Lockboxes. Those silly things that hang on your front porch railing or bang against the door - every time you open or close the front door. Who cares what kind they are or how big they are - its just a lockbox.
WRONG !!!
I recently got into a a debate with a fellow agent who said; "I like combo boxes, they are so much easier to use and cheaper." Easy and Cheap? Is that is the best interest of the client?
The lockbox is the only thing protecting your home from anyone and everyone. Lockboxes are the best way to allow perspective buyers and their Realtors to gain access to your home.
--The seller does not want to be hassled every time someone wants to see their home.
--Realtors don't have time to meet every single buyer at every single listing. More importantly buyers don't want the sellers or their agent hovering over them.
Listings with Combination Lockboxes cost about $25-$30. When a Realtor wants to show a property they have to either call a showing service who gives the agent the combo, call the agent them self or the combo is just in the MLS comments - where only agent can view.
Once an agent has a combo for the lockbox - they no longer need to call and set up a showing. They don't need an appointment. They have the combo to that box; until the box is removed. He can go in and out at anytime and no would ever know when they went inside the property.
Last summer I was out with clients looking at properties and they really liked a certain condo building. We saw another lockbox on the railing and they asked - "Can we see that other unit For Sale?" It was a combo box. I knew the agent. He only sells foreclosed properties and since they of course would be vacant; I said sure, lets look. - I didn't need to call for a combo, I already knew the combo - He uses the same combo FOR ALL HIS BOXES!!!! Yes - THE SAME COMBINATION !!!
Electronic Lockbox: Requires some kind of 'key' or 'smart card'. A key that only a "subscriber" (whom must be a member of the local Realtor Association) would have. This key must be updated daily and also requires a code to access the lockbox. More importantly; whenever the lockbox is used; there is an electronic record. Everytime someone uses the lockbox; you know WHO and WHEN.
The Electronic Lockbox costs about $100. They are not cheap; but they offer much more security.
Which do you, Mr & Mrs Seller; want your Realtor to be using?
Call James for all your Real Estate needs and questions; servicing Virginia, Maryland and the GreaterWashington DC area. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase
5028 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 100
Washington DC 20016
202-351-5800 Main Office
Licensed in DC,MD,VA
