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Updated over 5 years ago, 08/19/2019
Listing agent doesn't want to show property...until.. ?
So I'm browsing the MLS (Why not?) and find a property listed pretty low for it's neighborhood. (What I'm looking for). The description says its being listed low because it's a fixer upper (What I'm looking for!). The outside doesn't look so bad. The front stoop is rotting, the yard is overgrown but nothing intimidating. What does the INSIDE look like?!?! No pics. So I call the listing agent immediately (Be quick or be dead, right?) and he tells me there will not be any showings for 2 weeks. (huh?). Apparently, there is "clutter" (Hoarder house situation maybe?) and talk of a sewage back up (OK, now we're getting somewhere) where the owner has been getting bids of $8k to repair. (Maybe that explains it? - Old woman, can't keep the property up, is faced with an $8k required repair, she cant afford it, forced to sell for what she can get for it, is it that simple?) So clean up the yard, replace the front stoop, hire a rooter Co. for $8k to bring the sewage situation back up to code, OK, there is still opportunity there to make money. But why wait 2 weeks to show the inside?
Is there something a potential buyer/investor would see that would send them running for the hills? Is it a hoarder situation and they need 2 weeks to throw out all the clutter? Has the sewage backup become so bad its rotting foundation joists and it needs major foundation repair?
Every real estate agent I've ever known has always wanted as much foot traffic through the place as SOON as its listed, maybe even have a few interested parties lined up before it's listed. So why no showings for 2 weeks? What's up with that? All replies welcome and much appreciated.