Is Your Listing Agent Really Working for You?
If your real estate agent has your property on a lockbox as part of their marketing plan, is this the right agent for you? When you hire a real estate agent to market and sell your home, ask them how they handle showings. Many agents will put your property on the MLS and slap a lockbox on the fence or door and expect the home to sell itself. Remember, you are paying your realtor commission for their services. Once inside the property, the buyer’s agent is unfamiliar with the home and showing it for the first time. Having to figure out which key opens the door, how to disarm the security alarm, operate lighting controls, or where the parking spot is located becomes less than an ideal experience for the prospective buyer.
The Problem With Lockbox-Only Showings
A lockbox holds the key(s) to your property and is accessed through a security code provided by the listing agent. This access code is given out to several agents who are showing your property, which can be a huge security risk for the seller. The potential for keys to get misplaced, not returned, or improperly secured in the lockbox happens more often than many realize.
Why Personal Showings Matter
Putting your home on a lockbox is not the ideal way to sell your home. We recommend that you hire an experienced Chicago Real Estate Agent who personally shows your home, ensures that the lights are turned off, doors are locked, and everything is exactly the way you left it.
A Better Approach: Guided, Personalized Showings
Putting your listing on a lockbox may be necessary in some cases, but the majority of the time, your interests are best served by your Realtor personally showing your home to all prospective buyers. The reason this is so important is that the Realtor is there to greet prospective buyers and welcome them to your home. He/she can take the buyers through the property, provide valuable information about the home and neighborhood, answer questions, and gauge their level of interest.
How Personal Showings Strengthen Your Selling Strategy
All of these activities are critical to your success as a seller because your agent can provide feedback on showings, note common themes or buyer questions, and help you determine whether the property is priced competitively. This allows you to gauge the market and make informed adjustments when needed. Your listing agent is the best person to represent you and your interests during showings—not a lockbox.
Missed Opportunities With Lockbox Access
When your property is on a lockbox and your Realtor is not present at showings, there is real potential for missed opportunities. Many times, the lockbox is difficult to open, contains multiple keys, or access becomes challenging. If this happens, the frustrated agent has no choice but to walk away, unable to show your home to their buyers.
Thinking of Selling Your Home? Let’s Talk.
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If you are thinking about selling your home, we would love to share our unique marketing plan with you! We always personally show your home to prospective buyers. To learn more, contact us today!
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