Lockboxes - most real estate agents use them. Some are electronic, some combo (think school locker). There are various reasons to use them from ease of access for other agents showing the property to the agent always knowing where the key is. They are attached with a heavy shank to the door, side wall or fence. This small metal box becomes home to a key or two. The electronic ones can track the name of the agent who used it and what time they entered the property.The electronic lockboxes can also be programmed so that they only open at specified times. Or they can be programmed to open 24hours.

Why use a lockbox? Well, motivated Buyers do not want to wait to see a house or maybe your agent can't make it to all the showings on the new listing. They help by keeping a prospect motivated to see your house without the extra effort of picking up keys. If Buyers can't inspect a home at their convenience they just might move on to another house. Especially true for the out of town relocators on a tight schedule.

Even with an electronic lockbox, simple precautions should still be made to the home. Thefts are not commonplace, but even still, it is wise to eliminate temptation.

1. Lock up or remove firearms.
2. Never leave money in plain sight - this includes piggy banks and bottles of pennies.
3. Remove extra keys from hooks in the kitchen, garage, mudroom or any other room they can be seen and picked up.
4. Turn down the volume on any answering machines. You do not want someone to overhear personal information.
5. Consider storing furs and jewelry somewhere else. Put the fur in storage and the jewelry in your safe deposit box.
6. Remove all prescription medications from the cabinets. People do open the cabinets. You want that asthma inhaler to be there when you need it!
7. Don't leave any items around that can tip off a person that you will be away. This includes calendars, theater tickets, itineraries for your next plane flight, etc.

All real estate agents should go through a check list with their Sellers to make sure the process goes smoothly and the house gets sold!

(c) 2009 Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty Portsmouth NH