Should You Allow Your Agent to Use a Keybox to Sell Your Home?

When you put your home on the market, expect your agent to ask you about utilizing a keybox for showings when you are not home. Keyboxes are commonplace, and the security they offer when selling your home has increased over the years, so not to worry.

Some homeowners get a little skittish about keyboxes, and think that just anyone can gain access anytime, and they will have no privacy whatsoever when their home is on the market, but the most common type of lockbox in our area is an Electronic Lockbox, which has many built in safeguards, and will not scratch your door like the older metal boxes. Its solid construction is resistant to attack, and only the individuals authorized by the Association/MLS carrying an electronic key or smartphone software can enter homes. The keybox then records the agent’s identity, office, phone number and time the KeyBox is opened.

The keypads which agents use to access these Electronic Keyboxes expire DAILY, and must be reprogrammed for each days activity, so on teh off-chance that an agent lost their keypad and had their specific code compromised, the keypad would be rendered inoperable the very next day.

An additional bonus to these types of keyboxes is that they can be programmed with an additional CBScode called a CBS code (call before showing) to gain entry for added security, and they can also be programmed to only open between certain times of day.

The other types of keyboxes commonly used are smaller metal combination or push button locks. You will generally see these types of keyboxes on bank owned properties, vacant homes where contractors need access, or homes that are listed on the perimeters of the MLS service areas.

As agents, we have learned that homes that have a  Key Box sell faster and for more money.  Having a Key Box allows real estate agents to preview and show you home conveniently, and without compromising your family's security.

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.