Even though lock boxes may seem like rather inconsequential items in the real estate world, the truth is they are actually one of the most important items and they cannot be overlooked when starting your own real estate business. After all, you’re going to need to provide these lock boxes to sellers.
A lock box is nothing more than a locked metal container designed to hold keys, with a shackle that allows it to be attached to the door knob of a house. The lock box serves two primary functions: it’s convenient and allows real estate agents to show potential home buyers a house without having to meet with the listing agent, and it also prevents intruders or criminals from accessing the key.
That being said, not all lock boxes are created equally. When choosing a specific brand or type of lock box for your real estate business, there are a number of features that you will want to look for. We’ll take a look at the three most important of those features here:
1. Strong Security
First and foremost, your chosen lock box needs to serve its intended function and prevent an intruder from accessing the key inside. While all lock boxes are technically built to do this, some are more durable and have extra levels of protection than others.
As a general rule of thumb, select a lock box that has at least double protection and is rated to withstand multiple blows from tools such as a hammer or screwdriver.
2. Manual or Electronic?
When it comes to choosing lock boxes you will always have to choose between a combination or an electronic one. You can’t go wrong with either, with combination lock boxes being the cheaper and more basic option. Combination boxes are also the most common, meaning that any real estate agent or home seller should know how to operate one.
Electronic lock boxes, while more expensive, offer an array of innovative features including an electronic keypad and Bluetooth to communicate with an app on your smart phone.
3. User Friendly
Finally, make sure that the model of lock box you choose is user friendly. This means a number of things, including the fact that the shackle must be large enough to fit around all types of door knobs (and without scratching the door of the home) and it must be large enough to hold most sizes of house keys.
If you go with a combination lock box, take into account how you actually enter the combination and how many numbers need to be remembered. If you select an electronic lock box, research how easy it is to use with the authorized smart phone app.
Which Lock Box Is Right For You?
Today there are many different types of lock boxes available on the market, and for the security of your sellers’ homes it’s absolutely critical that you select the highest quality and most durable ones possible.
