|
|
|
|
Online Showings
The technology which enables online showings has existed for some time but until recently, online showings have not been widely used. It is a rapidly changing technology with many changes anticipated over the nest few years.
I offer "online showings" as an option to my sellers. A seller need not own a computer to utilize the system, however, email and computer access are required to fully utilize all of the available features.
The traditional method of setting showings required a series of telephone calls between seller, listing company and company representing the buyer, as well as their respective agents. It is a cumbersome system lacking in efficiency. This system is further stressed by agents not giving updated seller contact information to the showing desk. Weekend and part time secretaries, hard to reach sellers and agents also contribute to problems with the traditional system.
Traditional Showing Setup:
- An agent representing a buyer calls the listing company to request a showing
- Office personnel will "hopefully" verify the identity of the showing agent
- Office personnel then call the seller to inform of the showing request
- If the seller is home, the seller will confirm or deny the showing request
- If the seller is not home, a message is left for a return call to the listing office, (if seller has no recorder, listing office will continue to call for the sellers hourly during office hours)
- After seller contact is made the listing office calls the confirmation or denial to the showing agents office telephone number
- Office personnel will leave showing information on voice mail for showing agent or a showing slip in their mailbox.
This process can be expedited when the seller is contacted on the first call or if the seller has notified the listing company to show it "anytime", but it is all too common that the process can take hours, or even overnight. In many cases the seller has left instructions to contact before allowing a showing and can't be found for showing confirmation. Showings are lost and marketing times are increased as a result.
Once the showing takes place, the listing agent will sometimes attempt to receive showing feedback from the agent who showed the property. This starts the "telephone tag" all over again. I call up to three times for feedback before I move on. Many agents will NOT take the time to even offer feedback. Even those who do cooperate can't remember the house after a day or so.
A great deal of time is wasted and many unnecessary phone calls happen using the traditional showing system.
There is a better way! The online showing option.
How it Works
- A showing agent requests a showing by calling a toll free number or logging on to the internet.
- Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, not just during regular business hours.
- Service is available in English or Spanish with other languages available soon
- System automatically verifies the identity of the showing agent and rejects any improper request
- Listing agent may "opt" to allow seller access to a part of the system that allows the seller to
- Block out times when they don't want the home shown
- Make these changes instantly to prevent mix-ups
- If seller has blocked out a period of time, the showing agent will get a non-confirmation while still on the telephone/website and the seller won't be bothered at all.
- Seller has the option when unavailable to automatically confirm all requests or be notified by email or telephone message of the request and can confirm by email or toll free telephone call
- Every showing request is logged where the seller or listing agent can view it online or print showing reports anytime
- At the time a confirmation is given a showing agent, a showing feedback request is sent by email to the showing agent for feedback. Showing agents can answer the questions and reply at the touch of a button at their convenience. When feedback is given, there is a written record for the sellers. The best part is that the seller can view the feedback or print feedback reports anytime, by visiting the website.
- The listing agent is notified by email of the showing request at the time of confirmation. This totally removes the need of the listing agent to visit the office to see if he has a showing request.
- This system offers better security than traditional showing systems
- No special plug-ins or viewers are needed to access the system
- Increases the number of times we get feedback from showing agents
Advantages to a Buyer
Buyer's agents and their clients benefit from this showing system as well. When an agent calls for a showing, the showing can often be confirmed within two minutes. Because requests are not limited to regular business hours, the chances are greater of obtaining a confirmation on weekends, over holidays, or on short notice requests. The possibility that a buyer won't be able to see the house is also reduced. A seller will miss fewer showings and a buyer might get to see the perfect house before smeone else does.
This is truly a win-win situation for all parties.
Back to Online Real Estate
|
|
