Each day we are hearing more and more stories about the ways some agents are spending time trying to find “shortcuts” that end up negatively affecting the integrity of Realcomp’s MLS database and the integrity of the REALTOR^® profession. This month I want to share the top five complaints with you along with some possible solutions. I have a feeling this will generate a lot of feedback and that is exactly what I am looking for!

• Complaint:  Every room size on the listing says the same thing – 9 x 10. It’s obvious that the agent did not measure the rooms.
• Solution:  As the listing agent, you have an obligation to provide accurate information  for your seller and your fellow REALTORS^®. It is a basic part of your responsibilities to measure the rooms before submitting the listing to the MLS.
• Complaint:  The front desk of the listing office does not know the current status of a specific listing; or the listing is showing as active but I’m told that no showings can be scheduled.
• Solution:  Make sure that the people responsible for fielding calls and scheduling appointments have updated information at all times. If there are no further showings on a property while offers are being reviewed, you are required to change the status to Pending.
• Complaint:  I can’t report a property as Pending because I don’t know what offer the bank has accepted and, therefore, I do not know who the selling office and agent are.
• Solution:  There is a change coming very soon to Realcomp Online^® to no longer require the selling office and agent information at the time a property is reported as pending. You will include this information when you report the property as sold.
• Complaint:  The listing is not marked “yes” for short sale, but it says it is a short sale in the remarks.
• Solution:  The short sale Y/N field is required. Please provide accurate information.
• Complaint:  When I arrived at the property, there were consumers walking around the home without an agent. I was told that the agent gave them the lockbox code and told them to take a look at the property on their own.
• Solution:  This can be a tremendous liability. Consumers should not be given access to properties without being accompanied by a REALTOR^®. Realcomp has implemented a $100.00 fine for each time the lockbox code is given out to a customer. Please, make sure that you escort your buyers when viewing properties.

The Board and Association Shareholders of Realcomp offer additional training for you to access. Please take advantage of these valuable resources.

Did I cover your number one complaint? If not, I would like to hear from you! I can be reached by email or by phone at 248-699-9120.