Very valid points Adam. I am curious as to what kind of system we have in Arkansas. I am sure not looking forward to paying all these fees but I know it is a neccessary part of the business.

To your success,

Susan

Adam- The agents who do this are not reading your blog because if they have a courtesy key they do not even know what a blog or the internet is! Maybe they don't even use email! We use a different kind of key pad and it is a pain because we have so many boards that won't use the same thing. Ours have to be updated every night on a cradle hooked up to the computer. So many agents just use the combo boxes you can get from Lowe's. Everyone no matter how advanced we get, love those combo boxes. But here too, in our luxury market we must be there to open the door for the selling agents. It is normal here to do that, it is expected and it works well here most of the time. Our high end condo market's condo associations do not even allow lockboxes. 

Our board is switching to Sentri-lock this year and I'm excited as I've never been happy with Supra lockboxes and the bulky keys that need daily updating.  But it won't change the fact that some agents will not use them or be bullied by uninformed sellers that refuse to allow a lockbox.  Unfortunately, there are condo complexes in our area that don't allow lockboxes so that is the only excuse I can find for having to use a courtesy key.

I haven't used one in years for my listings but when I did the idea of "courtesy" key to me was finding the closest real estate office and asking them to hold the key.  I never had any problems whether it was the same franchise I worked or not (for the record, I'm no longer with a franchise).

I agree so much.  Last week I showed 6 homes and had to pick up and drop off one key.  It was in the general vicinity but it was a pain.    

Hi Adam:  From what I can tell from your post, it sounds like it is common practice for Realtors in your area who want to show a home when the seller is not at home... to have to actually "drive" to the listing office, pick up a key to the home to be shown, then drive to that home, show it, and then return the key to the listing office ?  Am I reading this correctly ?  Yikes... actually... dubble Yikes !

I have never been one to be on the "cutting edge" of technology, but neither am I found dragging up the rear.  I have not been in an area where I had to actually pick up a key in order to show a listing since I worked for Cameo Realty in 1976 in Mentor Ohio.

Here in DFW, we all have Supra lock boxes, and digital key pads.  The boxes cost about $85 a piece, and I have about a dozen of them.  If I was showing eight homes, and some of them required me to drive to an office to pick up a key, I would probably not show it unless absolutely necessary.

My guess about the offices who refuse to participate because of "security" reasons... is that they are simply "throw-back" offices that go back to the days of Mom'n'Pop offices who really did not want other offices to show their listings... so those agents could sell their own listings. 

By the way... I can completely understand Katerina's comment above about showing "Luxury Condos."  Some sellers might want the listing agent present at all showings.

Hi Adam,

I couldn't agree with you more on this one. For most of us, the newer lockboxes are far better than anything we've had in the past. You know who and when the box was accessed. As for those who don't want to spend the $80 for a box, sorry but it's just a cost of doing business.

We use the supra lock but they are great!  The process of getting the key now seems in the dark ages and I can guarantee it is not efficient.  I think it is the cost and some offices trying to keep what they think is better control over their houses for sales in house.

I say the locks are great!

Having to go to someone's office to pick up and drop off a key would annoy me.  I really see no reason for it, and I would think that with all of the inventory out there, that the listing agents would do what they could to make the property as accessible as possible. Hmmm...

Adam, when my husband and I sold our home in Ohio in the late '80s (!) there were courtesy keys. But when we moved out to Seattle, there were keyboxes. It made so much more sense. I can't imagine having to make 10 stops to p/u 10 keys for a weekend. There's no reason for it at all, other than folks being afraid/unwilling to change

Adam:

First, I am so glad to be able to have more time to sit down and read.  I've really missed your blog a great deal. 

LMAO @ this post.  I understand exactly what you are talking about.  I own right at 70 lockboxes and they aren't that expensive and they SAVE TIME for all parties.  That is courtesy!

Hope you and the family are doing well. 

We use the Supra keys and I hate the key pad because the battery drains too quickly and then takes a decade to recharge,  The ones you talked about sound awesome. I would think if they wanted you to show their listing, they would do you the 'courtesy' of being their to open up the house!  I have never heard of a courtesy key here in Idaho, but if I ever do I will run the other way!

I can think of a reason, While all Realtors are licenced agents or brokers, not all licensed agents or brokers are Realtors.  Two of the biggest markets in your area the east end of LI and NYC despite the work of Dottie Herman are still predominantly non MLS territory.  In addition, most LIBOR brokers take all calls on listings and have their secretaries schedule showings this is just a regional custom.  Perhaps the courtesy is for the seller to avoid the problem of unscheduled showings by showing agents.  Personally, I think it is arrogant to assume Realtors are the only people licensed to list and sell property,

I thought it was a pain to call to get the combination for the combo boxes.  At least I don't have to chase after the keys. 

TO ALL:  I'll be responding to your comments later on today, but there is one that I felt needed responding to right away, so please bear with me...

DAN:  Quite frankly, your reason doesn't hold up, but you're entitled to your opinion.  The majority of agents and brokers that are not on the east end are, in fact, REALTORS.  These homes are shown mostly by REALTORS.  Maybe there is an occassional non-REALTOR showing a home in the area.  They may have to make some special arrangements to see a home with the SentriLock lockbox, but it is certainly not the norm. 

Can you honestly say that you think that this is the reason why agents are not using lockboxes, or were you just looking to create a reason for your argument?  I know local agents, and they are not thinking that it will be difficult for non-LIBOR members to get into a home.  But at least you got to make your point.  By the way, you mentioned Dottie Herman, so I'll explain who she is, since it seems a little arrogant to think that everyone will know who you are talking about.  Dottie runs Prudential Douglas Elliman for those of you not in the know.

Dan, how's this for irony?  One of the homes that I had to go and get the key for was in fact, a Prudential Douglas Elliman listing.  You may be thinking that this is making your point, but it is absolutely NOT.  In order to get the key from this particular office, they asked me to scan my card to make sure that I'm in good standing with LIBOR.  So not only did I have to use the card, but they wouldn't have given me the key without having it.  Why exactly do you think that I needed to go into the office to scan my card instead of using it directly at the lockbox?  Seems a bit hypocritical, don't you think?

If a non-LIBOR member shows a lot of homes in the area (which isn't likely), then they are the ones that should deal with the inconvenience, NOT me or the other agents that are in the MAJORITY.  There is no reason to cater to few when most would benefit from these lockboxes.  By the way, since you brought up the east end, I'll have you know that they play by their own set of rules out there.  There is an MLS out there that I tried to join when I was working with investors that were looking in the area.  After about 20 phone calls that went unreturned, I gave up.  It's a lot harder to join their organization as an "outsider" than it is to join LIBOR.

As far as unscheduled showings by agents, you are also grasping at straws.  I have NEVER gone to a home with a SentriLock lockbox on it without scheduling a showing, and I doubt that many agents do that.  By the way, if I did decide to do that, the listing broker would know about it, since all log-ins at the box get recorded.  I could easily schedule a showing under a fake name using fake business cards and go pick up a courtesy key in many places.  Does that sound like a better system to you?

By the way, Dan, your profile speaks volumes about your feelings towards REALTORS...

"I help folks advertise their homes so they can sell on their their own. Don't pay a commission for what you can do yourself. Call to find out how you can market your home yourself without a Realtor."

Adam thank God we don't have too many companies living in the dark ages anymore down here in Mass. I remember those days well when you had to go pick up a key. This is such a disservice to the seller. A seller will lose showings this way. There are plenty of agents that will not bother to go pick up a key. The intention of the lockbox was to make things easy.

The electronic lock box is the only way to go and should be a requirement in order to put a listing into the MLS system.

Oh my and on Long Island you cover such a wide area. I can't imagine this. Better the seller be there than you drive all over to pick up and deliver back keys

Hi Adam ~~ I can't believe, much like you, that agents still do that.  Let me tell you: an agent that does it here will not get their property shown, end of story!

Just yesterday we participated in Earth Hour , where many cities around the world come together saving precious resources of our planet.  This morning, I am reading that there there are still listing agents who waste your time and add to road congestion, burning hundreds of gallons of gas and contributing to pollution!   

Very upsetting. 

We have Risco lockboxes in our MLS and they are so worth it.  Have you ever tried to show a house and had to say no because the key wasn't back in the office yet?  Oh better yet, the Realtor(R) who had picked up the key the day before didn't have a cell phone and wasn't in the office.  Try to explain that to a potential buyer!

Adam - I totally understand what you are saying....I have a seller who refuses a lockbox therefor I have to follow with the "courtesy" key..I hate it !!! I tell the Agents who come for the key ( if there are no other showings for that day ) to feel free to drop the key off in the morning if it is easier for them. If I need it prior I will call them ( always get the cell # ) and I will meet up with them. I have had to do this before. Fact is I cannot expect another Agent to drive out of their way or stop or prolong other showings because my seller doesn't like lockboxes. Not their fault or mine, so that's how I handle it...but ENCOURAGE lockboxes to all my sellers...the ones who will listen anyway !

Adam, Adam, Adam.  You know perfectly well that the entire purpose of the "courtesy key" is a maneuver to avoid buyer's agents showing and making offers on a property for which the listing agent has every intention to wait out a sign call or advertising call and sell the house themselves and collect the entire listing fee. 

There is absolutely no other explanation because nothing else makes any sense that is in the interest of the home owner/seller.

A lot of that goes on in Baltimore City too. 

The reason agents don't use a lockbox is usually because they don't want to spend the money to purchase the boxes, IMO. What sellers need to know is that the "courtesy key" will make their home less easy to access, and therefore harder to show. It is also less secure...the keys get lost (and guess what, they usually have a tag on them with the address of the listing...public beware!) It makes me crazy too, but luckily doesn't happen very often in my market.

I have had one client not elect to have a lockbox as they were worried about security.  She also didn't want interior photos online... I do have that clause in my listing agreement that they agree to hold me harmless...

But I didn't make the agent come to me, I met them at the property and let them in.  Then asked the agent to lock all doors upon exit. 

Upper end homes are a different story.  Out here they are appointment only with the listing agent there. 

I can't see scheduling appointments where I have to go and get the key.  Next...

Adam - You are 100% correct.  There are a few outlying areas near Austin that require us to pick up keys from the office.  Not courteous, in my opinion.  Additionally, these people ARE Realtors, so Dan's argument above would not hold water in this case.  This is a great rant, and I couldn't agree more with you.  Get into this century, people!  I know that many times agents won't bother to show homes that require this, so it is an absolute disservice to allow this as a listing agent.

Hello Adam - Well done!  I too have been experiencing all sorts of "agent breakdowns" out here in Sacramento.  I am wondering, if after the months of slow activity agents are having a hard time getting back into the swiin or are too many agents now working other jobs to give their full attention to real estate?

<SIGH> See...I did miss reading your blog.  Already feeling like the good ole days.  Somebody comes along with some form of weak argument to justify their needs over the customer. 

I would put my $0.02 in but I know that you are more than capable of handling it on your own.

I don't have any direct experience,but I did want to comment because I felt this was a very valid "Uh, hello, wake up" post.  I hope more of the agents in you area adopt the electronic lock boxes.  Sometimes you just gotta wonder, such a dynamic ever evolving industry, real estate is always changing,markets are always changing,why can't our industry players get in the game and change too?

Adam, I think you must have missed the point.  This is very courteous.....to the listing agent at least. 

They obviously don't care about encouraging showings or they'd have the minimum technology necessary to accomplish that.  Probably the same agents who don't think they need a web site....just too much hassle and money.  As Jason stated above, we have some outlying areas that still do this even though they're members of the same board I am.  The reason they do it is because it increases the chance of them double siding a transaction since they know many agents simply won't show those homes unless the listing agent meets them at the property.   

I also commented on this previously and was lambasted by agents who said I wasn't representing my buyer clients as I should be if I shy away from these properties (I simply let my clients know that these sellers don't appear to be motivated to sell or they would make it easier for us to see the home).  I understand there are agents who clearly can't comprehend that we're operating a business and we must incorporate sound business practices to maintain profitability.  If the only thing those agents bring to the table is their time, I understand why they don't mind driving all over creation to make a deal work...afterall they have nothing else to offer.  I on the other hand have much more to offer (as do all professional agents...emphasis on professional) than just my time, so I must make good use of my time and my client's time.  So far, my clients have appreciated this philosophy.   

Most buyers now days want a "good deal."  If a seller is motivated to sell, they should require their agent exercise professional business practices and use of current technology to help accomplish their desired goal of a sale. 

Now, let the sparks fly!

Wow!  I never heard of a courtesy key!  Maybe because I am only in the biz for a few years!  And unfortunately, many agents do just stop by, without appointments, and use the lockbox.  Rude, but there you go!

Havent seen a courtesy key in our market in a decade?  If you want your home sold, lockbox is the only way to go.  Especially now, time is money, if there is not easy access to your home, buyers and agents are movin' on to the next property!

One time only have I had to go pick up a key from an office.  That was an office in a smaller town near me who are not a member of our board, or any board for that mater.  They don't use lock boxes at all.  When I have a listing out there way, I'll always put a combo box on where they can call the office for a code.  Why they can do that, I do not know!  But, I have never heard of it called a courtesy key.  I learn several new things every day!

Adam... Gotta love the NEW Sentri Lockbox... We recieved them last March. Must better than the older Supra. In our board..we must purchase our own lock boxes and there are many agents who just won't do it.. So they use the silly combo boxes that are not able to track the usage of who enters the home.

We don't have out photo on our key.. that is a great idea !

You are preaching to the choir! I posted a similiar blog and almost everyone agreed but one guy basically said I was lazy and that it is part of my job. I believe it is the listing agent's job to figure it out if they want their listing viewed OR that agent can accommodate me and my buyers by meeting us at the house and letting us in. I will give the normal 1 hour window. Let them drive all over town opening doors for other agents. We'll see how long it lasts!

We talked about this not too terribly long ago...you already know my thoughts on this ascinine way to list properties...here's a funny one for you though.  I got a call from a listing office asking me to return the key that I never picked up because my people canceled the showing on that unit...I called the agent so it wasn't that I was a no show but they checked the key out to me and wanted it back although it was still sitting in the basket at the front desk....2 feet from where the lady was calling me...return the key?  uhm ok...abracadabra....alacazam...is it there in your basket yet?

I cannot WAIT for the time when this part of rural PA gets these kind of lock boxes.  We still must pick up  keys at many offices. 

Wow, great discussion here.  You made me thankful that I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan where most brokers don't have me running all over town collecting and returning keys when there are so many other homes that could be shown without that additional hassle IMHO.

Adam, honestly this has never happened to me, but I am sure it will someday. Makes no sense whatsoever!

There was a time early in my career when driving all over town was the ONLY option for getting a key.  We were ecstatic when combination lockboxes appeared on the scene - and you know the rest of the story. 

You are absolutely right about the convenience of the Sentri-Lock System.  It could not be easier and I can't imagine its being any more secure.  By the way, authorized people can use the Sentri-Lock Sysem with a one-day code, so Dan Homan's comment doesn't hold water!  In my area, only one MLS system has converted to Sentri-Lock, but agents from neighboring MLS systems - another half dozen within a half-hour of Crofton - still have access to the properties using a one-day code, which they can get with a phone call.

Holy Moly, I've never even heard of a courtesy key. Seems like a big pain in the booty if you ask me. Seems to be somewhat ancient! :)

Adam, I have to tell you that most of the time when I worked previously, we had to pick up and return keys daily.  It really was ridiculous and a waste of time, to say the least.  The lock boxes just started last year, and even then the client supposedly wouldn't let one be used!  Anyway, my answer to the "courtesy"  key is to make the LISTING agent bring the key every time and then go back and pick up their "courtesy" key.  I bet that would put a real quick end to that.  The keeper of the key is really a control thing, and a money thing. That is what the real issue is.

Hi Adam,

Forgive me if I am repeating what others have said.  I am infuriated frequently by what I call "the KEY GAME."  Where an agent attempts to "control" a listing by not putting keys in a simple lockbox.  Unfortunately we also have some condo and coop boards that won't allow lock boxes and then we are stuck with the courtesy key.  If the agent is honest, they make sure  courtesy key is available at the NEAREST brokerage.  But for many, making people pick up keys is a game.  I work in lower Westchester where there is high density and traffic can be a beast. I have had to pick up keys MILES from the unit.  Or in places where parking your car is near impossible.  Two brokerages take advantage of that issue by always having courtesy keys only.  In one, sometimes there IS NO PARKING unless you walk a half mile each way. It's hit or miss there. Another notorious brokerage you have to go to a multi-level parking garage- feed a meter and take an elevator.  It is heavily trafficed in the downtown and a pain in the neck to get to even before parking.  

Interestingly enough, the practice appears to have increased since  commissions came under pressure.  Since I am relatively new to the business, I am relying on others for this information. But I don't think it is a coincidence the vast majority of listings where I have this issue are at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. In fact - that seems to be where I run into this issue all the time.  Listing agents struggle to make any kind of a profit after marketing these units - and I think that this is where squeezing commissions has really hurt the public. 

Bottom line - around here several heavy duty listing agents are notorious for the practice - so there is no avoiding courtesy key hell if you are showing coops at the lower price range.  

Adam that's ridiculous!!!  I've never heard of such a thing!  Here in WA we have GE Supra ekey lockboxes.  You can either carry around a small ekey that needs to be put in a cradle to be updated before you can use it again (you can get two emergency updates by calling in, but after that you MUST update in a cradle) or if you have a Palm (phone and I think a couple others as well) it can be programmed to work as the key and I don't have to do anything to update it.  Automatically at 1:15am every night it updates so I'm good to go the next day.  Plus I never forget my phone, whereas I've forgotten my ekey a couple times!!  I think if I had to pick up a courtesy key, I'd ask the listing agent to meet me for the showing or I'd tell my clients its not available.  Also about sellers being home, that's pretty much unheard of here as well!  Buyers don't like sellers looking over their shoulders while they peek in closets and cabinets!!  Isn't it funny how things are so different in different areas and we are all doing the same thing?

Your timing on this couldn't be better! I actually googled "courtesy key" today because I saw it under the showing instructions for the first time and had no idea what it meant! Every house I have ever shown has always had a supra lockbox or a contractors box with a code. Thanks for a great article that explains what the heck a courtesy ket is!