This Sacramento Short Sale Agent is Now a Free Dog

Two things in this universe that mean the most to me (outside of family and pets) are my MLS access and my Display Key. For what seems like an eternity now, I’ve been using a token, some screwy little device that continually changes a series of 6 digits, which I have to enter into a security box as my final step to access MLS. When MetroList first came out with this token, I discovered that it was possible to sign on to MLS without it by entering an emergency security word.

Every time I signed on without the token, I’d get a warning at the bottom of the screen that this was a limited-time option. Yeah, right. I bet they say that to every agent. Except for the time when I really needed to get access and was denied. MetroList denied my access because I had used up all of my free entries. Ever since then, I carry my token everywhere.

I was delighted, of course, when MetroList announced it was doing away with the token dealie-bop and going to a password-protected security system. The only problem was they were doing it in alphabetical order by your last name. This was one of those times that I wish I had my maiden name back. I’m at the bottom of the alphabet.

I liked being in the B’s when I was in school. There are advantages to having a last name that starts with the letter B. You might think it’s better to be in the A’s, but it’s not. See, if you’re in the B’s, you can watch the A’s make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and be prepared when your name is called. The A’s are pioneers. Pioneers get arrows in their backs.

Being at the very bottom of the MetroList conversion system meant that this morning was the day I would get to enroll in the new system and become a free dog from that stupid little token. I could hardly wait to get out of bed. Today was a day to celebrate. Of course, I overslept. So, I was probably one of the last agents in Sacramento to choose an image, give it a name, select 3 password questions and answer them. I got a kick out of the onscreen notice that said MetroList does not remember your passwords and can’t give them to you. That tells me MetroList expects a lot of phone calls.

As for the display key, I canceled out my cellphone MLS account because the procedure to access the lockbox was ridiculous. I was required to use a FOB along with my cellphone to open a lockbox. It didn’t make sense to have to use 2 devices, not to mention, the BlackBerry BOLD didn’t seem to work with the eKey system unless I removed the battery and put it back in. Now, I have a new display key that looks like something George Jetson would use to monitor a baby crib.

I have discovered that it malfunctions as well. I used my display key over the weekend while listing a Sacramento short sale. It opened the box for the key, but it refused to unlock the shackle. There is a trick to it. When it doesn’t work, you can simply insert a straightened paperclip into the itty bitty hole, and the device will reset. That’s the problem with relying on technology. Technology doesn’t always work. The message for today is if you’re touring homes with a Sacramento agent, be sure to carry a paperclip with you, because the agent probably doesn’t have one.

Photo: Big Stock Photo

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Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout Sacramento. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. DRE License # 00697006.

The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available through bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.

Photo: Unless otherwise noted in this blog, the photo is copyrighted by Big Stock Photo and used with permission.