I prefer a text. It's much less invasive in my day than a phone call.

I love showingtime.

We have showing time for this.

Hi Jack -- I prefer texts sometimes.  It can be more efficient.  If those are the rules or the way this agent works, then you better follow them if you want to show his/her/their listings.  

I refer the agent to the office to make a showing request since the office handles showing requests.

 Good Thursday morning Jack. So many people are texting today but it seems to be taking the personal side out of personal relationships.

Jack Lewitz some listings do have the instructions to text the listing agent. However, as long as you have clear instructions in MLS, you can ignore the text - or respond by saying 'check MLS for showing instructions.' 

Irritating? For sure!

you do not have to enter them in your phone to send a text.  Just type their number, state the request and who you are in the message and send.  Just as easy as calling and leaving a voice mail.  And honestly then you have it in "writing" so to speak.  It's my preferred way.

i like a text, actually. i usually follow up with a pone call. but if im in a meeting or on the phone (which is like always) a text is easy

Jack - This is becoming very common in my area. Most agents prefer a text over email or a phone call. However, I typically have questions on listings, so I do like to call.

Our system is set up as Book-a-show and it is an auto E-Mail.  Works for me.  I also put in my agent comment area tha they need to CALL me directly for any showing request shorter than 4 hours.

I am fine with text, as long as they give me all info (name, agency ,id, time/date)...however, very rare to get all info on text and usually have to call the person anyway.

I prefer a showing text.  Why would I want to hear that phone ring again.

It is irritating.  I have had them ask me to text.  Then, if I text they ask me to email.  And if I email and text they next ask me to call.  I'm going to switch to smoke signals.

As a baby boomer this has taken some getting used to, but that is the younger agents and customers, so texting is what I now do. If and only they text me first than I know they are more comfortable with that. Showings on my listings are handled thru a showing company, although I receive a text telling me who and when they are showing my listing.

I ask agents to text me with showing requests so that I can double check the times.  I once had an angry seller call me screaming that 'this agent showed up at 10am & saying why did I tell her the appointment was for 1pm'? I checked my texts, and was able to confirm it was the other agent who made the error.  I sent her a screenshot of the text & she calmed down her anger towards me

Yes, we get quite a bit of those types of showing instructions here, too.  In my opinion, it's dangerous for a seller to have a listing agent who does it this way.  Anyone can get a burner phone, find out an agent's lic#, ask for showing instructions and get into a combo lockbox if the listing agent is not careful.  Just another reason why I very rarely use combo lockboxes (prefer Supra electronic).  I have agents use the ShowAssist button on my listings so I get notified by email.  I also prefer that when I need showing instructions because I get them sent to my email & auto-text.

Wow....I ask folks to do that on my lisitngs. It lets me know who's showing the unit since lockboxes often take a few days to update.

We all perceive these things differently.  I don't mind texting for a showing appt.  I like that I have the request and the response right on my phone.