I confess. I have my favorite lockboxes and my least favorite lockboxes. Depending on where you practice real estate, you may have a subscription to an electronic lockbox service. If you do, then you also may have the ability to purchase the lockboxes yourself OR they may be supplied by your brokerage.
And even if you have an ample supply of those, there are times when a combination lockbox is a better option. I’ve inherited lockboxes from properties over the years but some that have been offered to me are easy to politely say “no thanks” in return. I’m not a fan of the ones where you dial the combination and then have to use your fingernail to push down the lever. For those of us not grace with strong nails, those are rough!
With so many properties now sporting level handles, most lockboxes are useless, as they can slip right off the handle. Doesn’t really matter if it’s an electronic lockbox that can’t be opened with a sledgehammer or a blowtorch, if someone can walk away with it, access to the property is in jeopardy.
Thankfully, a client informed me of a combination lockbox that Master Lock makes (and other companies may have their own version) that has an adjustable shackle. Once you open the lockbox to attach it to the handle, the shackle can tighten up on the handle, making it not able to be slipped off. Excellent solution! Amazon carries them for about $39.99. Small price to pay for a good way to store a key.
If you’ve got a better source… or a better solution… please, do tell!
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