Phil:

You are right on target. I try to use the agent remark area to sell the listing to the cobroke so they will show it and show it well.

Phil,

Thanks for the tip / reminder. I have not used it to the extent you describe, but I took this morning to add remarks in the agent to agent section. It doesn't make any sense not to use it.

[Phil sez: Do you use the same text in the “Public” [as in the Private . . .]”

Noooo! And I hate to see that space wasted with redundancies.

I agree that you can use the private remarks to further entice the buyers' agents.

We have limited (200 characters) space in the private remarks so often, every character is needed for confidential info such as showing instructions or special conditions.

Our MLS 'automatically' puts the legal description of the property (populated via the assessor's info when you plug in the parcel number) in the private remarks. If I have room to keep that there, I do. It's helpful when writing an offer . . .

"Ex husband and inlaws included with no implied or express warranties"

HAHAHA Catzy! Deal breaker city! ;)

OMgoodness! Catz, that IS a deal breaker and how much will they pay us if we come back here?

too funny, Anna! lol

Phil, we didn't have the option to add agent remarks until sometime last year and a lot of agents still don't use that option. A lot of info I see in there these days has to do with the property being either a foreclosure or pre-foreclosure and what procedures to follow. Or it may have info regarding how to submit potential offers. I usually use it to remind the agents to remove shoes, turn off lights and things like that that don't fit in our showing instructions.

Good one Phil. Agent remarks are seen by other agent, stuff you don't need to tell the public, like "don't let the cat out please."

Anna, ....not enough.

Hey AnnaBanannnana!

How much you want! I'm an agent! Well, a broker actually . . . but I fantasize about being Arli$$ F'g Michaels . . .

Agents get so confused, remember if you are using a company lock box, don't tell the combo in the "public comments" section. That would not be good. the agent remarks section is perfect for this.

I have no idea what Candice is talking about.

Phil, in our area most people leave it blank for whatever reason.  Probably lazy or something?  The ones that do fill it in usually print out the "agent only" and leave it in the home instead of the "client only", so the MLS has been cracking down on that practice.

I think consistancy is good, so I happen to place the info in the "public remarks" and I do put the right brochure in the home.

Phil that screams, I am a new agent and have no idea what I am doing.  I have not seen that here, even with our new agents.  We all seem to know the Agent remark area is for those special remarks like: Broker eating dog, lock box is hidden, dare you to find it, etc.  :)

Agents should be utilizing that area if for nothing else your directions on submitting an offer.

Jana

We have just recently added this to our MLS.  So this is a great post for me to print and share with the other agents in my MLS.  As MLS Director, I need all the help I can get

Phil, I do use that area for special remarks and showing instructions.  Recently, I was out of commission due to surgery, so I changed all our listing agent comments with:  please contact agent #2 for app'ts, and then listed her name and number again.  I will say that MOST of the agents read the instructions and actually followed the direction.  But you wouldn't believe how many (and top agents, too) didn't bother and left messages on my cell....

Oh, well, whatcha gonna do?

Shelly

Awesome Tip Phil!  

Thanks for sharing.

My favorite

Public Remarks

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BEAUTIFUL RANCH ON CORNER LOT IN  LANDINGS S/D. LARGE LEVEL FENCED-IN YARD WITH OVERSIZED DECK GREAT FOR ENTERTAINING. HARDWOOD FLOORS IN KITCHEN AND DEN, NEW FRIDGE AND DISHWASHER IN KITCHEN. ROOF, HVAC AND CARPET UPDATED IN LAST FOUR YEARS.  

Private/Confidential Remarks

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OWNER VERY MOTIVATED. SELLER WILL PAY $2000 IN CLOSING COSTS. PRICED BELOW MARKET. IF WE SHOW YOUR BUYER AND BUYER AGENT IS NOT PRESENT AT INITIAL SHOWING, COMMISSION IS REDUCED TO 1%.  

Hummm easy money...? a buyers showing agent only..

Vance...our MLS considers any conditional commissions stated in the listing a violation and fines are steep!

As they should, Gail. An agent who doesn't show a listing and then wants to put his hand in your pocket is just one of the many splendor things in real estate.