Combination Boxes...Why I Won't Use Them
Looking through one of my favorite bloggers older posts today, I found this. It is relevant to today's market as well. Combination boxes, in the age of electronic lock boxes are not necessary and really should be outlawed by our MLS systems.
The real estate market in Northern Virginia has seen an increase in Foreclosure listings, Short Sale listings and the unfortunate rise of combination boxes. I know they about 75% cheaper than electronic lockboxes, but that's no reason to use them. This step back in technology has brought out the worst in some listing and, unfortunately, a lot of buyers agents.
These inexpensive devices are cheapening the respect I have for listing agents. About three weeks ago I met someone who wanted to see a particular rental. I was not available to show it to them right away, but called the listing agent to see if it was still available. I explained I would be able to bring my tenants by in about 2 or 3 days. She asked me if I trusted them and then suggested that I give them the combination to the lockbox and send them to the property on their own. "It's vacant. There's nothing in there for them take."
WHAT A HORRIBLY SAD STATEMENT. Is that what she thinks of the property, entrusted to her by her clients. Don't we sit in front of potential clients about to list with us and tell them all the wonderful reasons why they can trust the lockbox on the front of their home will not lead to mischief? That the potential buyers (or in this case tenants) are always escorted by a Realtor who prequalifies them before taking them out?
Obviously, only a small percentage of listing agents would ever suggest such an action be taken. But by placing a combo box on their properties, listing agents are also opening themselves up to the liability of the LAZY BUYER'S AGENT. Another example....
I was working with buyers the weekend after the prior experience. We came to another lockbox on another foreclosure property and were startled to have a couple come out of the house. I introduced myself, sure that one of them was an agent. No. They gave me their names and told me their agent had given them the combo to take a look because she was busy that day and couldn't show them the house. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
We as Realtors need to polish our Business Ethics. Realize there are some bad seeds out there that will send unaccompanied buyers out to your listing with the combo to your lockbox. And as buyers agents, let's charge our E-Keys daily and give timely feedback to listing agents so that paid showing services and combination boxes aren't necessary.
Take notes on the listings you show so you can jog your memory if a listing agent doesn't call right away for feedback. And listing agents, don't take so long to call us for feedback. By doing these things, we can elevate our level of professionalism instead of continuing to drag it down.
Chris Ann Cleland, Realtor- Licensed in Virginia, GRI, SFR, Northern Virginia Short Sale Specialist. Affiliated with Long & Foster, 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155. To contact Chris Ann, call 703-402-0037 or email chrisann@LNF.com. Or you can visit her website: www.nvarealestate.net.
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