Can I Get Your Lock-Box Code?
I was reading and commenting on blogs this morning when I ran across Hercel Spear's thought-provoking post about how you should run a small business. He mentioned lock boxes and keysafes and availability and it led me to leave a comment.
The more I thought about it, the more I felt compelled to BLOG about it. Here's what happened:
I was meeting some investor-clients of mine from out-of-state at a new listing in town. When I arrived, there was another couple there who were also hoping to get into a bit of investing. My clients had told them I was on my way, and that I'd been very helpful in a previous purchase, so Mr. and Mrs. Prospect asked if it was okay if they looked around. My clients were very gracious in giving me permission to "divide my time" because they said, after all, they were the ones that invited them to stay.
There wasn't a MLS keysafe on the property, despite the sheet saying there was, so I called for the code. Fortunately, I got a real person on the line, and was able to get into the home. So the five of us looked around the property, and I had a few other comparables in my car I was happy to share with Mr. and Mrs. Prospect so they could do a few drive-bys on their own. They took my card and we planned to talk more another time when I wasn't with clients.
But, before they left, they shared this story, inspired by my phone call for the lockbox code.
They told me that they call the displayed agent number all the time, and get into the homes to preview the properties. They just called the number on the sign and asked, "Can I Get Your Lock-Box Code?"
I was aghast.
My mind started whirling at all the implications - what if they left the door unlocked, what if there were squatters, what if the prospects were actually thieves and they loaded up all the appliances, etc. etc. etc.
I informed them point-blank I would NEVER allow that.
When I met with them the very next day, I brought up their story and they told me of several instances. I again told them I would not allow them as my clients to enter a property without me. I told them of my fears. I shared with them the potential for disaster. I made them promise me they wouldn't do it again with ANY property.
I'm still aghast.
Happily, I can say we found a home almost immediately for them to fix up, and we're pulling off a quick close. Inspections are scheduled for today and it's a win-win.
AND - my out of state investors found a home too - we're waiting for bank response.
So, it's been a great week so far - but I caution listing agents about giving access to their properties.
We work for our clients and promise loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, and accountability. Whether or not our clients are banks and corporations - or first time home-sellers - we have a fiduciary duty that binds us.
As your REALTOR® and sellers' or buyers' agent, I take Code of Ethics, and my fiduciary duties seriously. If you call me, I'm sorry, but no, you cannot get the lock box code, I'll have a TARMLS keysafe on site for those in the real estate and related professions to use.
If I can assist you in your home buying or selling in Marana, Tucson, Oro Valley, or Vail, please don't hesitate to call me! Email at swdeserthomes@aol.com
Cara Marcelle Mancuso, Long Realty, (520)909-2988
Regarding the material posted in my blog postings, these are my personal opinions and not those of Long Realty Company
All listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified through personal inspection by appropriate professionals. Listings displayed on this website may be subject to prior sale or removal from sale; availability of any listing should always be independently verified.
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