Lock Boxes on Fairfax County VA Homes for Sale: How Do They Work? Are They Safe?
Back in the 50’s and 60’s, you could just leave your house open and your Fairfax County VA real estate agent could come in and show the home at any time. When put your home on the market and added it to the list of Fairfax County VA homes for sale you handed over the keys and they placed them on a hook in the brokerage office. Anyone could grab them and take them! There were almost no security issues. Now, because of security issues, we have the handy, dandy lock box.
Lock Box History
Attached to a door handle, gate, water or gas meter, lock boxes hold keys to the house for sale. They were invented back in the 70’s, and at that time the lock box was opened by a key that the Fairfax County VA real estate agent had. In the 90’s, the electronic lock box replaced the old one; the electronic type is what most real estate agents use today to make sure your home remains safe while it’s for sale.
In 2008, the electronic lock box took another big step forward in technology. This high-tech electronic lock box can:
- Alert as many as 5 emergency contacts when its “panic button” is activated
- Tell the seller’s agent when a house has been shown
- Provide the buyer’s agent with extra information about the home, including instructions from the home owner such as “Don’t Feed the Dog.”
Why Should You Use a Lock Box
Homeowners of Fairfax County VA homes for sale who allow their real estate agents to use a lock box, are shown more often. It’s easier for agents to have access to the home when the owners are at work. There are different fees charged for the use of a lock box, but the price usually sits around $100 plus tax. When you hire a professional real estate agent, you’ll get the use of the lock box for free as part of the agent’s service.
When to Use a Lock Box
You may want to have your agent put your lock box on a schedule instead of making the house available around the clock. You shouldn’t allow it to be opened after a certain time at night or before a certain hour in the morning. This will allow you to control the use of the house, and ensure that no one uses it during off hours.
All in all, the use of a lock box by your Fairfax County VA real estate agent is a great idea. It’s safe and convenient, not only for you but also for agents and potential buyers.
If you’re ready to sell your home with an agent who puts your safety and convenience first, give me a call at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939
