The House is Vacant, Why Can't You Just Give Me The Lockbox Code?

Hi Doug -- lots of good comments and perspectives.  Here in Nevada access to lockbox codes is given only to property preservation companies, and it's literally a contractor's lockbox.  Clients of any kind are not given lockbox codes, and Northern Nevada Realtors all use a Supra ekey box.

P.S. I might add, REO lookers/peepers often want in to "move in" and may even go so far as to change the locks!

I like my job and the responsibilities that go along with it. I won't give a buyer to go through a house without proper representation, just too much risk. 

Well said. And what happens if when they step inside they bump their knee and sue you?

Amazing that people have the nerve to call and ask that question. 

And when you do go in legally, don't leave the door open for someone to come in behind you. No, no one goes in but me and my client. Not even another agent.

Even if a qualified buyer wants to get into a property, giving out the access code is a guaranteed way to lose MLS access (at least here in Silicon Valley).  A property showing is in everyone's best interest for the reasons you describe.  I'd also add that any damage that might be done by a buyer with unrestricted access could fall to the agent who gave the code.  Another reason not to do it.

That's a big, big fine in my Board.  Big fine.

Absolutely!!!

Not only can we NOT give the code to a consumer . . . we can NOT give our LB key even to another agent in our office to use. And the only way homes are not on our Board-approved (Supra) boxes is when the seller gives written notice to opt out. If a contractor box is required, it must be in addition to electronic lockbox. Why?

Because they want to know who was in there and when in the event of a 'problem'.

Lazy Daisy would be curb-kicked in our area.

Daisy would also be fined--2000 bucks-- for providing her login to anyone . . .  and we've heard this from consumers too.

Daisy, Daisy . . . don't you know they will TELL on you every time?  :)

But they still ask don't they -- they still ask. All the best.

In my area agents are required to give their agent ID when making appointments.  However, once an agent gets a code I'm sure some of them give them out to their buyers, which I think is disgraceful.  If I ever caught any buyers without an agent I would tell the listing agent but if it's a combo lockbox I'm not sure the buyer's agent could be tracked down on a busy foreclosure or vacant home.

Doug - People still want to do that, and there are so many reasons why we just can't.

Hi Doug,

Great post.

I would love to meet Lazy Daisy. That is quite the name for a real estate agent!

Phil

Doug, It may be inconvenient, but there's absolutely no way we'll do anything other than set the showing and make it happen.  No one that's not authorized gets our codes.

This is why I don't like contractor lockboxes.  I have known agents who will give them to buyers because they don't want to take them back in for a second look.

As an investor, I don't know why anyone would want to enter a property without the agent.

First of all time is valuable, why would I want to take the time to look at the property without the agent to answer my questions and write the offer afterwards.

Secondly there is the issue of liability, I would rather not be in the position of being a recent unsupervised visitor if any damage occurred.

Good morning Doug,

Great post, brings up the reasons we don't ever use combo boxes for showings - only Supra that require the Realtor code key for access.  We do, for our Seller's convenience, post combo boxes for repair access.  But, that code is only given out to their authorized users.

When I am working on trashouts or mowing lawns on soon-to-be foreclosures, many times people will stop and request to see a property.  No can do.  I am not a licensed realtor.