The Argument for Realtor Access on your Association's Website

When the topic of giving Realtors access to the association's website comes up, there are a lot of misconceptions, concerns, and questions. Let's address those...

We don't want Realtors to have access to Meeting Minutes, Financials, and other sensitive content...
They would NOT! Remember, every user is assigned to a permission group – either Owner, Renter, or Realtor. When you upload documents and enable features in CondoSites, you set permissions for who has access to that material – Owners, Renters, and/or Realtors. This way only those with permission to see that content will have access to it. Thus, there is no need to worry about Realtors getting access to your sensitive content.

Why would we give access to Realtors in the first place?
Giving Realtors access is your chance to to educate them on how wonderful the community is and keep them informed about how the association is maintained, plus you are communicating to them on matters which may impact their listings. This adds value to your association, and streamlines resales.

For example, let’s say you have a buyer who is really into tennis, but your tennis court needs resurfacing – which the association plans to do so in a few months. Without communicating this to Realtors, a buyer may see a dilapidated tennis court and choose not to buy in your association. WITH communication, the Realtor can inform the buyer about the upcoming resurfacing project, and the buyer would then be more inclined to buy in the association. Thus your website just saved a sale.

We have issues with Realtors not following rules...
Your website can further communicate to Realtors about rules and logistics for re-sales.

For example, where lockboxes are allowed; can for-sale signs be posted; is any documentation required before listings; are there any restrictions on open houses; etc.

We charge for our governing documents and we don't want them to see our financials.
Most associations also choose to share their governing documents (which are county-recorded and publicly available anyway), annual budget, and reserve study. This gives the association the opportunity to share with pride the strength of their finances. Hiding this information is a red flag to savvy buyers.

FYI: Restrictions on associations charging fees for delivering governing documents in electronic form, but still allowing reasonable fees for physical duplication, are starting to pop-up. Thus, the days of a $300+ fee for PDF copies of the governing documents are coming to an end.

What would Realtor access look like?
Check it out for yourself...

What does our site look like for Realtors?
If you have an Administrator (Full Administrator, Board, or Concierge/Staff) AND Realtor permissions, simply click the "View as Realtor" link in the Health Bar at the top of the page of your website after you login.

Note: When you open a folder, remember that as an Administrator, you will be viewing that folder up to three times. First as an Owner, second as a Renter, and third as a Realtor. So do expect to scroll down once you enter these folders, and pay close attention to the yellow alert notices.

Why don't we just give them a shared login/password, or put all the information on our public page?
Having Realtors registered allows you to communicate with them via email. For example, if you need to convey instructions prior to or post a hurricane, or would like to announce major upgrades to the property.

Why should we give access to a Realtor that isn't actively representing a buyer or seller?
A Realtor that is registering without a client is one that is trying to learn more about you so they can better sell the association to their future clients. Don’t squander this opportunity! My 4th association that I was on the board of had a reputation as a "do-not-buy" building amongst Realtors, and it took me 3 years to change our reputation. One of the best tools I had to shift that opinion was the content for Realtors on our website.

What if we continue not giving Realtors access?
If you choose not to grant Realtors access, I guarantee they will simply get Owner level access by getting login credentials from their clients who are Owners – and then they will have access to all that content you didn't want them to see in the first place.