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CBS code means you CAN install a lockbox

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Riverbend Realty, Cape Girardeau, MO 2004008944

If your seller fears that having an electronic real estate box on their home may expose them to unscheduled showings, you can insure against that by programming a CBS code. CBS means Call Before Showing, and using a CBS code insures that an unwitting real estate agent will not invade an occupant's privacy without making an appointment first. 

Ekeys will not work on a CBS protected lockbox, until AFTER the CBS code has been entered. Showing agents, then, are given that code when they make the appointment for the showing. An agent who just happens by the house will find that their ekey does not work. No more "dropping in" when they see the Supra box and then assume the home is empty.

I know some agents who give the Supra box to the owner (or tenant) to be put outside the house only after an appointment is made. While that is a perfect system most of the time, you will lose showings when the owner cannot get back in time to put out the lockbox or when they are out of town. Often, the owner is not home but the house is show ready and all would be "go" except for the fact that the lockbox is locked INSIDE the house. CBS code to the rescue, because the lockbox is outside the house all of the time--inoperable to all except those who have an appointment (and, thus, have the code).

I find that the biggest obstacle to using CBS codes on my occupied listings is OTHER agents who have never encountered one. I am shocked by the reluctance of seemingly otherwise tech-savvy agents who tremble at the thought of navigating the steps to use a CBS code. Following are some illustrations to alleviate that fear:

CBS code

 

STEP 1: Navigate to your ekey program as you normally would. Choose the ENTER CBS CODE option first and then follow the prompts to enter the 7 digit code that was given to you when you called for the appointment.

Obtain keySTEP 2: After you have entered the CBS code, you will be redirected to the familiar spot where you usually enter your user passcode. Proceed as you usually would.

 

 

It is all so embarrassingly simple that I do not know why more agents don't program all of their occupied listings with the codes. My daughter and I seem to be the only two agents in my market who actually use the codes. I am mystified by that fact.

*No more missed showings because the occupant forgot to put out the lockbox before rushing out of the house.

*No more missed opportunities when the occupant is out shopping or at work and the house could have been shown.

*And no more embarrassing moments when an agent opens the door of a house that is still occupied by someone who did not hear the doorbell because she was in the shower!

Posted by

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If you are looking for a foreclosure in Cape Girardeau, Perry, N. Scott, or Bollinger counties, I am the region's most experienced REO agent. As the area's ONLY Fannie Mae direct listing agent, I list more foreclosure properties than any other agent in this MLS. I am among the few local agents approved to both list and sell HUD properties. Give me a call if you are looking for help with the purchase of a foreclosure property.

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http://www.homepath.com/  for Fannie Mae properties

http://www.homesteps.com/  for Freddie Mac properties

http://www.hudhomestore.com/ for HUD properties (foreclosures that were FHA financed)

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Show All Comments Sort:
Kirsten Lindquist
Pacific Union International - Sonoma, CA
Realtor - Sonoma Wine Country

Liz:  I've been using this key for years...and never knew what CBS stood for.  Embarrassing to admit this....but now, thanks to you, I get it!  Thanks.

May 18, 2011 04:31 PM
Liz Lockhart
Riverbend Realty, Cape Girardeau, MO - Cape Girardeau, MO
GRI, Cape Girardeau Real Estate

Kirsten~ You are certainly welcome. I aim to please. Now, go forth and CBS!

May 18, 2011 04:55 PM
Tammy Emineth
Personal SEO - Website SEO and Real Estate Marketing - Frenchtown, MT
Content Marketer, SEO Teacher, Website Fixer

Liz, this is great information and I have suggested this blog!!! That's a great way to inform agents....!

Thanks again for your subscription!! I really appreciate it!!

:)

May 19, 2011 02:29 PM
Liz Lockhart
Riverbend Realty, Cape Girardeau, MO - Cape Girardeau, MO
GRI, Cape Girardeau Real Estate

Tammy~ Just today, an agent called me, because she could not get her ekey to work. She did not have the CBS code. She had made a tentative appointment to show the property but did not call back to confirm--so I had not yet given her the code.

I love your blog, and I mean to read former posts while trying to keep up with your new posts!

May 19, 2011 03:04 PM
Karen Simms
Century 21 Arizona Foothills - Queen Creek, AZ
Horse Property Specialist

The CBS code is a great feature.  But as you said most agents don't use it or understand why they should use it. 

Great post!

Dec 03, 2018 09:47 PM