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Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS, South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker! (Fathom Realty Washington LLC)

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Rainmaker
2,194,668
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

A lot of cards the first couple of days is a good sign. After that, it's a bad sign. Not only that, but why would any listing agent want her sellers to have access to a pile of a bunch of other agent's cards?

Nov 10, 2015 10:21 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

If a lot of cards are sitting on the counter it tells me 3 things. The house has been on the market awhile, no buyer has bought it or wants it and it absolutely worries a buyer that sees that as they think something is wrong. Listing agents are not helping their seller by leaving them in place.

Nov 10, 2015 08:15 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

that listing agent should be dismissed....there should not be business cards left in a pile...they should be taken by the listing agent and phone calls made to each of the agents...and a report given to the homeowner....

Nov 10, 2015 08:00 AM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

50 is a bit much, but i don't care if 5 or 10 are there. It shows interest, but if that's isn't followed by offers and a contract after 60-90 days, it then shows rejection.

Nov 10, 2015 03:22 AM
Rainmaker
364,623
Joshua Frederick
Home Inspector for ASPEC Residential Services, LLC - Defiance, OH
Home Inspector in Defiance & all of Northwest Ohio

I'd be more inclined to worry if I saw a stack of different Home Inspector's cards!

Nov 10, 2015 07:20 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,595
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Is that a rhetorical question? LOL 

Nov 10, 2015 09:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

With electronic lock boxes we can see at any time if an agent did show on appointment. With 50 cards and the listing agent not even visiting the house I would call this a dead end, and a bad listing agent.

Nov 10, 2015 05:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,356,310
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Mainly, Paul I think it is to show your client/seller that there has been activity. I do believe that you ought to have a time limit to leaving them. On a vacant home, (I have many like this), I'll leave them for a time period so that the seller can see them when they use the home (infrequently, sometimes), but after, say a month, I will put them in a drawer. 

Nov 10, 2015 05:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Paul S. Henderson, Realtor, Tacoma Washington I would think in this case rejection since the property is in disarray and over priced.

Nov 10, 2015 05:18 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

In our market, homes don't last long, so if you see 20 cards and only has been on the market a couple of days, buyers know they have to put an offer in quickly if they love the home. 

In years past - if the cards started piling up, I would go by at least once a week and pick up the cards. 

Nov 10, 2015 04:41 AM
Ambassador
1,452,669
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

In my part of the world, without electronic lock boxes, we leave cards only for the Seller to know we've come and gone!   As a Listing Agent with a vacant property, I would collect the cards and not allow them to accumulate.

Nov 10, 2015 04:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I don' think that is always a bad thing.  A lot of cards could have been left at an open house and/or from an office caravan.

Nov 10, 2015 03:54 AM
Rainmaker
292,685
Jack Lewitz
Exit Strategy Realty - Evanston, IL

It shows a lot of agents are showing the property to the wrong buyer . 

Nov 10, 2015 03:43 AM
Rainer
67,369
Evelyn M Epperson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Johns Creek, GA
A Tradition Of [Excellence, Trust & Service]

I do not leave cards any longer and other agents are doing the same.  Lockboxes record our information when we get the key so no need leaving cards.

Nov 10, 2015 03:21 AM
Rainmaker
519,324
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Hi Paul, If I had a listing sticking around, I'd pick up the cards.  In the first week or two, I'd leave them to show interest. Once we hit any longer I'd be afraid of the message that may infer. 

Nov 10, 2015 12:24 PM
Ambassador
3,164,119
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I collect them. I think it protrays rejection.

Nov 10, 2015 12:08 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I try to pick them up - I'll leave a few behind.  I think it looks like the listing agent isn't paying a lot of attention to the listing.

Nov 10, 2015 11:36 AM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

You BETCHA!!  IF I  saw that  I'd Keep an eye on that one and  when it goes expired I'd write the owner a love letter on how I  can do better!  

I see left out buisness cards as "NO" votes. 

Nov 10, 2015 11:07 AM
Rainmaker
657,208
Martin E. Kalisker, Esq.
Natick, MA
Real Estate Law From A Practical Perspective

After sitting around for so long, I'm sure that those agents won't even remember which clients they had taken out to see that property. Might as well toss the cards, it's no use following up.

Nov 10, 2015 10:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

It makes me think something is wrong or it would be sold.

Nov 10, 2015 09:22 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Paul,

It sure looks bad, and shows that the house has not generated interest and the agent is in apathy over it.  A

Nov 10, 2015 09:22 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

It makes me think there is something wrong with the home and none of these agents clients would touch it.

Nov 10, 2015 09:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

If there is a massive amount of cards the first few days on market, I leave them there...however, after that, I pick them up because after a few weeks on market, dusty cards indicate a lot of buyers rejecting the property. 

Nov 10, 2015 07:19 AM
Rainmaker
891,971
Tamra Lee Ulmer
Arizona Resource Realty - Payson, AZ
NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!

I think it portrays Interest, uless like you said, they are really dusty. If you see different cards there each time you go to the property..that's great!

Nov 10, 2015 04:49 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I pick up the old cards...don't want a potential buyer to see them

Nov 10, 2015 04:47 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I don't allow cards to accumulate. I don't ask for them, don't what to see them. After all, every time the blue box is accessed...I am notiifed.

What is missing from your question is the method of selling the seller selected. There is always a 'NO TOUCH' method at the bottom of the cost range that means exactly that. 

Listing agent hasn't lost interest, but fully aware of the consequences of the sellers choice. 

Nov 10, 2015 03:10 AM
Rainer
162,119
Greg Riley
Prudential AllStar Realtors - Rio Rancho, NM
e-PRO,RECS, Rio Rancho Real Estate

3 to 10 Card's Show's interest! I agree a Pile of 15-30 Cards indicates they all passed on it!

Nov 10, 2015 09:42 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

If there are many cards in the first week buyers realize that there is a lot of interest and may make an offer. If there are many cards after 60 days it shows that many people looked at it and it did not sell.

Nov 10, 2015 09:26 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Whether vacant or occupied, I don't like seeing a ton of cards--sends a message that lots of people looked but said no to the property. I don't like to see more than 3 or 4 cards around--just so other prospective buyers know that there is interest in the property.

Nov 10, 2015 08:42 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good Wednesday morning Paul. The stack of cards that show interest; however, it's the executed contract that's important.

Nov 10, 2015 06:06 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

As a listing agent I do collect those cards so I can add them to my database of local agents and database of that specific listing to notify them about price reduction, back on market, etc. changes with that specific listing. 

Nov 10, 2015 04:07 PM
Ambassador
6,392,919
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Shows lot of traffic but it does no offers time for me to put in a good low one

Nov 10, 2015 03:52 PM
Rainmaker
1,577,943
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I never thought about them as rejections. Interesting. I pick them up and follow up with the agents. 

Nov 10, 2015 09:13 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

    We see this a lot with Foreclosures and Zombies.  Sometimes in occupied houses, you can spot a pile of cards that have been rubber-banded and put on a desk.

    In my opinion, the Listing Agent should pick up the cards and get them out of sight.   I pick up cards in my listings; but if I see them in another Agent's listing, I leave them where they are.

Nov 10, 2015 08:58 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

As a listing agent I would be neglecting my listing if I didn't pick up the cards and report showing traffic to my client. The dust is a sign of neglect but not mine! 

Nov 10, 2015 08:41 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Paul - I would typically remove the cards when I visited the listing.

Obviously if that many people viewed the home, the price does not match the condition.

Nov 10, 2015 08:38 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

Who knows?  The listing agent has clearly left things alone at the property. Whether is going on with that agent, I couldn't say.

Nov 10, 2015 04:26 AM
Rainer
392,768
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

Paul, I use the cards as an opportunity to find out why the agent didn't write an offer on my listing. I then use this to fix as many of the issues as possible with my seller.  50 cards on a listing I am showing a buyer, this gives me a clue we can negotiate a good deal for the buyer.

Nov 10, 2015 10:42 PM
Rainmaker
305,214
Kate McQueen
Realty Associates Texas - Cypress, TX
Tailored service for your real estate needs!

Those cards are like agents marking their territory in my opinion.  I only leave cards in listings that my clients might be interested in, that way they kind of know who I am if I send an offer. It seems like some agents put cards every place they get a chance to put one in case somehow it brings them business. I throw them away unless they are the agent that makes an offer.

Nov 10, 2015 10:28 AM
Rainmaker
2,486,205
Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School
Rowlett Real Estate School - Panama City, FL
Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor

I let them collect dust!

Nov 10, 2015 06:46 AM
Rainmaker
7,835,313
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

The listing agent should be picking up those cards and asking for some feedback. Properly priced homes in our market are sold very quickly.

Nov 10, 2015 06:20 AM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Paul,
If a show a property with a lot of cards I ask my buyers why all those people haven’t bought the house. Their ideas can be very interesting. On my own listings I don’t let the cards collect.

Nov 10, 2015 04:36 AM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

Sounds like it!  Since I get calls for all showings, I already know who is visiting.  I do not ask for cards to be left at my listings.  A waste of the agent's money.  If I see any, I throw them out (on my listings). 

Nov 10, 2015 03:05 AM
Rainmaker
516,337
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

I usually take the cards if I have a listing like that.  I would want the owner to see the house is showing, but on the other hand, I don't want all of the other buyers that come in to see all of the cards and wonder what is wrong with the house.

Jan 12, 2016 07:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,374,323
Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes

I think it sends a negative message to the buyers. So many have looked and passed on it. 

Nov 14, 2015 12:17 AM
Rainmaker
4,456,343
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Paul, to me it is a sign that that listing got a lot of activity... and if it is still on the market well that is a problem... now if it was on the first day I know there will be multiple offers...Endre

Nov 12, 2015 03:07 PM
Rainmaker
237,698
Tina Parker
EXP Realty Canada Inc. - Halifax, NS
Managing Associate Broker

I believe it shows interest within the first week. I would also collect them after a week if the house is vacant.  For occupied listings, I advise my clients to let them collect on the counter during the first week but to toss them after one week then every time they've returned home after a viewing. After all, they're left behind to let the homeowner know the house has been viewed.

Nov 12, 2015 05:20 AM
Rainer
42,670
Fred Hafdelin
Weichert Realtors - Mountain Lakes, NJ

I would suspect that the L.A has lost interest or at least is not doing what he/she is supposed to be doing. The cards should be collected and the showing Agents contacted to see what their impressions were of the house. if there is a price reduction the agents that left cards should be contacted and informed of the price reduction. If 50 dust covered cards are still laying there......not good.

Nov 11, 2015 09:19 PM
Rainer
23,046
Keith Kenner
Chatuge Land Co. - Hiawassee, GA
Real Estate Lake Chatuge Realtor Northeast Georgia

The business cards are left there for a number of reasons. Are you getting a lot of cards and no offers? You may be priced too high.

The other agents are being curtious and want you to call or feedback. It is nice for the seller to know that the property is being shown.

I would pick them up and place them in a agents colaborator file and the next time I get a new listing or an update on this on......shoot them an email! Thease agents are working.

Nov 11, 2015 08:16 PM
Rainmaker
895,632
Janna Scharf
Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene, ID
Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert

I always pick them up, always.  For all of the logical reasons mentioned in the comments above.

Nov 11, 2015 01:39 PM
Rainmaker
4,571,917
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Our market is still pretty brisk and we still have broker caravans with agents leaving cards.  In the beginning days it can let a potential buyer know of interest level but after two months --- I'd say the interest is rather lacking.  

Not sure if the listing agent has lost anything....yet....this could be your chance Paul to pick up an expired listing.   

Nov 11, 2015 07:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,156
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Either a broker's tour happened there, or rejection. Open drawer, knock 'em all into it and call it good.

Nov 11, 2015 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

 Cards are a good sign of showings, that's for sure.  And I do notice when a few more are added if we re-tour the property again.  From your detail, it does show "interest" but not that much if it's still overpriced and still on the market.  It's just like anything else in real estate, there's no standard answer.  LOL

Nov 11, 2015 05:08 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

With lock boxes that give the listing agent a list of who has been to the house, I don't see any value in leaving business cards lying around. If it's not vacant and the listing agent has made an appointment for a showing, it's appropriate for the buyers agent to leave his card just to show they've been there. But to have them pile up? Definitely sends a negative message to agents down the line. IMHO

Nov 11, 2015 04:14 AM
Rainmaker
900,108
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Sounds like the listing agent is negligent. Wonder if there was any follow-up on any of the showings; does not seem that way.

Nov 11, 2015 03:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,064,505
Kimo Stowell
HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 - Honolulu, HI
REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i

I think your observations and not necessarily the presence of the cards themselves paint a clear picture of the listing agents interest. 50 Cards is a lot of showings, dusty and disarrayed, means someone isn't paying attention to the appearance of the property. I would conclude that the listing agent hadn't been there in a while.

Nov 11, 2015 02:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,731,203
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

I take them up and put them in drawer ...in my opinion a property with a lot of showings and no offers means it's over-priced!

Great question!

Nov 11, 2015 02:21 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

If the house has been on the market 2 days and there are 10 cards, I tell my buyers to expect a bidding war.

 

Nov 10, 2015 10:56 PM