Question:
“I’m interested in selling my condo in La Jolla. I’ve already spoken with an agent who promised she’d accompany other agents for all the showings. Are you willing to do that?”
Answer:
I’d never do you such a disservice!
Why is that a disservice? Because it usually dramatically reduces interest and showings. Let me explain…
In upscale areas, many agents promise they’ll provide so-called upscale service by being at all showings.
Sounds great, right?
Well, here’s a hypothetical but all too real behind-the-scenes look at what often happens…
- Bob Buyer takes a long lunch to see homes Thursday with Bonnie Buyer-Agent.
- Bonnie calls Steve Seller-Agent to arrange noon Thursday.
- Steve calls a day later: “I’m busy then. How’s Friday?”
- Bob can’t do Friday, so they see other homes.
- Steve tells Sally Seller: “If they really wanted your home, they’d change their schedule.”
- Bob Buyer buys one of those other homes.
- Two weeks later, Steve tells Sally, “Your home isn’t selling. We need to drop the price.”
Similar problems impact homes where showings can only be arranged by calling the agent.
I wanted to see a condo on a Monday and called the agent Saturday to arrange it. She finally called me Monday(!) and said she was having trouble reaching the owner. She actually said, “If you want a view, this unit doesn’t have much. Are you sure you want to see it?”
It should only be “show with listing agent or staff present” if you:
- are famous
- are selling a high-end luxury estate and/or a home with highly expensive possessions
- want your home sit on the market longer and sell for less
So what’s best for you when you sell your home?
“Call first/lockbox.” Meaning agents call you and arrange a showing or leave a message, then use the lockbox if you’re not home.
Second best, and only if someone is home most of the time, is “appointment only / no lockbox.”
