Don,

How ridiculous!!

Too bad for the seller.

That's funny!! I just had a REO listing I wanted to show and it showing instructions said "text" the listing agent. I thought r u serious?? TEXT?? I tried to call and his voicemail was full so I HAD to text!! All I have to say was wow! 

I would figure out who the broker is and let them know.   In our area a number of agents have gone to using a centralized showing service.  As an agent I call them, they give me the code AND then the agents know who has actually been in the property.  I'm amazed at the number of properties I go to that the combo boxes are still left on the combo and unlocked.  Just asking for trouble!

In my city we have showings.com where you can call or go online and they will even give you the code online for the Listings with Combinations.

My Association of Realtors have a contract with them this year and became free for all members.

Try contacting your Local association of Realtors and let them know about this probems with this Listing and they will take care of them.

Hope this can help!

Linda - it is absolutely ridiculous.  And, it's a shame.

Stacie - most agents wouldn't know how to send a text message.  That home will not be shown too often...

Cindy - You're right - many combo lockboxes are left with the combination already set, so you just have to open it.  Not too secure!

OK I can somewhat understand because here is why.

Let's say I am JOE SCAM and I drive down a street and see the notice in the window say this home has been winterized.. BINGO I just found a REO. I look down the street and see SAM SALESPERSON sign in the neighbor's yard, I turn back around call the REO agent and I identify myself as SAM SALESPERSON and ask for the lockbox code you give it to me and I say thank you.. walk in side and strip the house clean.

At least with an email request I have time to double check who you are. We need a better system for this situation.

Martha - we don't use any centralized showing services.  Typically, with a combo lockbox, the combo is either listed in the confidential remarks section, or we call the office to get the code.  Of course, that would only work if there is someone to answer the phone at the office...

Eric - that makes sense, but, then you can put the combo in the confidential remarks section of the MLS.  Or, have agents call your office, and they can verify the licensee by asking for our MLS ID#.  Many offices do that, and Joe Scam wouldn't know our ID#'s.

And, if you want an email request, then you need to check your email and respond to your email.  It's not that hard.

100% agree.. I hate getting to a listing with the MLS print out in hand thinking it has a Ekey lock box, our MLS can read NON-Standard Lock box so if not checked it is assumed that is an Ekey, only to walk up to the door to see a combo lock box and the agent does not pick up the phone that office staff has no clue of the code or where to find the code. Oh how I hate that what a big wast of time. If REO company's knew that they were losing showing they would go crazy 

I run into this every once in a while. It amazes me why the seller would want an agent that provides such poor service.

Eric - the banks insist on combo lockboxes. Unfortunately, they don't insist on agents who will share the combination...

Steve - I don't think we can blame the sellers - they don't necessarily realize that the combo lockboxes can make their homes inaccessible.

Eric - the banks insist on combo lockboxes. Unfortunately, they don't insist on agents who will share the combination...

Steve - I don't think we can blame the sellers - they don't necessarily realize that the combo lockboxes can make their homes inaccessible.