Digital Door Locks vs. Key Safes

Digital Door Locks vs. Key Safes

I've shown a lot of houses.  Really.  A Lot.

I've made appointments, met owners, met agents, located contractor's boxes, opened MLS lock boxes without keys -- if there's a key scenario, I might have had something similar happen in my own experience.

So this weekend, I'm to show a house that has one of those 1-800 numbers and a web site to "bid" online.  Calling for a lockbox code takes 20 minutes, and if you email for the code (another option) don't think you can get it in less than 2 hours.  Obviously, this type of selling firm is busy.  Overbooked even.  No person answers the phone - you get a computer receptionist and a menu-list of options. In actuality, I hate showing their homes unless my buyer is truly interested.  They are just so - much - hassle.

However, I am trying to find the home my client most wants, so if I have to, well, I have to.

So back to this weekend. 

I emailed at 8 a.m. for the lockbox key and got an automated reply 90 minutes later saying they were out of the office, go to the online site.  Well, I'm on the road and I've got my blackberry, and it doesn't always like those web sites, so I make the call.  Honest to gawd, my daughter had driven 20 miles before I had a lockbox code.  BUT, I got it.

So, that afternoon I went to preview the home before showing the buyers another home nearby.  I couldn't get the door open.

I went back with the buyers and tried again, and couldn't get the door open.  Neither could they.

I downloaded the directions from the web site and went back to do what I'd tried earlier, step by step, and still couldn't get the door open.

Saturday morning, I went by again, showing homes to another couple, and tried the lock series again.

Now of course, Friday night I emailed that I couldn't get the door open.  I already know the 1-800 service only has an answering person that cannot help me with the problem, so I didn't do the marathon call with automated directions again.

So now it's Sunday and guess what - my buyers have moved on. 

I don't know when that door knob situation will be fixed - maybe when enough agents complain.  The house has been listed for 95 days...maybe that's why.

All I know is, if this company, like most in the state of Arizona, would just put a MLS lockbox out, or even a contractor's box out, they might be getting more showings.

I have a feeling I've left that particular selling agency behind once again.