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WHERE THE HELL IS THE KEY? I'M SWEATING TO DEATH!

Okay have you been there! Finally get the lock box combo and finally get your customer over to the house. Then struggle with the 1960s rusted box only to find there is NO key inside, Yes! no look like a real dummy to your customer don't you? What do you say? well since it what 96 degrees today and I was at the end of my rope what I said wasn't to professional. We all have these days right? that's why they make tomorrows. Lucky I had a few others to show ( with the A/C on)

Posted by Darin Haughie on 08/15/2008 05:59 PM

Comments (11)

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11 Comments on WHERE THE HELL IS THE KEY? I'M SWEATING TO DEATH!

AUG

2008

Aloha

Yes we have all been there. The other day I went out to one listing with a lock box and there was a key but it did not fit the house. Funny thing, but with a supra you never have that problem.

I love the title, Yes we have all been there

Nothings is more frustrating then you call the agent and they say they have another key but there office is 20 minutes away.

I immediately flashed back to last week when I had a similar experience. My phone message went to the listing agent's voicemail--so I was civil--I simply said call me back when there's a key available and I'll attempt to show it again to the cash buyer that is walking away as I speak.

We have all been there. I once shoveled a path up the driveway and shoveled the porch only to find there was no key in the lockbox. I called the listing realtor and guess what? No answer.

Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt!!

Okay these days it's about 100 - 102 here, and being new to the area I'm still trying to get used to it, so I know what you mean! Both me AND my dog are staying indoors as much as possible!!

But, guess what??? I have good news for you as far as your combo box dilemma is concerned.....yes I do! Apparently this has been happening a lot to a lot of people (can you imagine??) everywhere and we've had it! Here in my area the MLS Company we use, METROLIST, who is AWESOME, has implemented a new rule addressing the lockbox issue.

Just about a month or so ago, after experiencing something similar (several times!!) to what you have, there was a note on our site as we logged on. Effective IMMEDIATELY every listing having a lockbox of any type for the purpose of showing the property HAS to be the type of box ALL agents can access with our MLS-issued key. After having this type of box on the property, you can have as many other lockboxes as you wish. But if you do not have an MLS-issued box you are fined $100 (same as the cost of a lockbox) per listing (which has to be reported, of course), AND they have made it possible for listings to be reported for not complying right on the MLS. Amen!!

So, you may want to bring this up to your MLS provider. It will be good for them as well because everyone will need to order enough lockboxes to be ready when they need them. Good luck and try to stay cool. I've been in FL and I don't envy you, IF you have to show houses!

Had an agent call me last week to tell me the lockbox was gone... she couldn't find it. I drove 25 minutes to meet her at the property and the lockbox was EXACTLY where I said it was. I met her and her customers. Showed them the house myself and they wrote up the contract. Well worth the trip, even if the lockbox was right where it was supposed to be.

I have been there in this situation. I ask the client to look around the outside and peek in the windows while I make a call to the listing agent. Then I try all the doors, close the empty lockbox and head off to the next listing if the listing agent can't resolve the problem quickly.

You can tell the buyer that there may be another buyer interested in the house. I find that buyers agent steal our keys when they don't want anyone else to see the house -- hoping that the offer they submitted for their client(s) is accepted.

Jesse, we have electronic lockboxes so if the key goes missing you have your broker make a stern phone call to the last agent through it and then send them the bill for your time! I can't believe they steal your key!

Jesse, just did it the other day, and it was the one the buyer liked best! Couldn't get an answer on the phone either. Needless to say, even though we were seating, they moved on to others. Just one other way to make it difficult to sell. Thanks.

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