Using a Lock Box for Property Showings

When licensed real estate agents list a residential home for sale or for lease, we include the Lock Box Addendum in the listing agreement document package.  This addendum explains the use of the lock box to allow entry into your home.  It is ONLY for use by licensed real estate agents.  The lock box addendum provides homeowners with a list of the potential risks.

The lock box addendum authorizes us to place a lock box on the property.  It is designed to allow licensed real estate agents to enter the property.  It can also be used to allow contractors to access the home to make repairs through our Homeowner Concierge Service Program.  The seller can terminate this addendum and have the lock box removed by providing written notice to the Broker. 

The most important things that homeowners should know are that:

• They need to take some precautions.  It is the homeowner’s responsibility to safeguard and/or removal all of their valuables and other personal property.  These items include prescription medications, cash, credit cards, weapons, ammunition, jewelry.  They would also include anything that the homeowner would not want seen when agents are showing the home.
• Placement of the lock box on the door is voluntary.  The licensed real estate agents at DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services will not require that a lock box to be used.  If one is not used, however, it could have a negative impact on home showings.
• Homes that are occupied by tenants must have approval of the tenant to place and use a lock box.  The tenants must be informed about the precautions above.

Real estate agents licensed by the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) are deemed to be professionals.  We all abide by the Code of Ethics that was developed based on Maryland real estate laws.  Having said that, we cannot guarantee the agents affiliated with other companies will take measures to safeguard a property when showing it.

Things happen when agents are showing homes to potential buyers or tenants.  Sometimes doors don’t get locked, windows are opened, lights are left on.  We understand how those things can happen.  We expect that agents will take measures to ensure that the occupants’ privacy is not violated.  It is one thing to look inside closets, cabinets, appliances, and all rooms in the home.  It is another thing to “help yourself to things in the home” or open drawers or other furniture.  Unfortunately, there have been cases where these things have happened.

Please don’t hesitate to  Contact Us if you have any questions about this disclosure or the relationship between Real Estate Agents and their clients.  We will be happy to explain it to you.