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Although not recommended, this was one of the reasons I bought my new house before selling the old one. Moved out all of my personal stuff and put the old house on a lock box.
What's an e-key??
It's the electronic key that agents use to open the lockbox on the house. It tracks exactly who opened the lockbox, and when they did so, and transmits that information to the listing agent.
Smart. And I certainly hope that homeowners stash ALL papers... anything that could be used for IDENTITY THEFT somewhere hidden/safe/locked... And I'd definitely have a camera on that spot, just in case.
That's a great point that I've never considered before. I always mention removing prescription drugs and valuables but I've never considered that someone might go after identity theft-related papers. I don't know that it has ever happened but it's a good idea to mention it.
It's the electronic key that agents use to open the lockbox on the house. It tracks exactly who opened the lockbox, and when they did so, and transmits that information to the listing agent.
Thanks. I guess the ones in my area are older ones with push button number combinations.
When I was buying my house, the selling agent gave out her combination in my presence (I can't remember who to though), and I don't think she ever changed it. That worried me -- how often does she casually mention this combination (over the phone?) without knowing who could be eavesdropping. A very easy thing for an unscrupulous character to break into all of her listings!!!
Thanks. I guess the ones in my area are older ones with push button number combinations.
When I was buying my house, the selling agent gave out her combination in my presence (I can't remember who to though), and I don't think she ever changed it. That worried me -- how often does she casually mention this combination (over the phone?) without knowing who could be eavesdropping. A very easy thing for an unscrupulous character to break into all of her listings!!!
I'm told some of those boxes are still being used, but I never see them. The electronic ones are much more secure. Of course, you still get the occasional idiot agent who lets someone else use their key. In my market, you can be fined pretty heavily for that. I'm told (but I have not personally verified) that if you let a person who is not an licensed agent use it to access property without an agent present, you can lose your license.
In that thread it was universally said that such intrusions aren't appropriate at an open house. Which was also supported by many consumers on this forum. There was no blaming going on. It was a discussion about what should be done when regarding appliances, turning on faucets etc.. Discussions involve differing opinions.
I get that you don't like agents, and that is fine, but you look ridiculous when you don't read a thread for what it is. Twisting it to support your intense hate doesn't make you look like you can carry on an intelligent discussion of issues. You obviously have things to say about real estate agents, so say them in a way that contributes to the discussion rather than just spewing vile all the time. It doesn't help your cause of eliminating real estate agents from the face of the earth. It just makes you look like you should belong to the tin foil club.
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Well, I am SURE it would be just fine if it was an independent appraiser or real estate attorney trying on the homeowner's dainties.
That's a great point that I've never considered before. I always mention removing prescription drugs and valuables but I've never considered that someone might go after identity theft-related papers. I don't know that it has ever happened but it's a good idea to mention it.
I hadn't thought of this either. I'll have to mention that as well. Tax forms especially.
Thanks. I guess the ones in my area are older ones with push button number combinations.
When I was buying my house, the selling agent gave out her combination in my presence (I can't remember who to though), and I don't think she ever changed it. That worried me -- how often does she casually mention this combination (over the phone?) without knowing who could be eavesdropping. A very easy thing for an unscrupulous character to break into all of her listings!!!
Those push button lock boxes are SO easy to break into. I had one that got water in it and it was outside and the whole thing froze up. I smashed that box to pieces with a hammer in a blink and had the key out no problem.
Even if you know who's coming and going it still is not going to prevent theft because more often than not you've got a bunch of people coming in & out and usually you don't know when the theft happens so how do you pin it on one person?
This is why I don't believe in the use of lock boxes. No one in my town (and several of the surrounding towns) uses them and the listing agent is at every showing keeping an eye on things.
Those push button lock boxes are SO easy to break into. I had one that got water in it and it was outside and the whole thing froze up. I smashed that box to pieces with a hammer in a blink and had the key out no problem.
Well, this was 5 years ago when those boxes were used. Hopefully my area has modernized since then!
I'm afraid in my area it would be terribly difficult/inefficient to be at every listing appt.. most properties in the 150-400 range are getting multiple showings the first day.. I'd have little time to attend to my buyer clients
I'm near the border of two associations, one of which partners with sentrilock.. the other, supra.. i run sentrilock on my listings, along with a combo for the occasional agent that does not possess sentrilock, or contractor etc..
Those push button lock boxes are SO easy to break into. I had one that got water in it and it was outside and the whole thing froze up. I smashed that box to pieces with a hammer in a blink and had the key out no problem.
Even if you know who's coming and going it still is not going to prevent theft because more often than not you've got a bunch of people coming in & out and usually you don't know when the theft happens so how do you pin it on one person?
This is why I don't believe in the use of lock boxes. No one in my town (and several of the surrounding towns) uses them and the listing agent is at every showing keeping an eye on things.
Ahh comeon...you are so full if it. What happens if the panty handler is the listing agent?
Having known a number of high end listing agents it would appear appropriate.
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That's a great point that I've never considered before. I always mention removing prescription drugs and valuables but I've never considered that someone might go after identity theft-related papers. I don't know that it has ever happened but it's a good idea to mention it.
