh coffee in the pot, some lights on, some off, radio on talk radio, etc.
Got the phone call from the listing agent an hour later, who after I mentioned this, told me her seller was crazed.
But, there is no more "Leave it as I found it" unless the showing instructions specifically tell me to.
So, I got some automated email feedback today, and it made me wonder how other professionals would act and react ....
"BTW, the front door was unlocked and slightly open when we got there. I did leave it unlocked when I left as I found it."
I guess that means the agent latched the door, but didn't lock it. Aren't we supposed to secure the homes we show? Or am I missing some "leave it as you found it" admonition? If it matters, this feedback came via the immediately updated automated system this morning; the showing was yesterday afternoon.
I would have locked the door behind me and assumed the seller would not leave the house without a key or access with a keypad.
I had to go back and check my instructions. I've also had Sellers see me at the door and tell me to leave the house unlocked. or the "seller will leave the house unlocked for you". But if there's a lockbox and absent a "leave it open" instruction, I'm locking the doors.
I had a somewhat different situation this week. An agent was supposed to show a listing of mine that did not have a lockbox, the owner or a relative had to be there to give access. This particular buyer's agent was well aware of that. Two hours after the scheduled afternoon appointment time, the seller called to ask if the agent was going to show up or not. When I tracked down the agent she said the buyer decided to make an offer on something they had seen that morning, so went back to her office to do paperwork. The agent had several hours before my listing's appointment in which to cancel. She seemed offended when I said the seller was upset and the courteous thing to do would have been to take a couple of minutes to either call or text me. I apologized to my seller on behalf of this agent, but it ticks me off when agents are no shows, especially under these circumstances. From our conversation, I got the impression our showing was not the only afternoon appointment she blew off.
How can we expect the public to treat us as business professionals when agents do not act like business professionals?
I've been the seller in that situation that hurried and ran the vacuum, rounded up dogs and kids and went away for a couple hours. No show, no call, no apology. This is probably another case of 'cutting off my nose to spite my face"... but if we're ever shopping again, a sign with her name on it is a pass for me.
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