Thursday, 9th of July 2009 at 09:47:07 AMYesterday, a couple of local newspapers (Arizona Central, East Valley Tribune ) reported on thefts from people posing as Real Estate Agents. Shortly there after, local agents started blogging about the article. Some comment on the merits of the situation, the do’s and don’t of the situation. Others comment on what they do to prevent this situation. I’m going to put my 2 cents in now.
I’m a big fan of the blue box digital lock boxes. For several reasons, and I’m active in giving GE feedback on how to make the system even better, just ask them. One of the reasons I like the lock boxes is how they work. In order to open them, you have to have a digital key, which you can only get by being a member of ARMLS, which you can only be a member by being a Realtor®, which you can only be if, blah, blah, blah, the list goes on for quite a while. It takes alot to get that magic key. Okay, once you have it, you have to remain in good standing, because each night, your key has to connect to a central server to get authorization for the next day, so at any given day, your authority can be revoked for disrupting the rules of the system.
Part two of my love of the Blue Box is that it records entry of each agent in the home, the date, the time, and who they are and that is something we can check up on. So if a theft is reported, we can start checking with agents to find out who and what. It also provides accountability.
There are strict rules around who gets to use the keys and how they can use them, any violations are taken very serious and it doesn’t take much to lose the privilage of the system. This is the reason why so many agents are speaking out for their wide-spread use.
The reason agents don’t use them is simply cost, they are expensive, but a cost that is worth it. As the other bloggers are posting, you should use only the Blue Box, not a combo box unit. Or, you should use nothing at all. Keep in mind that if you don’t use a lock box, access to your home will become a barrier that many agents just won’t deal with.
As an additional step, you should ask that your agent field all calls for showing your home. This way they can validate the agent calling to set up an appointment and help set the stage for protecting your interests in selling your home. I require all agents call me prior to showing a home, mostly so I can make them aware of anything about the home and for me to take an additional step in tracking that agent and activites with the home.
Other Blogger Posts:
Christ Butterworth – The Phoenix Real Estate Agents
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