The Pros and Cons of Lock Boxes

 Although it doesn't happen often in Weston, sometimes when a home is for sale the listing agent will put a lock box on the house.  The lock box allows a buyer's agent to access the home when no one is available to show it.  The biggest bonus to having a lock box on your home is that the viewing hours become much more flexible.  Chances are more people will have the opportunity to see your home because there is less coordinating that needs to be done.

There is a huge drawback to putting your house on a lock box.  Viewing the home without the listing agent present can put a huge disconnect between the buyer and seller.  When the listing agent is present, questions that the buyer may have can easily be answered AND the listing agent can have a chance to assess the level of interest the buyer may have.  When the agent selling the home does not shake the hand and say "hello" to the potential buyer, there may be lost opportunities going forward.  Often, the listing agent calls back interested buyers (via their agents) when price changes or other changes occur. 

Of course, the optimal situation when selling your home is to have an agent working for you that has the flexibility of a lock box.  Your listing agent will be available at the drop of a hat to meet buyers (and their agents) and give a tour that will sell your house!

Please contact me if you would like more detailed information about the use of lock boxes.

Elizabeth Hochberger is a real estate sales associate at Century 21 Shawmut Properties in Weston Town Center. She can be contacted at 781-354-4763.