I received a call today from a Realtor showing one of my Listings: ".....I couldn't show your listing today because when I got there the key wasn't in the lock box..." WHAT?  It was there for the last Realtor, or was it? 

The activity on the property has picked up due to a recent price reduction and there was another showing scheduled in two hours. I promptly phoned the next Realtor to let him know about the missing key. He told me that he actually had a chance to go by earlier and when he got there he too couldn't show it either.  He said the entire front face of the lock box was removed and the dead bolt was locked so no front key pad could have been laying on a counter inside the home.

This Realtor told me it happens to him all the time.  (This is only the 2nd time it has happened to me.) He is a REO Agent  We're amazed at the audacity of some of these low life Agents who will stoop at nothing to sell a home.  Perhaps a showing Agent will show a property, like it, and wants to save it for him to sell. So how can he ensure that he can have a good chance at selling it?

JUST TAKE THE KEY from the lock box!

In this case, I must now go out and replace the lock box with a new lock box as I can't re code it without a numerical face pad. And what is to stop this crazy loon Agent from coming back and doing it all over again? I will now change my locks to the dial type where you can't remove the face pad but I still can have the problem of the key being stolen.  I could replace my many listings with Supra but that would be a huge expense and most Agents don't even have a Supra key. I'm going to try and figure out a way to place a coil in the box that will hold the key not allowing the key to be removed from the box yet allow it to reach the lock on the door - hmmm, is this at all possible? That's a task my husband will try and figure out for me.

Is this an economic driven problem? We know in tough times people will result to extreme measures for money. Just as we can see crime increase when so many are without jobs and need money to live; robberies are on the rise. Is this depressed economy affecting Agents the same way? Resulting in desperate measures to sell a home?

Anybody with an effective strategy for keeping your keys, please share!

The more you know, the better prepared, the better the outcome.

I serve Coral Springs and the surrounding cities such as Coconut Creek, Parkland, Tamarac and Sunrise in Broward and Dade and Palm Beach Counties of South Florida as your dedicated Realtor and CDPE Certified Distressed Property Expert ready to work for you. I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon. Please call me at 954-464-1100 or email me at: lynnp@ImagineYourHouse and it would be my pleasure to help you!

Learn more about me and Coral Springs Real Estate as your Coral Springs Realtor

 Copyright protected. Do Not Copy

 

The more you know, the better prepared, the better the outcome.

I serve Coral Springs and the surrounding cities such as Coconut Creek, Parkland, Tamarac and Sunrise in Broward, Dade and Palm Beach Counties of South Florida as your dedicated Realtor, Short Sale Specialist and CDPE Certified Distressed Property Expert ready to work for you.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon. Please call me at 954-464-1100 or email me at: lynnp@ImagineYourHouse and it would be my pleasure to help you!

Learn more about me and Coral Springs Real Estate as your Coral Springs Realtor

 Copyright protected. Do Not Copy

 
Post is included in group: Short Sales Specialists
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70 Comments on So you're desperate to sell a home? Give me my key back!

SEP
06

Hi Lynn,

This sounds like a disaster.  Our MLS supplies the keyboxes (Supra) and everyone who is on the MLS has access to them.  Obviously if they aren't on MLS, there has to be different contact.  I always try to keep a backup key anyway.  You never know who is going to lock the key inside the house...like me!

5:34pm • #1

I have had this problem happen to me as well, I agree with you and think some agents do it so the home wont be shown so thier buyer will get it.

5:35pm • #2
113,903 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I had an agent call me screaming about a missing key.  She wouldn't calm down and she certainly wasn't nice at all.  When I realized that I had indeed taken the key by mistake, I mailed it to her office instead of returning it immediately like I normally would have done.

Had she been at all nice about it, it would have gone differently.

6:08pm • #3

A back up sounds like it might help.  Our MLS uses Supra, so I know everyone that utilizes the lockbox, including date and time.

6:48pm • #4
SEP
07
Outside Blog

I only use Supra lockboxes for my listings, so I know within minutes who is accessing it, even if they don't schedule an appointment.  I know these boxes are expensive @ $100 a pop, but the security of the property is worth it, in my opinion. 

8:20am • #5

If you are the listing agent then you have to maintain more than one key and expect that there is always going to be somebody who accidently walks of with your key, but I don't think an agent would want to take it to make a sale????JUST DUMB LUCK

 

8:29am • #6
158,043 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I try to only use a Supra box on my listings unless it is near the county line and since the neighboring MLS does not use Supra I will usually use a combo box on those.  At least with the Supra if they try that I know who the last ones were.  Do you have a listing service that makes appoinments and thereby tracks who goes into the home?

8:31am • #7
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I have had keys taken from boxes before, but it was always an accident and returned promptly.

I agree with Pat and Eric, I only use Supra boxes so I always know who opened it. The only other way to do it is to not publish the code on the mls. That way the showing agent must call to get it, and you can take down their information.

 

8:32am • #8
2 Featured Posts

yeah, we too have the Supra box, which is nice because you can go read the box to determine the last agent to show it.  I've had an agent to this to me, when I called him he said "oh where can I drop the key for you?"  (the particular listing was very far out of town).  I told him "you can drop it off back in the box!  why should I have to go out there for you?"  He did, but I did lose 2 showings as a result.

8:33am • #9

Make an extra key and only use electonic boxes.

I only use Supra boxes so I KNOW who has been there and even what time they opened the box. I will spot check against appointments in vacant listings. Plus having an extra key made has been helpful to owners that lock themselves out of the house!

8:43am • #10
Localism Sponsor

Too bad most of the agents in your area do not have Supra keys, because that would solve a lot of your problems...but as Kimberly said, don't publish the code so the agent has to call the showing service or you to get it.  Still, if someone goes to view when it is not their scheduled time, back to square one...

8:46am • #11
303,760 Points 3 Featured Posts Hit Router

I too use the Supra boxes and I register each one on the Supra site.  I get e-mailed with the showing agent name, phone number and office normally about 5 minutes after the showing.  Should a key go missing, I'll know who did it.

8:48am • #12

In my market we use the Supra lockbox. It is very annoying when you pull up a listing with showing instruction of vacant, lock-box, anytime and you take a buyer to the property and find a combo. box. The agent did not mention that in the showing instructions, no combo listed in the private remarks and you can not get them on the phone.

There you are with a buyer looking like a fool and can not get into the house.

If you are not going to use a Supra at least let agents know they need the combo before they drive to the property expecting to show it.

9:06am • #13

DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH SPACE IS IN THE KEYBOX.....CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL FLY FISHING SHOP. THEY HAVE VERY SMALL RETRACTABLE LINE REELS FOR HOLDING ALL KINDS OF STUFF TO YOUR FISHING VEST WHILE WADING. THE KEY CAN BE ATTACHED TO THE END AND WHEN YOU RELEASE IT, BACK INTO THE BOX IT WILL GO. A LITTLE SUPER GLUE OR EPOXY INSIDE THE BOX TO FASTEN IT AND MAYBE NO MORE LOST KEYS.

LARRY M

9:14am • #14

All agents in our mls our required to have a supra key. I have had keys accidentally taken, but never on purpose. With a supra lockbox you know exactly who was in the house and when.

9:21am • #15
Hit Router
  • One day I was in the office searching the MLS and setting appointments to show homes when I read in the agent remarks "if the key goes missing no offers will be accepted until the key is returned!" I chuckled and read it out loud, the agent next me had a strange look on her face, I said to her do you take the key? Her reply "Yes if my client wants to write an offer!" OMG! My reply was why would you do this, her reply "So no one else can see it!" Then she did add but only the regular lock boxes not the Supras. I looked over at my broker and we where both aghast! My respect for her quickly dissipated. Her lack of character was out in the open!
9:35am • #16
Hit Router

Hi, I am very sorry that you encountered such a problem like the agent taking the key.. I have never heard of this, but I do suppose it happens..  yes we have supra boxes also, but sometimes they are a pain. thanks for sharing

9:37am • #17

In San Mateo County we use the Supra Lockbox -- great way to know who has accessed the property. I, too, always keep a copy of the key in case of a key accidently "going missing." I haven't had the problem of intentional theft, luckily.

Thanks for the reminder.

9:38am • #18

Some people I tell ya, I had a buyer or an agent actually pull the sign from the yard becuase they wanted the house so bad.

9:43am • #19
351,135 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

If you can't use Supra boxes, then don't put the combo in the MLS. Make them call you for it.

9:47am • #20

I preview a lot of houses, and I do come across lock boxes without keys from time to time.  Probably one out of every three hundred homes, I would guess.  Sometimes, even Supra boxes don't have keys.  It is truly a sign of poor character if an agent intentionally takes the key in an attempt to prevent other agents from viewing the house.

A more frequent problem I run into is when agents use combo boxes, and the code is not the one they publish in the MLS.  This happens about twice out of every hundred homes, at least.  This can be a real problem, especially when the REO agent is not available by phone.

9:53am • #21

I am appalled at hearing that agents have the audacity to take keys or signs to hold a listing for their clients!!!!!  It's lowlife agents like this that give us all a bad name!  I hope they read this and know how others feel about them.

9:59am • #22

I recently tried to show a vacant home (a short sale with an offer submitted to the lender, but showings were still OK).  The showing instructions specifically said NOT to lock the door knob.

Well guess what? The key for the deadbolt was there, but the doorknob was locked! Until I heard about the "missing key mystery," I just wrote off the locked doorknob to a mistake. Now I am wondering......

We live in interesting times indeed!

10:24am • #23

In Billings, we use Supra... $100 per box is typical. It's well worth knowing who went into your listing. I once found the key of another agent's listing on the door mat... I couldn't believe how daft the previous agent was in not insuring that the key was put back into the lock box! Fortunately.... I came upon this dropped key and not someone else! So... you think you've seen it all.... there's a lot of "I don't care" types out there in our profession that I impact us in many ways!

10:32am • #24

Supra boxes are the only way to go. I have a Palm Centro phone and it is programmed to open the boxes. No need to carry a separate key.

The Centro is the best; it's my phone, Supra key, camera, MP3 player, and watch all in one...

10:38am • #25

This happened to one of my colleagues last week on an REO and the next day the property went "pending".  Are unscrupulous agents taking keys so that their offer will probably be the last on that address, or at least the last showing, knowing that the Lenders agent will rightfully accept multiple offers.  Bad News!

 

Thanks for Sharing, as we need to do some weeding, Right?

 

Jim-In-Paradise   (www.ParadiseJim.com)

10:43am • #26

We had a simular thing not with the key but with vandals. We had to take the code off the mls and require agents to call and give license number name and phone before we give them a code to get the key. All this after someone (agent & client) had gone in and plugged all the tolliets and shattered the master bath shower door and never said anything. Some of these scum bag agents just don't care and never do there clients. I can understand accedients happen and of the door was one just call and say so and offer to pay for the damage, but no that would cost them money right... Well anyway enough of the rant, I would say only give codes out to agents after going online and verifing their license # and getting a correct phone...

10:55am • #27

WoW! What a nightmare! and expensive also. Here in Southern maryland many of us use SENTRALOCk which uses a card that has to be updated every 5 days which is a nuisance but obviously more secure. Also, We are connected to a showing service at Homwtowne Real Estate so we know who has been in to see the property and when. However,I do always get an extra set of keys for my listings in case one is left inside by accident. But if a key is actually missing that presents another issue of security and may mean having a new keylock installed. What a disaster. I can't imagine an agent actually ruining the lockbox ,however. I hope you discover the person/s responsible for that one. Susan

11:43am • #28
Outside Blog Hit Router

I've actually gone to show homes and found the key broken off inside the door lock! Geez!  Maybe we should go back to actually meeting agents and showing the properties? Other than electronic boxes, I don't know how else you can really prevent this.

12:08pm • #29
180,801 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

These people are low lifes.  You should always use a suprakey that records who has opened the box.  A back up coded lock box is good; but make them call you for the code.

12:11pm • #30

It's best to use the SUPRA lockbox and if the key goes missing, report it to your local real estate board. Keys go missing all the time out of both manual and SUPRA lockboxes, especially in this market where everything is 50% off and everyone wants to buy a home before November 30th!

With some listing agents getting a huge amount of REO listing from the banks, it does get expensive to get a SUPRA lockbox.  But hey....you got all those listings that I wanted and you're not sharing them.  You're making a killing off those REOs so spend a buck to make a buck!

12:20pm • #31

Yes, this happens all the time in my market.  REOs are the primary listings being sold right now, and I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me.  In one town in particular, where I do not show very often, but occasionally when there is a choice REO, I have had it happen EVERY time.  We have tried to cut down on it (and other problems) as a MLS by requiring that every listing have a Sentrilock lockbox, but some REO agents remain hardheaded and want to rely on those combo lockboxes so they end up running out there every other day replacing keys taken by "aggressive" agents.  When there is accountability (Sentrilock) it happens less.  I am starting to see less of it as the MLS has decided to fine agents who do not have a Sentrilock lockbox on their listing without the express written request from the owner/seller.  They can have the combo lockbox too -- but they must also have Sentrilock.  Funny thing is, when there are two lockboxes the key usually manages to stay in both lockboxes -- LOL.

Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, e-PRO
Broker/Owner
Mint Properties
www.MintProp.com

12:30pm • #32

I have used two key boxes on a bank owned listing, since they require the combo box for the asset manager.  I don't give out the combo box to other agents.  They have to use the supra.  Then I have a record of who the last person in the listing was.  I also do all my keys in "do not duplicate" so no one can make copies.  Years ago when the market was hot, agent's would make a duplicate of the key for buyers in escrow and I found a buyer in one of my own homes daily when it was in escrow.  They also accessed the home early to move things in before closing.

12:44pm • #33

We have been dealing with this same problem more often as the market heats up with multiple offers on many properties.  I used to give people the benefit of the doubt... maybe it was just a mistake.  Not anymore!

1:12pm • #34
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Marcy, wow...that would be great if our MLS would supply the electronic key boxes as that would eliminate alot of problems

Bart, amazing isn't it?

Amanda, yes some Agents are really lacking in people skills...you wonder how they chose their career?

Pat, so true if everyone were required here to use a Supra, that would eliminate the bulk of problems. 

Eric, Supra is great I agree but here in South FLorida not all Agents have the Supra key to access. If they did Supra on all my listings would be the way.

 

1:16pm • #35
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Savannah, I don't this this was a mistake as this Agent took the entire face pad of the lock box forcing me to have to throw the one currently on the door in the trash and buy a new one.

Larry, yes Supra is great as you know who's coming and go but like you, not everybody here uses them.

Kimberly, I use Centralized Showing Service that gathers the Agent info as I don't publish the code on the MLS; never would do that as that is just asking for trouble.

Paula, incredible that the other Agent made the mistake and wants you to go out of your way for him; some people!

Sue, wish I could just use Supra

 

1:22pm • #36

I hope you found who took the key and that it was an accident.  I remember one time finding that I had the lockbox face in my car when I got home because I had been talking to my buyer and looking at comps with my hands full at my car (and put the lockbox down).  I immediately drove back the 15 miles to put the key and lockbox face back.

 

Evie Cohen

Keller Williams, Boulder, CO.

1:26pm • #37
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dana, yes, it seems like a tough situation to correct and would never publish a code on MLS.

Gabe, I see that a lot count on Supra.

Alan, I can see you have another type of problem in your area

Larry, you're a genius! Off to the fly fishing store I go or I'll say off my husband will go for me!

Pat, Supra seems to be a general consensus of how to do it right

Tere, isn't that something! Responded to you like no big deal..whatever it takes to get a possible sale and to openly admit it; gotta have a screw missing!

 

 

1:30pm • #38
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Ginger you are very fortunate...I hope that this type of situation stays away from you

Lottie, you wouldn't think that we would have to deal with something intentional as this.

Roy and Gail, I see you're in Florida...there isn't something here in our water is there? Geeze.

Christine, yes you're right. I would never put the code in the MLS.  The Agent must call our showing service to get the code after they have provided their identifiers as an Agent.

Bob, it always has to to be an individual truly lacking in conducting their business in an ethical manner that makes our job difficult when there are  those of us who do believe in doing the right thing

1:38pm • #39
Localism Sponsor

Something like that happened to us recently, but we keep a key in the office, and a nearby office. Plus my partner and I both have keys. But what lowlife would do this? People sometimes make me wonder.

1:40pm • #40
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Tony, I hear you! The problem is that these type of low life Agents who will read this will simply laugh and say "gotcha"

Barbara, yes interesting indeed.

Jeff, we need to have stiffer requirements on these Agents who think they can set their own rules.

Robin, yes I know of being able to program your phone to be your electronic key; that is fabulous, I agree!

James, yes I'm all for the weeding out. What we need are cameras to take photos of Agents as they approach a lock box - ha, that might get them!

1:45pm • #41
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Michael, just pathetic!

Susan, your system sounds good too if all are required to use. Boy, I wish I would know the Agent who forced me to replace the lock holding the key.

Jenny, meeting an Agent would be impossible when you have a lot of Listings; friendly sure, but just not practical. I just wish there was a way to catch 'em and fine 'em!

Gene, they are low lifes this is true. I wish they'd find a new job

Joann, I agree Supra is great however, when not all Agents are required to own a key, then they can't access your listing to show it

1:52pm • #42
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Tri, I like the idea of a fine as this would require all to have an electronic key and then all of your listings could take the Supra as it would have to be a requirement for an Agent to own a key.

Marcanne, what guts some Agents have. I wouldn't even think of copying a key.

Richard & Lisa, it's a shame isn't it?

Evie, sure mistakes happen and that would not be a problem at all for me.  You see how you immediately did the right thing when you discovered your error.  We're not perfect and mistakes do happen.

Barbara, I know....what will one stoop to?!

2:00pm • #43
Outside Blog

This happened to me a couple weeks ago. Made the appt. for that day and when I drove 20 miles to show it, key not in container when I opened it. Then when I reached the realtor the next day ( I showed it after hours) they said they would put another one there. We made an offer site unseen inside and of course didn't get it. Too late. I, too, thought the same thing that someone had taken the key to keep it from being shown. Anyway, hope they like the property.

3:16pm • #44
Outside Blog

Yep, this has happened a bunch to me as well, mostly in the lower price ranges.  It reeeeaaaallly stinks to say the least!  It wastes my time and my clients. On one trip out, 3 out of 6 keys were gone :-0

3:25pm • #45

Our County was always seen as a little backward - because we were expected to make an appointment for a showing, even if there was a lockbox. When everyone had different lock boxes with different combinations, that was the only way to get in anway. At least the agent always knew who was showing the listing.

Of course, someone who wanted to be a jerk could always come back on a different day and take the key - seems like there has to be a rotten apple in every barrel.

The other worry is that with a combination lock it might a prospective buyer watching an agent open the box... a person who was not a buyer at all but someone interested in coming back later to loot the place.

We had that happen once many years ago - but not with a key. The "buyer" managed to be out of the agent's sight long enough to unlock a window, then came back later.

I've also heard of agents giving out the combo to buyers so they could come back later with a spouse, contractor, or friend.

In many of our local agencies even 10 years ago no one showed a house without the listing agent present. A lot of work and time wasted for the listing agent, but no doubt safer for the homeowner.

3:42pm • #46

Well, this has all been quite interesting.  I had no idea that anyone published lockbox codes in the MLS.  I work in Chicago and it is expected that the listing agent show the property.  So all showings are by specific appointment and scheduled at least 24 hours ahead. 

Sometimes for condos we can leave a key with the doorman.  Some people do use lockboxes (combo).  I used a lockbox on a condo without a doorman and had it located on a exterior railing.  An agent called and said she could not find the lockbox.  When I went to the property I found the property manager had it removed (cut off!). 

Whether using a lockbox or a listing agent is showing the property an appointment is made with the buyer agent's contact info.  It is only with a scheduled appointment that an agent will get the lockbox code.  I should also add that if I don't know the agent or of the agent or its company I usually will not give out the code but will be sure to meet them.

4:03pm • #47
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

This use to happen a lot a couple of years ago when we were going into multiple offers every other day. It taught me to always have a back-up key on me to be able to solve the problem and to harrass the last agent like crazy.

5:01pm • #48
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I concur with everyone above regarding the use of the Supra lockboxes...and Lynn, I had to chuckle when I read in your OP:

"I'm going to try and figure out a way to place a coil in the box that will hold the key not allowing the key to be removed from the box yet allow it to reach the lock on the door - hmmm, is this at all possible? That's a task my husband will try and figure out for me."

Just be sure to attach the cable to the key and to something other than the combo lockbox (perhaps the door handle?) because once a combo lockbox is opened, anyone can just remove it completely. :)

Leilani (Souza Realty)

6:09pm • #49

In Southern Maryland we use Sentrilock. If an agent doesn't have a card we can issue a 1 day showing code. Come in handy when the owner or tenant locks themselves out, they just call and I can give them a 1 day code and there in

7:47pm • #50

Let's hope the agents who do this have the karma to come back and bite them.

8:02pm • #51
Outside Blog

I was shocked to hear from Tere Rice that an agent in her office actually stated ALOUD that she would take a key from a property if her client wanted to make an offer! It is amazing what someone will do to make a sale!

I am also shocked to hear that an agent would provide a code to anyone other than a fellow agent! These homes have been placed in our care with complete trust and faith that the home will be shown and treated respectfully.

Numerous times I have shown up at a home with no key, most of the time it has been locked in the house or taken by accident. The listing agents have always been prompt about getting a replacement key and nothing further has happened to any of the homes that I know of.

 

8:56pm • #52
283,441 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Lynn,

I use the lock boxes with the 0-9 numbers in the front.  You can change the codes on these boxes with the help of a little screwdriver.  I use 5 numbers as suggested on the directions.  I keep track of who is showing my properties in my daytimer so I know who was the previous agent to show the property.

It has not happened to me yet, however, I make duplicate keys...One I keep with me with a label on it and the second one is in the lock box.

You are right SUPRA keys are expensive at $75+ a piece...then again...

It really would bother me if another agent took the key with him/her in a situation like this, as you are responsible for the key and the contents of the home.

I have tried to show a few homes without keys in the lock boxes, however the front windows are half open and the cat's are jumping out the windows...go figure.

10:40pm • #53
283,441 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Why would anyone publish the code to a lock box on the MLS? This never ceases to amaze me.  Don't you keep a record of who is showing your property? If not everyone should if they are not using a SUPRA...just common sense.

10:46pm • #54
SEP
08

desperate people do desperate things, but some just stoop too low !!

2:32am • #55

Amazing story and comments.  In our area, we use Sentrilock, an electronic lockbox.  Mechanical lockboxes are still quite common but the code is never published.  You must call & schedule a showing to get the code.  However, we probably have much fewer shortsales, REO's, etc than some other areas.

4:02am • #56

 

Go Supra! (or any other electronic system with records of entry & key control). Why do realtors complain about the price of this system? Yes we would all like it to be lower but, weigh this up against all the aggravation you now have. The cost of a Supra box is a lot less than many realtors pay to run a newsprint ad which is forgotten and old extremely quickly. The electronic keybox can be used again & again on all listings - invest in your business.

By using it, you will encourage (force) other realtors to adopt the system and thus you are all protected. For the ones that don't (the ones that "play" at the business), it will encourage them to move onto another endeavor and leave real estate.

In the last 10 years we have only had 1 keybox fail when the battery failed. Had to remove the door handle to get the KB off. Our local real estate board swapped out the KB for a new one, at no charge.

It is a "no brainer" to protect you, your client, your business and for the areas where they are not yet prevalent, some competition if they move on.

8:03am • #57

Lynn,

Good morning. It seems you have more than one problem. While most Agents use Supra lock boxes in my market, missing [or taken] keys can always be an issue. If you do not want to go this way then you may only have two other options; 'by appointment only' [and someone meets the Ajent with Client at the property] or 'key at Listing office'.

My other concern may be when you stated most of the/ your Agents Do Not have Supra Keys ~ is this not standard in your market ?

Steven Zimmerman Realtor ABR GRI http://retaggr.com/page/StevenZimmerman

8:34am • #58
192,933 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I'll sell ya my stupid Supras, we've switched over to Sentrilock.  This story reminded me of the 'artists' that secure property for the banks.  They love sawing off stuff, lockboxes, doorknobs.  I know they get a thrill out of it. 

1:12pm • #59
Outside Blog

I use only supra's. That still hasn't stopped agents from taking the keys. It does however give me the satisfaction of being able to track them down and let my opinion of them be known. (and get my key back)

3:22pm • #60
1 Featured Post

YAH.. HAD KEYS GONE ON MORE THEN ONE OCASION/ WHEN YOU ASK THE LAST AGENT AND THEY TELL YOU THERE WAS NO KEY BUT THEY DID NOT CALL TO LET YOU KNOW  THAT SMELLS FISHY TO ME.

11:23pm • #61
1 Featured Post Outside Blog Hit Router

I hate it when this happens Lynn. I feel so dumb and unprofessional telling them that someone in MY field is actually STEALING the key. It makes us all look really bad

11:41pm • #62
SEP
09

Our MLS only uses Supra keyboxes. I like being emailed when someone has opened the box to retreive the key. You can track who has shown the home and when. We also have a small problem of agents not returning keys to the lockbox. I don't believe they do it for reasons you stated - I just think they don't pay attention. I have gone to show another agents listing and found no key in the box and the front door unlocked! I immediately called the listing agent to let them know. The offending agent was tracked down and fined by the MLS because it wasn't the first time they had left a home unlocked!

1:23pm • #63
3 Featured Posts

Agents are desperate.  The supra key is great, but many Boards wont' least them anymore.  I would put in the MLS that if the key goes missing, no offers will be presented until it's returned or replaced.  You could also make them come get the key from the office, showing a business card and checking it out prior to showing. 

5:15pm • #64
SEP
10
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

So many great comments and we all are seeing the same thing; keys missing and Agents who could care less and there's not a whole lot that we can do to completely avoid it.  Don't publish codes on MLS of course, Supra and other electronic boxes are preferred yet not always the norm or a requirement in an area and keep a key copy

Leila I'm still trying to figure out a way to put a secure coil in my boxes

Steve, unfortunately Supra isn't a requirement in our market. It should be.

Thanks for all of your comments!

9:15pm • #65
SEP
11

In one of our local markets this problem is so common and widespread, listing agents put a note in comments stating something like...If key goes missing (or is stolen) all activity will stop for a period of several days or a week so those agents taking the key to prevent other agents from touring the property can't benefit from their larceny.   I'm always so relieved to read SUPRA on a listing my Buyer wants to see.

3:30pm • #66
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Judi, that is really tough but I understand sometimes we really need to lay down the law. Yes, I replaced this listing with one of my Supra boxes....lets see what happened

 

9:03pm • #67
SEP
14

Lynn:  We haven't run across this before.  What a situation!  I have had home owners use the key and forget to put it back.  I will even joke with new listings and tell them I'm not going to give them the lock box code because potential buyers need to get in more than they do!

5:34pm • #68
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Carrie and Kathy, I think South Florida is full of characters....we see it all here!

9:39pm • #69
NOV
05

I see things like this every few months.  It amazes me also.

11:14pm • #70

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Lynn Pineda-Coral Springs REALTOR, Short Sale Specialist

Coral Springs, FL

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Keller Williams Partners Realty

Office Phone: (954) 464-1100

Cell Phone: (954) 464-1100

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Coral Springs Realtor in Broward County Florida Real Estate. General Real Estate with a special focus on foreclosures and short sales. CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Coral Springs Real Estate Listings
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