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Your Maryland lockbox doesn’t work in Virginia
October 14, 2009 by Doug Francis · 3 Comments
In the past two weeks, I have shown up at two vacant homes in Fairfax, Virginia with clients wanting to take a look-see, only to find that the SentriLock lock-boxes did not work. You know, SentriLock’s are the little blue boxes on the front door handles of homes for sale.
In the Washington D.C. metro area, we have Realtor Associations in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, plus many Realtor sub-associations in each state. Some agents get licensed in all three jurisdictions which also means they need to join each association (yes, it does sound like a racket to me too). But, this is where some agents may be trying to skip a step when working on the other side of the river.
Well, the first time the box did not work I just called the agent and left a message. The second time I left a message too. I figured out the Maryland connection through a little detective work… their telephone numbers were area code 301.
Maybe a trench coat would help my business? Or maybe that’s a 301 redirect (too geeky?)
Silence.
No response, no thank you’s, and no call saying that they changed the box so please come back.
They did not care about the situation… probably because driving from Maryland into Northern Virginia almost requires you to go through Tysons Corner where the Capital Beltway is torn up and traffic is snarled 18-hours a day.
The lesson for the Sellers: If your agent installs an out of area lock-box, then you have a gross negligence case.
Maybe it’s time to find someone who cares about selling your home!
Today's Real Estate sites all show you the listings, but home buyers and sellers need real, strategic advice more than ever. You can start right here! Northern Virginia areas like Vienna, Oakton and McLean have some excellent home buys right now. My blog has plenty of insight into today's market, some practical advice, ideas to get you moving, and also a way to search for homes. I live here, know the market, and look forward to talking with you about real estate. Also search for homes totally free, see "REsources" below. Cheers! 
Not only did those agents waste you and your buyers’ time, their sellers probably have no idea about the missing showing opportunities. Yes, it is gross negligence.
We have silver Sentilock boxes here in the Chicago Area. I wonder how they differ from the blue Sentrilock boxes?
Fran Bailey´s last blog ..Forest Park north of I-290 worth a look!
Hello Doug,
I’m sorry you are having so many troubles with agents not properly setting up their lockboxes! I have also replied to your tweet about this situation. These agents should call support if they are unaware of how to properly set up a Maryland lockbox to be used in the Virginia area (yes it IS possible to do this, they simply need to take the proper steps!).
Fran – the blue SentriLock lockboxes are our newest model. The newew boxes have some new features, but the old boxes still work just fine! Additionally, the same SentriCards will work in either box type and the same steps are used for the basic functions of the lockbox.
If either of you have any questions feel free to tweet @SentriLock1, or as always you can call (1-877-736-8745) or email (support@sentrilock.com) our Support Representatives for assistance. We’re available 7 days a week from 8am – Midnight EST and are happy to help.
Have a great weekend!