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To key box or not to key box. That is the problem.

By Larry Bergstrom

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Crescent Realty, Inc. Spanaway, WA.

May 23, 2010 01:41 PM

I remember going to the NAR convention around '84 as a member of the NAR MLS committee. People from all over the country talked about lock boxes, key boxes and no box at all!

I forget exactly where it was, ( either Delaware or Connecticut) but one of committee members told us that in her little town they (sic) "just put the key over the front door."

Times have deffinately changed that's for sure.

However, I'd like to hear from you. How do you over-come a seller's objection to having a lock box on the house?

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Jon Zolsky

FunCoast Realty 386-405-4408 - Ponce Inlet, FL

your Daytona Condo Agent

Larry,

Had it several times, and simply had to come for showings. What can you do if they do not feel good about someone showing?

May 23, 2010 01:44 PM

Wayne B. Pruner

Oregon First - Tigard, OR

Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI

If they are serious about selling thier house and they want to expose it to as many Buyers as possible, the answer is obvious.

May 23, 2010 01:45 PM

Larry Bergstrom

Crescent Realty, Inc. Spanaway, WA. - Spanaway, WA

CNE, CRS, GRI

Jon, I like to take the lock box into the listing presentation and demonstrate how it works. We take too much for granted.

May 23, 2010 01:46 PM

Robin Dampier REALTOR®

Coldwell Banker King - Hendersonville, NC

Hendersonville & Western NC Real Estate Source

Once the purpose and benefits of having the lockbox are thoroughly explained there generally are no objections. Especially when it is explained that they miss out on showings if a showing agent has to drive around to offices to pick up and return keys.

Sue of Robin and Sue

May 23, 2010 01:46 PM

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS

iTexas Realty Co. - San Antonio, TX

Hi Larry-

If it makes the Seller more comfortable, we will hang a combination box. They can then REMOVE the key at their discretion.

--Sara in San Antonio

May 23, 2010 01:47 PM

Larry Bergstrom

Crescent Realty, Inc. Spanaway, WA. - Spanaway, WA

CNE, CRS, GRI

Sue and Robin. Ditto!

May 23, 2010 01:47 PM

Ross Therrien

Prudential Verani Realty, Londonderry,New Hampshire - Londonderry, NH

Realtor, Broker Associate

Thats a good thought Sara.

May 23, 2010 02:31 PM

Frances C. Rokicki

Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT

Broker-Mentor,CRS

It depends on the client and their motivation. The electronic keypad is good when they are not worried about the showings. The combination does make more sense for those who are nervous about that key being at their front door. Some people, just are. With the combo lockbox, they can remove the key whenever they feel the need. This year, I have only used the electronic boxes twice. All others have been combination. The electronic box is just not as well liked.

A good tool for those nervous clients, is to let them pick the combo. They have fun choosing it and that sort of, breaks the ice:) Whatever makes the client comfortable in selling their home.:)

It's a Good Life,

Fran, Ct Broker~Mentor

CtBrokerRoks@Twitter.com

May 30, 2010 01:00 PM