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Selling? Please let buyers in!

Agent: Knock Knock 
Seller:     Who's There?
Agent: A potential buyer
Seller:     Go Away!

Ok, maybe the conversation doesn't go exactly like that, but it sure feels like it lately.  I don't know about you, but it seems that I've been having a harder time getting appointments to show homes lately.  What is surprising is that I actually have a client, ready and willing to buy a home in this market.

Here are a few examples from the past two weeks. 

  • I had a confirmed appointment and the homeowner was supposed to be home to let us in.  We get to the door, ring the bell and surprise!  No one home.  I did notice that there was a combo lockbox on the door so I call the listing office and guess what...they have no record of a lockbox at this house.  They call the listing agent for me and I get a call back 3 hours later with the code.  Um...sorry, but we've long since left!
  • I made an appointment through the listing office, showed up at the door with my clients and we were refused access.  Apparently the office never let the homeowner know we were coming.  The homeowner called the listing agent while we were waiting outside and he did confirm that we had an appointment, but we were still refused access.  I can't really blame the homeowner, but since I know they are facing foreclosure, I would have thought they would have let us in.  Oh well, their loss.
  • On another occasion I called to make an appointment through the listing office.  When they called the homeowner, the request was refused.  The reason...he/she works late at night and normally sleeps during the requested time (late morning).  Ok, he/she needs sleep, I can respect that.  However, don't put in the listing ad "owner very motivated, will consider all offers". Apparently the homeowner wasn't that motivated. 

I could go on but you get the idea!  With so many similar homes for sale, my clients have no interest in trying to go back to see these homes. 

So, the #1 tip to get your home sold in this market:  If a buyer wants to see your home, make sure they can get in to see it!

Ravi Shah, REALTOR®
South Jersey Real Estate Blog
Prudential Fox & Roach
O: (856) 222-0077 x153
C: (609) 760-7852

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5 comments • Ravi Shah • February 18 2008 01:23PM

Comments

Same here.  It defies logic why sellers make us jump through hoops to show their homes for sale.  They want to sell.  They just don't want anyone in. 
Posted by Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate) over 2 years ago
This kind of stuff don't surprise me at all, those sellers should take their property off the market if they are not serious about selling.  Just think, the market would probably improved considerably.   
Posted by Wayne Miller over 2 years ago

It is quite the challenge.  I find one of the most stressful times is setting up showings. 

 

Posted by Anona Large-Oak Ridge, TN Real Estate (Realty Executives Associates) over 2 years ago
Definately, If they aren't serious in showing then they may be hard to negotiate with as well.
Posted by Johnny Huang, MBA (Legacy Hotel Group) over 2 years ago
I had one a couple of weeks ago where the seller had removed the electronic lockbox without telling the listing agent because he didn't want anymore showings. We sat outside in subzero weather first looking for a non existant lockbox then waiting for the uninformed agent to call back. Can't sell if the buyers can't get inside!
Posted by Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka County Acreage & Lakeshore Homes (REMAX Specialists) over 2 years ago

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