Special offer

This Is Not The Rome Way

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291

 

In making an appointment today for one of my repeat clients, I got this message from our MLS system.

Appointment confirmed lock box code is #0000. (not the real combination.) Same when calling for another  appointment, the receptionist gives the same information. 

Again in a real estate office for a settlement, I heard the front desk person say loud enough for me to hear in the next room.." That's a Go and Show" and gives the address and combo lockbox code. To me this is no safer than placing a key under the mat.

 

Today the showing appointment was made very easy, very quick, very convenient for me working with this buyer.

But..this is not the Rome Way.

 

 

 As a listing agent, I need to do what is best for my clients. There are so many special situations that require direct contact: the elderly, the frail, those with young children, family illness, special pet situations, caretakers, security systems, out of town owners,  sellers who work and sleep irregular shifts and many more.

Sure if all my homes were vacant, were short sales, or the owners were touring Europe for the year, it would be easy to slap a lockbox on and keep on going.

Even then I would use an electronic box.

 

lockbox

 

Never a combination lock for anyone, at any time, to have entry  with no history of who or when the home is accessed.

My listings are with real live people, not properties. Buyer's agents call and speak to me. I answer my phone, I make appointments, I represent my sellers!

The appointments can also be made on line, through the MLS, email, text or direct call. Since I answer my email, phone and texts...it is pretty easy to make an appointment on any of my listings.

 

Why are expensive homes treated with listing agent showings? Do only  the wealthy get the "right" representation? Why not a lock box on these so-called exclusive listings?

My sellers are all very special, and deserve The Rome Way.

 

 

Margaret Rome

Posted by

Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®

Baltimore, Maryland


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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Margaret

I see combo codes, and gate codes, given out publicly fairly often. Agents here I suspect use the combo boxes because they are far less expensive than our Sentilock boxes. I did have one house I showed some years ago when the instructions were that the key was under the mat.

Jeff

Oct 26, 2017 10:12 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

All they need is one good Law Suit and that would slow this down:)) on a side note up late tonight Margaret? Endre

Oct 26, 2017 10:30 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Endre Barath, Jr. Do you know of any? Our E&O does not cover this. I am a late poster.

Oct 27, 2017 04:46 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland ,

I've never understood the use of a combo box on a home for sale. I always use a Supra..it tells me who went in, what time they entered and their contact information. Appointments need to be scheduled so my sellers know when someone is coming.

Oct 27, 2017 04:09 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Dorie Dillard You understand how to be a professional.

Oct 27, 2017 04:47 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Margaret. This is really scary and too bad for these sellers.

Oct 27, 2017 07:36 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Sheila Anderson I do not believe the sellers are aware.

Oct 27, 2017 04:48 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Margaret the only time we use combo boxes is for our work crew that's been with us for years. Once the listing is ready to go then that box comes off and a secure MLS box goes on along with whatever showing instructions are needed for that particular seller/home.

Oct 27, 2017 11:04 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Anna Banana Kruchten,CRS,CRB,GRI That's a great use of the lockbox given just to your own work crew. 

Oct 27, 2017 04:52 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I agree with you, Margaret.  And, I agree with the comment left by Endre Barath, Jr.

Oct 27, 2017 12:47 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Margaret, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!    

Oct 27, 2017 12:47 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

The carelessness exhibited by some listing agents is appalling.  I wonder if they realize their E&O insurance doesn't cover them when they use combo boxes to "secure" a property.

Oct 27, 2017 03:12 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Jeff Dowler those combo locks are much cheaper.

The keys under the mat

Do these agents know that our E&O does not cover the other kinds of key storage.

Oct 27, 2017 04:44 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Myrl Jeffcoat Always an honor to be featured in your wonderful fun group!!

Oct 27, 2017 04:56 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Chris Ann Cleland  You are so right about our E&O insurance. Just not worth it to save a few dollars.

Oct 27, 2017 04:58 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Margaret in CA I am sure there is a Law Suit, we are one of the most litigious states:))Endre

Oct 27, 2017 05:43 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Endre Barath, Jr. Just google lockbox and lawsuit...lots of discussion.

Oct 27, 2017 07:39 PM
Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417
HomeSmart Stars - Addison, TX
Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate

Another advantage of using an electronic lockbox (at least the Supras we use here) is the list of agents who have shown the property, when their appointments were scheduled, and the ability to send a blast email to all of them (useful for notification of multiple offers or for price changes).

Oct 28, 2017 07:08 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417,

Wow, is four years too late to respond to your comment??? 

Oct 22, 2021 02:07 PM
Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417

It's never too late! What made you think to check this out?

Oct 22, 2021 02:10 PM