Please don't send me on a scavenger hunt to find your lockbox!

I am pretty easy to get along with, but one of my pet peeves is listing agents who hide the lock box.  If you are going to attach it to a pipe that is buried in a bush, please say so in MLS. 

When I am showing homes, often my clients and I wander all over the front and sides of the home until someone shouts, "I found it!"  The buyers I'm working with now call it a scavenger hunt.

Members of our local MLS use electronic lockboxes that are the most secure you can find.  There is no issue of having to hide the lockbox from burglars who might be able to open a combination lockbox, but not one of the kind we use, which are super-tough and cannot be opened without a digital key that records the identification of the person who opens it.

In the rainy season, this hunt for the box is a real pain, and in the heat of summer, it leads to overheating and short tempers.  In the MLS there is a section called "confidential agent remarks" that cannot be seen by the public. 

Some LAs do tell you in that section where to find the box, and I really appreciate that.  It doesn't take long to write "LB on gas meter, left of garage" or "LB on hose bib behind bush to right of front door."

Since there is likely a sign out front, everyone can see that the house is for sale, so there is no reason to hide the box, but if you must, just let us know where it's hidden. 

If there is a doorknob (as opposed to some other type of door latch), hanging it on the front door is a good idea.

Bottom line:  If you want to sell your listing, make it easy and pleasant to show.  It does you no good to make buyers angry while they melt in the 100 degree heat, or soaking wet while they search in pouring rain.

******************

 

Susan Neal

Broker / Realtor
Century 21 Noel David Realty
Fair Oaks, California

Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 30+ years experience.
I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress
transaction.

"Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916)705-8951or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.

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