Special offer

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Rainmaker
1,543,817
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Karen Jones Lewis, MBA, Realtor I truly like you.

While you are at it, have an App where they then fill out an offer and mail us a check.  LOL!!!

 

Apr 17, 2017 07:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

No. If I'm a seller I'm not letting that happen. Buyers touring on their own? Not much could go wrong there. LOLLL

Apr 17, 2017 06:05 PM
Ambassador
5,230,079
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I know it's being used but, it screams of future litigation - all buyers can't be licensed and bonded as we are and herein lies the problem. Even with bonded agents, we hear about stolen money, drugs and other valuables.

I would NEVER allow someone to go into my own home without being escorted by a licensed, bonded real estate agent - EVER!

Apr 17, 2017 07:33 PM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Sure. And then they can write their own offers and negotiate their own deals. I mean you see on HGTV how easy this job is. You don't really need an agent. (Sarcasm ends)

Apr 17, 2017 07:16 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   Agreed, it will happen.  But who has the liability when unescorted "Buyers" steal, damage, or get injured while touring a house?  The lockbox issuer?  Who?

Apr 17, 2017 06:50 PM
Ambassador
2,061,803
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

I don't see sellers becoming comfortable with buyers touring through their house without an agent accompanying them.  I just don't.

Apr 17, 2017 05:25 PM
Ambassador
1,026,993
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

RUN, FORREST, RUN!!!!

Apr 17, 2017 08:40 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Bad idea for many reasons!

Apr 17, 2017 07:50 PM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

We are heading in that direction but I sure would be concerned about the potential risks.

Apr 17, 2017 06:44 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I don't have any sellers, even those of vacant homes that want buyers wandering around inside without an agent. I don't see that happening.

Apr 17, 2017 06:06 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Technology has a place, but we cannot forfeit instinct and humanity.  I think this does.  

Apr 17, 2017 05:04 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Karen Jones Lewis, MBA, Realtor No way!!

Apr 17, 2017 05:04 PM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

If I were the seller I'd say "no way!" I don't want people coming into my house by themselves and wandering around with a real estate professional with them. How do I know if they are legitimate buyers?

And if I were a buyer, I'd feel funny wandering around someone else's house without a professional with me. What if the cat got out? What if something broke? What if someone else was in there and broke something and I got blamed? What if a door was left unlocked? What if something was stolen? etc etc. 

Apr 18, 2017 03:08 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

I see technology such as Matterport virtual tours and virtual reality home tours as a thing of the future more so than everyone allowing strangers into their homes unaccompanied.  We are licensed, fingerprinted and background checked for a reason. -Kasey

Apr 17, 2017 07:55 PM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Whoa, you can't be serious.  We are haning on by a thread and having access to homes and the right to enter with our clients is about the last thing that makes us important.  We would be back to days in which agents were the only ones to show their own listings.  You must be having a terrible day.  I hope things improve quickly for you.

Apr 17, 2017 07:52 PM
Ambassador
3,854,909
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

 

There is always room for a "new" way to do business. It will not be something I will ever embrace. 

Apr 17, 2017 06:06 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Sellers are not going to want strangers walking in and out or around their homes without anyone there. I get hired to list a home more time sthan not for the full service i do offer and how that makes the seller more at ease. 

Apr 17, 2017 05:27 PM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I know that it is already happening and I don't mind:  I dislike showing Buyers property.  As long as the Sellers are happy with it, I'm happy too.

Apr 17, 2017 05:12 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I would not be letting a non-licensed person go  into a home not even a vacant one

Apr 17, 2017 05:08 PM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Probably the trend is there, Karen.  However, how would you trust that the seller's personal possessions will remain in the home with unaccompanied buyers walking through and poking their noses into closets, drawers and shelves?  And having an expert to point out potential issues or positives about the property? I don't like it, but I see it may become an option for some in the future.

Apr 17, 2017 04:56 PM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I am sure that it will be happening soon, with a special lockbox and video cameras in the house a zillow agent will be able to handle many more clients than the current full service agents are handling.

Apr 17, 2017 04:48 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Seriously? I'm sitting here gob-smacked! First of all, if you're a listing agent responsible for your client's property you would allow strangers to wander through with an agent representing them? Second, if you're a buyer's agent and not there with your clients, how do you read body language, how do you personally see if the house is right for your clients so you can properly advise, etc? 

Apr 18, 2017 04:31 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I don't think our state real estate commission would think that is a good idea.

Apr 18, 2017 04:41 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Liability issues abound.  Your call, but not in my area.

Apr 18, 2017 04:21 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

We wnet from 3X5 cards, to lists to the MLS, to the internet and if this happens I see problems just like spammers trying to get our information!

This what may happen if humans are to survive:

Zager And Evans - In The Year 2525 - YouTube

Apr 18, 2017 04:09 AM
Rainmaker
146,555
Damon Botticelli
Silver State Realty & Investments - Las Vegas, NV
Realtor - Las Vegas Real Estate

Buyer's agents whose main function is driving around and opening lock boxes are doing it wrong. Rather than replace them with lock boxes for the gernal public, I would suggest they learn how to ask questions, listen, help, and sell.  ...and use a brokerage agreement and retainer if it's necessary to secure compensation.

By the way, the public lock box and text for code is already in use by a certain brokerage with vacant properties.

Apr 17, 2017 09:06 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

All finger printed and no criminal history?

We have seen preospects walk around with other agents Supra.  Some are given their agents cards to hand out when asked. I call the agent urge them not to lose their license.

With the technology and internet there is little need to have a buyer agent. I suspect the buyer agent commission will be significantly reduced and buyer go call the listing agent wanting to make an offer. 

Apr 17, 2017 06:26 PM
Rainmaker
151,633
Julie Larson Realtor® Sarasota FL 941-284-9826
White Sands Realty Group FL | 941-284-9826 | Serving Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties - Sarasota, FL
When you're thinking of moving...ThinkSuncoast.com

I can see it happening. Not sure how I feel about it, but time will tell!

Apr 17, 2017 05:52 PM
Rainer
259,005
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

Oh H*ll no!  The liability issues alone should put a stop to that.  And it is incumbent on you to control the engagement with your clients.  I NEVER take clients out to look at houses.  I will, nowever, take them out to buy their house.

Apr 18, 2017 08:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Old topic been discussed ad nauseum. Too much liability regarding that lockbox scenario. Some agents feel it's great but those are part timers or agents that feel having their own lockbox is a hassle for some reason. 

Always thought of it as not having a car & being a taxi service. 

Apr 18, 2017 05:14 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Possible theft issues

Apr 18, 2017 05:05 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Already happening here - see opendoor.com and scroll down to "Buying".

Apr 18, 2017 03:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I use Rently boxes now for rentals and I look forward to doing it on other proeprties.

Apr 17, 2017 05:33 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

If people become educated & trained in to do the work...agents will earn less for doing less is one thought. 

Apr 17, 2017 05:19 PM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

awful idea for so many reasons

I appologize but as I am very late to this post I'll just say looks like you have enough answers to work from. 

Mar 27, 2018 08:18 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Karen Jones Lewis, MBA, Realtor - Not a good idea.

Apr 18, 2017 09:11 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

That is the first step to take us out of the loop. The liability is crazy...

Apr 18, 2017 08:13 PM
Rainmaker
508,387
Jerry Murphy, CRS, SRES
Long Realty West Valley - Anthem, AZ
Anthem, Phoenix, and Scottsdale AZ Real Estate

It's already happening with Open Door and Offer Pad homes.  I say good luck with that.  I don't see that business model working or surviving.

Apr 18, 2017 05:57 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,683
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Next thing you know we will be out of business.  but good thinking out of the box.

 

Apr 18, 2017 05:38 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

If I was a seller, I would not allow it in the New World.

Apr 18, 2017 09:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Saw that lock box on Shark Tank.  Barbara Corcoran did a deal with them (no joke).  Too many issues with letting strangers into your home for me to ever sign off on using one on my listings.

In addition, I don't have the "waste time and gas" issue.  I pre-screen the homes so I'm only showing the top five or six homes.  They pick one and we write paper by the end of the trip.

Apr 18, 2017 09:01 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

no new world stuff at our listings.... not good, in my opinion!!!

Apr 18, 2017 08:37 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

If I am a seller or the agent representing a seller That. Is. Just. Not. Going. To. Happen.  NOT EVER!. That is just a NIGHTMARE waiting to happen. 

Apr 18, 2017 08:20 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

That's not how my Now world works

Apr 18, 2017 06:25 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't care for the idea of taking the personal interaction out of the equation.

Apr 18, 2017 06:18 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

What do they need you for? Nothing! The lockbox service will charge a fee and some paralegal can negotiate the contract. And, the buyer has no one to guide them. Just perfect!

Apr 18, 2017 06:00 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

NAR who?

Buyers and sellers want choices.

The NOW WORLD attempts to PROHIBIT agents from offering buyers and sellers real choices but choose to impose greater control and restriction on agent Independence. Such arrogance of the NOW WORLD dominating forces have created blindness that the real estate marketplace will not tolerate for long.

There is a change coming and it's long overdue.

Apr 18, 2017 05:31 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I always want to be with my buyers

Apr 18, 2017 04:28 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

The security risk is to great.

Apr 18, 2017 04:28 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

The world is constantly changing...hold on it's going to be an interesting ride.  

Apr 18, 2017 12:44 AM