Frequently, home sellers don’t want a lockbox at their home. They may prefer that their home be shown during open houses or by appointment. Each home seller has unique needs that their Realtor should address.
Certainly, the lockbox has security features and advantages:
- The most significant advantage is the ease of showings. When showing several homes, it isn’t easy to pinpoint an exact time my clients and I will arrive. My buyers may linger at the first home or walk through in five minutes.
- Scheduling showing appointments can be difficult and time-consuming. Having a lockbox will maximize your showings.
- The agent’s name, showing date and time, is automatically updated online.
- In addition to the Realtor’s gizmo (fob), the agent must input their password. If I lose my fob, it can’t be used without my password.
- Showing days and times can be restricted (lockbox will only open when it’s programmed to do so)
Years of experience have proven that not all Realtors are equal. Some have better manners than others. Typically, when a lockbox is at a home, there are showing instructions:
- Call for an appointment. The showing agent must connect with the listing agent or an appointment scheduler to make the showing appointment.
- Call first. The showing agent will call; if no one answers, they will simply leave a message regarding the showing date and time, and the appointment will be made.
- Vacant go direct. The home is vacant on the lockbox.
Unless a home is vacant, the lockbox should not be accessed without an appointment. Sadly, some agents refuse to follow this simple protocol. There is a solution to this lockbox dilemma: Lockboxes and the CBS code. When this is programmed, the lockbox cannot open without the listing agent’s 7-digit password. It’s an additional step to ensure the owner’s privacy.
Of course, homeowners always have the option of not having a lockbox. All showings are by appointment. Some showings will likely be missed, but one would assume motivated home buyers will make an attempt to accommodate the home seller.
Related Post: Are lockboxes out of style?
