When listing your home with a licensed Real Estate Agent, Broker, or Realtor, you’re investing in mitigating risks and securing top-tier MLS marketing services. It’s crucial to understand the different showing and scheduling options available to ensure your home is presented in the best light. This includes comparing showing services, scheduling companies, and electronic key boxes. However, companies like Showingtime do not employ licensed Real Estate Agents, Brokers, or Realtors, exposing both themselves and their clients to significant risks. Without proper licensing and expertise, critical questions may be overlooked during the scheduling of showings, potentially leading to unauthorized entries and compromised security.

This negligence can result in serious safety concerns for homeowners, as unauthorized access might allow third parties like contractors or inspectors to enter properties without the owner’s knowledge. Consequently, this increases the liability for both the company and the homeowner, who may face legal and financial repercussions from incidents such as theft or property damage. For this reason, it is often best for the seller to schedule their own showings and be present for all showings. Understanding these risks and implementing better security measures is essential to safeguard properties and ensure the safety of all parties involved.

Key Differences: Showing Services vs. Scheduling Companies

Showing Services

• Some companies charge a fee to have an agent show a home on behalf of another agent. For instance, the Buyer Agent might employ third-party services like Showami. This means the Buyer Agent may not have firsthand knowledge of your home.
• Many Listing Agents use services like Showingtimeto handle showings virtually, which they claim is an efficient way to gather feedback. However, without personal vetting, feedback requests sent via email often go unread. The most valuable feedback usually comes from direct conversations between the Seller or Listing Agent and the Buyer Agent.

Scheduling Companies

• Companies like Showingtime do not employ licensed Real Estate Agents, Brokers, or Realtors. As a result, they may miss critical questions that should be addressed when scheduling showings, such as:
  • Is the Buyer Agent personally showing the home or is it a third-party contractor?
  • Does the Buyer Agent have knowledge of the home and surrounding area beyond the MLS data?
  • Has the Buyer provided a pre-approval letter or satisfactory proof of funds for cash purchases?
  • Does the home meet all of the Buyer’s criteria?
  • What is the Buyer’s timeline and do they need to sell another property first?
  • Are there any pending legal issues that could delay closing?

Many Sellers believe that Full-Service Listing Agents do not offer services that justify high commission fees. Alternative options, such as Ohio Broker Direct’s flat fee MLS listing services starting at $299, allow Sellers to save on commissions and maintain control over home access and vetting.

The Pros and Cons of Key Boxes

Benefits of Key Boxes

• Key boxes provide easy access for agents and save the Listing Agent time since they don’t need to be present at every showing.

Risks of Key Boxes

• Technological issues can prevent access, causing unprofessional and embarrassing situations.
• Without the Seller or Listing Agent present, buyers might miss out on valuable information about the home and area.
• Unauthorized access using key boxes has been reported, raising ethical concerns and potential security risks.
• Lost sales opportunities may occur if Listing Agents relying on key boxes do not accommodate other means of access for non-NAR members.

CBS Codes and Access Control

What is a CBS Code?

• Some electronic key boxes require a Call Before Showing (CBS) code, which adds a layer of security by requiring authorization before accessing the lockbox. However, this system can be misused if codes are shared without the Seller’s consent.

Sellers have the right to:

• Negotiate specific services in their listing agreements.
• Be present for all showings.
• Decide if and what type of key box will be used, if any.

Summary

Choosing the right methods to manage showings and scheduling is crucial in the home selling process. While showing services, scheduling companies, and electronic key boxes each offer their own set of benefits and risks, understanding these differences helps Sellers make informed decisions. By taking control of how your home is accessed and ensuring proper vetting, you can safeguard your interests and enhance the chances of a successful sale.

Embracing a New Era

As we advance into the future, Ohio Broker Direct remains at the forefront of industry transformation, committed to leading and guiding you through these exciting changes. We don’t just participate in this real estate revolution – we pioneer it. As trailblazers, leaders, educators, and advocates, we are dedicated to fostering a market that is both fair and ethical.

Join Ohio Broker Direct as we champion a move towards increased transparency and equity in real estate. Our expertise includes specialized services such as “For Sale By Owner” and “Flat Fee MLS” listings, empowering homeowners with cost-effective solutions. For personalized service that meets the demands of tomorrow’s market, connect with us today and partner with a firm that is shaping the future of real estate.