Real estate showing services like ShowingTime revolutionized the way property viewings are scheduled, offering convenience and efficiency to both homeowners and real estate professionals. However, there are many pros, cons and security risks of real estate scheduling services as they come with their own set of limitations and security concerns that must be addressed.

Security Concerns

Using real estate scheduling services can expose users to several security risks, including, but not limited to the ones originally exposed by Randy Westergren:

1. Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive information such as client details, financial records, and transaction data can lead to identity theft and financial loss.
2. Phishing Attacks: Fraudulent emails or messages that appear legitimate can trick users into sharing sensitive information, compromising client data and financial transactions.
3. Malware and Ransomware: Malicious software can disrupt operating systems and steal data, potentially locking users out of essential files and demanding a ransom for their release.
4. Insider Threats: Employees or partners misusing access to sensitive data can pose significant risks.

Limitations in Vetting Buyers and Agents

While showing services offer scheduling convenience, they fall short in several critical areas of vetting buyers and agents:

1. ShowingTime, like their counterparts, cannot directly schedule showings for unrepresented buyers who do not want to pay buyer agents for services they do not need: the platform is designed for real estate agents to schedule showings on behalf of their clients, meaning a buyer needs to be working with a licensed agent to use ShowingTime to view properties. This has the potential to cost both the buyer and seller a lot of money. 
2. Qualification for Purchase at List Price: Showing services do not verify whether potential buyers can afford the property’s list price, leading to wasted time and resources on showings for individuals who may not be financially qualified.
3. Financial Verification: These services cannot confirm if a buyer is pre-approved for a mortgage or has the necessary funds available, whether through a loan or cash, to purchase the property.
4. Buyer Motivation: Understanding a buyer’s motivation is crucial in real estate transactions. Showing services lack the ability to assess whether a buyer is genuinely interested in purchasing or merely browsing.
5. Home Sale Contingency: Many buyers need to sell their current home before purchasing a new one. Showing services do not verify if a buyer has a home sale contingency, which can complicate and delay the transaction process.
6. Verification of Agent Credentials: These services may not confirm the credentials and reputation of the agents involved, including their familiarity with or experience in the area where the home is located. This lack of verification can lead to potential security and trust issues.
7. Property Condition Reports: Showing Services are unable to answer questions or provide detailed reports on the property’s condition. This information is crucial for buyers to make an informed decision about whether the property meets their needs. Without it, both buyers and sellers may waste time on a property that is ultimately unsuitable.
8. Personalized Customer Service: Automated systems or phone bank schedulers lack the personal touch, scheduling convenience, and essential information that only a seller can provide.
9. Follow-Up and Feedback: Effective follow-up and feedback collection from showings are crucial for enhancing the selling process. Automated systems may fall short in this area, whereas the seller can address any outstanding questions the buyer may have and immediately reschedule a second showing at the buyer’s request.

Advantages of Allowing Homeowners to Schedule Showings Themselves

Allowing homeowners to schedule showings themselves can offer several advantages:

1. Flexibility: Homeowners can choose times that are most convenient for them, ensuring that showings do not interfere with their personal schedules.
2. Control: They have greater control over vetting both buyers and agents, as well as deciding who enters their home and when, which can enhance their sense of security and comfort.
3. Efficiency: It can streamline the process, minimizing the need for back-and-forth communication between buyers, agents, and homeowners.
4. Personal Touch: Homeowners can provide potential buyers with unique insights and details about the property that might not be conveyed through an agent.
5. Cost Savings: It may reduce the need for additional services from real estate agents, potentially lowering costs.

Conclusion:

Real estate showing services like ShowingTime offer significant benefits in terms of scheduling convenience and efficiency. However, they also present notable security concerns and limitations in vetting buyers and agents. Unlike these services, our sellers can show and sell their properties to buyers who do not have agents representing them, potentially saving both parties thousands of dollars in commission fees. Therefore, Ohio Broker Direct prioritizes liability, safety, and time efficiency, empowering our sellers to manage all aspects of scheduling and vetting. This approach ensures a smoother, more secure, and personalized transaction process.

Selling your home independently without a traditional real estate service requires commitment and due diligence, but it can save you thousands of dollars in commissions. Maximizing marketing exposure is key. With decades of experience, we have sold over a billion dollars in real estate and saved sellers millions in commissions. Explore our For Sale By Owner Ohio Flat Fee MLS Listing options at Ohio Broker Direct to enhance your marketing exposure, ensuring a quicker sale at a higher price with better terms tailored to your needs. Reach out to us directly, visit our blog page, or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed and maximize your profit. We look forward to the opportunity to earn your business.