I had a client sign a listing agreement with me over two weeks ago. She did not have an extra key for the lockbox but promised to have one made in 48 hours and then we would put the lockbox on. I showed up at the appointed time -- she had not had the key made. Come back tomorrow, she says. I showed up -- no one answered door, although her car was there. I called her everyday and left messages, as I was geting calls off the sign in the yard anyway. I got one call back, promising to have a ket the following weekend, call her Saturday to set a time to put it on door.

Called -- no answer -- no response for a week now. Even if I arm-wrestle a key out of her, she wants to show by appointment only -- it'll never show at this level of responsiveness!

My instinct is to send her a letter cancelling the listing since she has not provided reasonable access as agreed. My BIC says just let it ride and see if she calls again, maybe she will come to her senses. (She wants to sell because her hours got cut at work and she is struggling to stay current on high-interest mortgage.) Seems like a lot of trouble for a condo that will probably sell for around $50K.


What would you do?

get hte key from her make a copy and bring her key back. taht way you dont have to trust that she will get something done because she has alwready proven that she cant. at the end of hte day, do you want to sell the house or not?

CS if takes this much hassle and wasted time just to get the key from your client, imagine what will it be like to try to get a contract signed, the escrow instructions, inspections done, negotiations... even just to show the place!

She's obviously emotional about the whole thing and not willing to let go.... Is it really worth your time, your effort, and your sanity?

First, stop letting her be in control of your schedule & business!

Call her immediately! Here's your script:

"Hey (her name), it's (your name) with (your company), sorry I missed you again. I'll be near your house tomorrow afternoon at 5:30. I need to pick up your key, so I can drive to (locksmith, Home Depot, hardware store) and get a copy made for the lock box. I'll only need your key for an hour or so.

Please call me to confirm this appointment or let me know the earliest that we can meet to take care of this. I've had several inquiries as a result of my sign in the yard and as a professional courtesy, I need to let them know when I'll have the key and be able to show your home.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon. Goodbye."

Then, show up for the appointment. If she does not answer or has not rescheduled prior to, then pull your sign and wait for her to call you!

No need to cancel the listing.

Well, what did you decide to do?

If you're going to fire your client do it the right way.

Do it like Donald!

CS,

I agree with Borino: she is too emotional and not ready at this time. I think you will be wasting your time. When and if you get an offer on the place what will she do then? Continue to waste your time, the buyer's agent and the prospective buyer?

Some of you have PM'd me to ask what I decided to do. Well, I'm firing her -- but for a different reason. I'm changing brokerages, and as I went over the listings I was leaving behind with the BIC at former brokerage, he said he didn't want to mess with it -- so terminate the listing.

Carolina Songbird

I agree with Borino, She is going to be very difficult the whole way, what do you think will happen if you get a contract on the house that is even a few thousand below ask, she will not take that.

I`d still take the listing place my sign out in front of their home and make sure to parlay as many leads as i can.
The sellers will eventually come around.
Don`t fire anyone,it`s too early in the game!

Unfortunately her HOA doesn't allow signs. No, this is not a hoity-toity place -- mid-50K!

yeah, listings are great to attract leads, if you are allowed to slip a rider with your phone number on the listing.

why would you not be allowed to slip a rider with your phone number on the listing?

Because some Home Owners Associations do not allow signs at all or only in the window.

You still have the net to advertise. Don`t give up..