We’ve noticed more members dealing with overlapping showings, and there’s, shall we say, some frustration. The spring market demand is here, but the inventory isn’t, which is leading to new properties being overwhelmed by showing requests.  

Listing agents, you need a plan to make sure everyone going in the home can do so and the property can remain secure. Here’s a roadmap to navigating overlapping showing requests.

1. Talk to your seller

Know if your seller is okay with overlapping showings. Not everyone wants to turn their property into a show home or suite, while other sellers don’t mind. Share the pros and cons with them so they can make an informed decision and capture it in writing.

2.Tracking who enters the property

You’ll also want to decide how to monitor who enters the property. Will you use the lockbox? If so, give the showing agents a heads-up so they’re not surprised if there isn’t a key in the lockbox.

Hot tip for showing agents: Leave your business card in the lockbox so everyone knows there’s a showing and the key hasn’t been lost.

As a listing agent, if you anticipate high showing volume, instead of using a lockbox, listing agents can also be at the property, give access to groups, and verify the people going in who have an appointment.

3. Communicate with other REALTORS^®

Green light for overlapping showings? Let the buyer’s agents know if they have overlapping showings during their showing time. This helps them be prepared and prepare their clients. It can be confusing and concerning for the showing agent if another group wants to enter the property at the same time, and they have no way to determine if that’s acceptable or not. 

Hot tip for listing agents: If the property is an apartment condo, know how these showing groups are going to get access to the building at the same time if there’s only one set of keys. Think about strategies used when holding open houses.

Not allowing overlapping showings? This is helpful information for buyer’s agent to have, knowing that their clients might be waiting to get into the property (should they pack a snack and expect to wait outside?).

Also, tell the showing agents what to do once they’re in the property. For example, lock the door after entering and return the key to the lockbox after showing.

Buyer’s agents, please respect the seller’s instructions and be mindful to avoid behaving in a way that results in a complaint.

• Finishing a showing? Lock the property (CREB^® Rules Part II 7.04) and put the key back in the lockbox (CREB^® Rule Part II 8.01(c)). 
• Waiting for a showing? Don’t make it weird by asking the last showing agent to give you keys; be patient and let them secure the property and key (CREB® Rule Part II 8.01(d)).

Couldn’t get a showing? Please don’t just show up and hope to tag along with another group (CREB^® Rule Part II 8.04).

Going to miss your showing time or be late? Let the listing agent know (CREB^® Rule Part II 7.02(a)) No matter how you manage overlapping showings, you have to do just that: manage them. This can help ensure that a group of neighbours doesn’t end up touring the property like a public open house.

You can reliably tell your seller how many groups went through. While the industry is competitive, it doesn’t have to be chaotic when overlapping showings arise. We appreciate everyone actively working to keep it organized and professional to help sell properties.

Happy selling!