The Truth About Lock Boxes

Realtors have used lock boxes for decades to protect real estate and a seller's valuables. We use them to gain access night or day so you're never bothered. While you typically don't hear of theft horror stories related to homes on the market, as with anything else, it's possible! Often times it's your real estate agent that makes the lock box not secure. Here's the truth about that faithful hunk of metal on your doorknob hiding your key, what you need to know, and what you need to tell your real estate agent.



Electronic Lock Box - The lock box to the left is an electronic one. It's the new GE iBox. It's used with a device Realtors carry around similar to a cell phone and it logs both time of visit and name of visitor. They're very costly for agents and those agents who don't have that magical device, can't get in. While it's secure for your home and tracks all the fun stats, it may also be keeping buyer's agents out of your home along with thieves. Not on the top of my list. Sorry, GE. If you're a seller (Especially on the eastern side of the Cleveland area), you'll want to ask your Realtor how agents who aren't in the cool club get in with their buyers. After all, that is the point.





Numerical Combination Lock Box - This lock box is handy and is quite secure. It requires a four digit numerical combination to activate the door to the key. I've never had any issues with or worries about this lock box other than one. In the middle of a snow storm or down pour, it's sometimes a pain to work with the combination and get it open. Having potential home buyers stand outside and get soaked isn't the best way to make a first impression on your home. They're inexpensive and durable. Ask your agent to change the code to a new one of your choice when they place it on your door. Most agents don't.






Letter Combination Lock Box - This is a standard combination lock box found on many homes. It's probably the most common still in the real estate industry. It's used the same way a locker combination is used and requires a three letter combination. They're pretty cheap so many agents use them. The only problems with using this type of lock box is they tend to freeze in the winter, they take a bit longer to fiddle with and open, and many times real estate agents won't change the factory code it was purchased with. Please demand your agent set a new one. You must, you must demand this with a combination lock box.

Push-Button Lock Box - Here's my favorite lock box on the market. It's the one I've always used and the one I'm glad to see while showing homes. This is a typical numerical, push-button lock box. They're a bit more expensive than the two above, but they're worth it! They're quick, safe and easy to use. It can be opened without light using your fingers as a guide. Buyers get inside fast. Make sure your agent changes the code when it's placed on your home. Unlike the combination lock box, there is no industry standard code for this one. That's another reason why I like them, They must be set upon purchase to an original number.





Standard Key and Camel-Key Lock Box - Then there's the key. Some home owners refuse to add a lock box so they give their key to their Realtor. The Realtor puts it in their office and buyer agents must drive there to get the key and then bring it back. I fail to see the reason behind this and it's a way to prevent your home from not being shown. There's also a camel-key lock box on the market and every real estate agent has the key. It's universal and keys have been floating around for years. Highly unsafe. Know what's going on your door, talk with your agent, and demand security and ease of entry for buyer agents.