Do you really need a lockbox on your Tamaqua home for sale?

You may be reluctant. I understand that. It means anyone with a key to the lockbox can come in, even if they haven’t made a proper appointment. However, if you want your Tamaqua home to get the most exposure possible, you really do need that lockbox.

 

Sure, the agents who want to show your house can pick up a key from the listing agent – but many will skip showing your home if that’s a requirement.

It can add hours to an agent’s day when they drive to another agent's office to get a key – and then drive back to return it. Your home will only be shown if the agent has exhausted all other possibilities.

 

And what if a second or third agent wants to show your home while the first agent still has the key? Your agent will have to say “Sorry, not today,” and that might mean your house is not shown to that buyer at all.

 

And yes, if you’re home all day every day, you can let people in.

 

But remember that buyers are reluctant to really look at a home if the owner is present. You being there could cause people to leave before they’ve have the opportunity to see that your home really is the right one for them.

 

But I’d rather have my listing agent accompany all showings. He or she can bring the key along.

That sounds good, but if you insist, you'll severely limit the number of buyers who see your home. Remember that agents are busy. If your agent and the buyer's agent have to coordinate their schedules to make time for your showing, the buyer’s agent might just decide to skip it.

 

And of course, because your agent might already be out with a client when a call comes in from a buyer’s agent, you're apt to miss out on short-notice showings.

 

But isn't it dangerous? I don't want strangers coming into my home any time they feel like it.

I understand your worry that someone might come in without an appointment, and that things could disappear. However, our modern lock boxes go a long way to reduce that risk.

 

Today's lock boxes require a key or a code – and each agent has his or her own key and/or code. Because the lock boxes record the agent’s name or code each time the box is opened, we always know who has been in your house.

 

What if someone decides to come in with no notice, and I happen to be in the shower?

First, your listing will specify that an appointment is required – and most agents will honor that requirement. Second, you can take steps to prevent a “surprise” entry when you or your family members are at home. A door chain or a deadbolt is a good precaution.

 

So the answer is yes: When your Tamaqua home is for sale, you really do need a lock box.

 

If you're thinking of selling, get in touch. I'll show you how I market to minimize the disruption to your life by getting your home sold in the least amount of time possible.