THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING KEY FROM THE KEY BOX!

Paula, if all agents were as diligent as you, we wouldn't have this problem.  Supra keys add a wonderful dimension of protection for both the seller and the agent but they're not foolproof.

Paula, Thank goodness you were able to track the agent down.  And shame on her for not admitting her mistake and getting that key back immediately!

Yeah write.....He's really just a magician in his spare time.  Actually, the "real dealy" here was that you just were late for your visit with the opthalmologist.  Integrity, mistakes, admissions of error?  C'mon Paula....it was all you!

Paula,

The audacity of the agent.  These kind of actions simply reinforce your strength of character and integrity... g

I have had similar incidents, amazing how people refuse to take responsibility for their actions. AT least you were able to get the key back....

Hi Paula,

I'm glad the missing key "came back"! You just didn't look hard enough inside that little box. Making an extra key of all of your listings is very important, we have a "key-safe or vault" inside of our locked storage room to hang our keys with a number, and then keep a "key log with the addresses" inside an office that is always locked over night. 

Paula, I celebrate the fact that all of us make mistakes and I OWN MINE! This agent messed in her nest. She should have just said, I GOOFED let me figure out what happened to the key and get rigt back to you!

If the agent had said.... "YIKES! Let me check and see if I still have that key".... called me back and said... "I do!!"  My reply would have been "Well Praise the Lord! Now I don't have to get another one from the buyer!"

I wouldn't think another thing about it. No one is perfect. So she accidentally kept the key. Big Deal! Where's the need to lie? 

I once had to drive a key all the way to the other side of the lake after I realized that I still had it. The other office was shocked that I came back. They figured that I would just mail it back. REALLY? What if they needed to show it the next day (Sunday)? What comes around goes around. Just do the right thing.

I always make a copy for my listings because sometimes people are absent minded but sometimes in a really hot market (remember those?) some agents carry off a key so that no one can see the home and they can write an offer. What I like about the supra boxes is that they update quickly and we can see who that last person was...

Paula, lock boxes certainly are a mystery. We had one agent tell us he kept the key because he could not get the side door to lock the key in. He failed to check the combo. which was incorrect. I bet ther are 100's of interesting stories out there concerning lock boxes.

So true, Paula. It happens time and again, and even when we know who is THE AGENT, they don't admit - don't know why?

At least, good you found the keys.

Ha. isn't that the truth Paula. There is nothing more frustrating than to go to a house, walk up to the door, and discover a lockbox without a key.

I routinely make three copies of the client's keys when i take the listing, and I tell the client that I'm going to do so.  I don't ask permission, since that offers them the option of saying "No", and it's really important that I have the extras.

One goes in the lock box.
One goes in my collection.
One goes to the safekeeping of our front desk.

And I return the original to the seller.

I really don't see the need to lie either...  I mean its really not that big of a deal and I have accidentally taken off with the key in my pocket as well.. Just return it as quickly as possible...

Good grief, what is wrong with looking for a key in your pocket and saying OMG, I can't believe I walked off with the key! She wouldn't be the first agent who has done this. I've even had agents walk off with the key box AND key. I always make a copy for my office.

@Alan - why would you give the original back to the seller, shouldn't the buyer have it?

I like Alan's idea of taking it a step further and making a key to have at the office.  I always have an extra with me, but if I'm with a client or out of town it would be a nice backup plan in case of a lost key or if one accidently gets locked inside the home.

@ cynthia - the seller eventually gives it to the buyer at closing... but, often, the seller doesn't have many keys... and I like to return the one they give me right away... I only need my copies.

@Alan - Got it! I always ask for a spare key and had never thought to return it to the seller after making copies. I have 8 keys to my house ... is that weird? You don't need to answer that!

Sorry, Paula, for hijacking your blog!!

Charita's re-blog had me drop in.  I agree, why don't they just say "I thought I left it, but let me take a look," rather than playing defense.  And then to put it back, and call you again . . . well, it's a little better than having to hire a locksmith.

Once I walked away with the ENTIRE bottom of the lockbox in my coat pocket.  The key was attached with a little chain, and I put the thing in my pocket.  TOTALLY forgot about it.  I got home, felt something in my coat pocket -- the bottom of the SUPRA.  Since I couldn't remember what house I was showing, I immediately went back out and retraced my steps.  Thankfully, it was the last home toured!!