The House is Vacant, Why Can't You Just Give Me The Lockbox Code?

I totally agree * allowing entry to a VACANT or OCCUPIED property without proper screening and care is a failure in our duties to clients

Cheryl, This is a good post to reblog. I prefer to use my electronic box. This way I will know if agents go in without an appointment.

I agree. I just got a call a few days ago about a vacant foreclosure with front door sitting open. My card was the only one on the counter, so the guy that was serving a Warrant in Debt to previous owners called me to see what he should do. I knew previous owners, so I told him i would stop by and check the house, then report to the listing agent as a professional courtesy. This house is at end of gravel road and secluded. When I got there, I found that the side door with the lockbox had been kicked in, and the wooden door jamb destroyed. I walked thru,didn't notice anything obvious had been stolen or see any copper pipes stripped out. I found a hammer and nails in the shop and repaired the door frome and locked that door and also the front door that had been left open. The listing agent is from Alexandria( about 2 hours away), so I doubt he even shows or visits the property. I can see how this scenario would make a listing agent give out a combo instead of driving 4 hours to do a showing from a sign call. But, I see this happen frequently these days, and many times the damage to the houses is pretty bad. It is too risky to give out combos over the phone. If the seller authorizes it, then ok, but still risky.

Good morning Cheryl,

Excellent reblog - Doug brings up the reasons we don't ever use combo boxes for showings - only Supra that require the Realtor key for access.  We do, for our Seller's convenience, post combo boxes for repair access.  But, that code is only given out to their authorized users.

Thanks for the re-blog!