Easy Access is Key to Faster Sale

 There are different levels of access and various showing notifications that can be used in order to schedule a showing of your property. 

1.  Lockbox on the Door – This is highly preferred in order to provide agents and their buyers access once an appointment is scheduled.  Both combination and electronic lockboxes are used in the Cincinnati marketplace.  Combination lockboxes could potentially allow easy access to your property by anyone who secures the combination.   Electronic lockboxes, while at a higher expense to the agent,  provide the highest level of property security.   They can only be opened via bluetooth on an app on an agent's phone or a lockbox key device.  

With the latest technology available and an electronic lockbox,   your agent is also able to remotely confirm that your lockbox was opened at a certain time and who actually opened it.  You can also receive notice once an agent is done showing your property so you can return home.  

2.  No Lockbox on the Door - If you choose not to allow a lockbox on your door, a key needs to be available.  Either the listing agent is available for all showings, or the buyer agent is expected to retrieve key from the office in time for the showing.  Neither of these options are preferred for easy access to your property.  

There are also options for showing notifications and confirmations.  

1.  Go and Show - This situation allows the buyer agent immediate confirmation of a requested showing.  Unfortunately, it also requires your property to be available to be shown at literally a moment's notice.   Our ShowingTIme app allows for you to receive a courtesy phone call, email, or text to notify you that a showing has been scheduled.

2.  Required Lead Time -In this case, the seller decides that they need a minimum amount of notice before a showing could be scheduled.  As long as the showing agent allows at least the minimum amount of time required, they can get automatic confirmation for the showing.  For example, a seller may decide they need at least two hours notice before a showing can take place, thereby eliminating showings that could occur immediately.   In cases where there are tenants in a property, many times there is a required 24 or 48 hour notice required per the lease agreement.

3.  Must be Confirmed - This scenario is commonly used when a seller needs time to prepare the property for the showing, or possibly there are pets to be removed from the property.  When an agent requests the showing, they will not be confirmed until the appointment center can reach the seller and the seller approves the showing.  Again, with ShowingTime, the seller could receive a phone call, text, or email to request the showing.  

Technology has made it easier for agents to plan to schedule showings on listings, and easier to notify sellers of these showings.  However,  these technology advances have also reduced the notice most agents allow for showing requests.   Many buyers today are requesting to see properties the same day, if not within a few hours.  

In a competitive marketplace, access can make or break your ability to get the price you are looking for, or even sell your house at all.  Plan to work with your agent to find the best method to schedule showings on your property.