Tag: homesellers

Real Estate Lockboxes: 4 things to know!

Posted on by Lita Batho

What’s With the Special Lockboxes?

What are they?

A Sentrilock lockbox is typically installed (with your permission) on your property by your listing agent for the duration of your home sale.  This provides access to contractors/photographer (if needed, with your permission) prior to going on the market, to agents while on the market, as well as while your home is pending sale, after you’ve accepted an offer. These lockboxes are integrated with the MLS, which means the lockbox is specifically assigned to your home.  They are also connected to an app which allows licensed agents to access keys via these boxes.  They were a new innovation about 20 years ago, and are now ubiquitous in the industry.

Are they secure?

There are some features of these lockboxes that make them especially secure and useful for real estate!

  • The data from the lockbox is transmitted to the mobile app, allowing listing agents to keep track of who is accessing your home, and when.  This proves especially helpful in the rare case when an agent accidentally walks away with your key in their pocket, since we can easily see who last accessed the box.  It also makes it simple to follow up with agents who have shown your home to buyer clients.
  • It is easy for a listing agent to provide a ‘one day code’ to allow someone not licensed as an agent to open the box, like a contractor or cleaning service.  This date specific code will only work on that occasion, and new codes will be generated if needed.  This is safer than having one code that many parties may have used and may use again.
  • Sentrilock boxes in each region provide general information on how often lockboxes are accessed, how long buyers stay at homes, etc. to provide unique data on the current market and activity, which helps us to be responsive to the market.
  • These lockboxes are designed to be difficult to remove, and difficult to break into. While not impossible, they are tough.  While you may typically see them hung on doorknobs, they can also be installed in another secure location on your property, if the front door knob is not your preference.

 

Just Listed! Classic Comforts in Cozy Kenton

Posted on by Living Room Realty

When I think of quintessential Portland living, I think of this home. A classic Portland bungalow, it is right at home on this idyllic and quiet street in the Kenton neighborhood of North Portland. The wood-paneled covered front patio greets all visitors with warmth. Inside, a formal grand living area boasts a handsome wood-burning fireplace. The formal dining area leads to an open, luminous kitchen with a hooded island range and tons of counter-space. The backyard has lovely lush grass, raised vegetable beds, and a covered patio. Bedrooms are split evenly between the main and upper levels with two bathrooms. The basement holds laundry, tons of storage, and even bonus spaces for a home office, guest room, or gym. The neighborhood is bike or walking distance to restaurants, shopping, schools and parks. What’s not to love? This is a perfect home for your PDX adventure!