Imagine this. You’re a home buyer. And you want to buy a home.
You go online, browse the homes for sale you want to see. And you find the perfect one. You book an appointment to see the home.
You arrive at the home, punch in a secret code, and voila — instant access.
All done without a Realtor.
Imaging, having all of the information you need at your fingertips.
And being able to see a home, without a Realtor ever being involved.
Does this sound like a compelling future for real estate?
The truth is, this is happening right now. Yes. The future is here. But it’s not something you’re going to like.
You see, there are Realtors out in our marketplace making this possible. But not because they’ve created a futuristic business model for real estate.
But because they’re being reckless.
How are potential home buyers being able to let themselves into homes?
Because Realtors are giving away lock box codes.
And they’re not supposed to.
RECO (the governing agency of real estate professionals in Ontario) has issued fines ranging from $3,000 to $9,000 for Realtors caught doing this.
But that’s peanuts compared to potential damages, risk and safety concerns a homeowner faces when unscrupulous Realtors take shortcuts.
Imagine — if you’re selling a home, having the code to the lock box storing your key, being circulated by a Realtor to just about any one of their buyers.
What’s preventing a break-in from happening?
Unwanted visitors?
Your privacy being disturbed if buyer show up late — without their Realtor?
There are solutions to this. And if you’re planning on selling your home, speak with a real estate professional who knows how to handle the security concerns so that you’re protected.
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