SELLING YOUR HOME.......WHAT ARE THE  PROS AND CONS OF USING A LOCK BOX?

TO LOCK BOX OR NOT TO LOCK BOX.

 

Lock boxes are certainly a convenience, and part of modern day Real Estate services, since they allow access to a property at times when sellers may not be at home. Either Supra boxes or combination boxes are the norm in most marketplaces, but let's discuss the pros and cons of each.

 

THE SUPRA SYSTEMS: Have great features, but the showing agent must subscribe to the service to obtain a special key. The system electronically records when and who entered the property. The advantages are obvious and that is why these systems are popular. The down side is that the key (which looks like a cell phone) and the Supra boxes themselves, are rather expensive, consequently, many Real Estate Agents do not subscribe to these services, and choose a combination lock-box instead.

 

A COMBINATION LOCK BOX: Does solve the issue of agents who do not subscribe to the Supra System, but once the combination is made known to other co-operating agents, it is not possible to determine electronically, who viewed the property or when it was viewed. Since a co-operating agent must first call the listing office to determine the availability of the home, It becomes the responsibility of the listing agent or office to record the dates and times that the home is being shown, along with the name of the showing agent.

 

VISIBLE LOCK BOX LOCATION. Having either type of lock box clearly visible from the street can make a home vulnerable to vandalism. While not common, there have been cases where homes were broken into, when vandals cut lock boxes off of front doors and smashed them, exposing the keys. Whenever possible, it is recommended that the lock box be attached to a rear or side door, where it would not be visible from the street.

 

CONCLUSION. When selling your home, it is your goal to expose it to as many potential buyers as possible, even when you are not there. Lock Boxes allow that to be possible, making the scheduling of showings easier. The question is whether or not sellers are willing to risk missing a showing, simply because the day or time is not convenient for them. What are the sellers priorities?

 

For all your Real Estate, Insurance needs and more helpful hints, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP. "The New Star in Town", Edison, NJ, 08820

732-744-0400

 

 

exerpted in part from McKissock, continuing education.

INVEST IN YOUR HOME

If you're thinking of remodeling or upgrading your home, you're not alone. According to a recent survey, more than 1/3rd of Americans have not moved in the past five years. Instead, they are redesigning and upgrading areas of their home, and minor improvements can make a world of difference. 

>LANDSCAPING:

  Tastefully neat shrubs, trees & flowers, paver stone patios, etc. A few potted plants at the front entrance, can add as  much as 15% to the value of  

  your home and, consider this. If you ever do decide to sell and a potential buyer drives by your weed infested, poorly landscaped home, think of how

  they might imagine the condition of the interior. 

>CALIFORNIA CLOSETS:

  Get more out of the existing space you have by organizing more efficiently and provide your home with a modern, stylish look.

>WINDOWS & DOORS:

  No need to replace them. (unless they are falling apart) Consider modern shades, draperies, designer fabrics & awnings. Paint exterior doors in either

  of four welcoming dark colors. Blue, Red, Green or Yellow.

>KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS:

  Of course you can go nuts here. If you have to replace appliances, consider most popular today, black or stainless steel. If cabinets are in decent

  shape, replace the knobs. Counter tops can be replaced with inexpensive laminates. Granite is not necessary, and expensive. Ceramic tile and wood

  laminate floors are very popular. In the bathroom, consider installing attractive sliding doors & fixtures, and upgrade the lighting.

>HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING:

  The single, most important thing to remember is organized maintenance. Change air filters regularly. Don't waste your money on the cheapest filters.

  You'll wind up having to replace them more often. Remember, you get what you pay for. If you're lucky, you might get 15 years out of your A/C

  compressor, so have it checked each season and run it occasionally in the winter for a few minutes, just to get the motor running. Drain some water

  from your water heater into a bucket, using the small spigot at the bottom, at least every six months. You'll probably notice a small amount of dirty

  water at first, then clean. Helps prevent a buildup of rust from the interior liner. Average life span of a water heater is 10-12 years. If you hear it making

  a banging noise, prepare for a new heater soon.

As you can see, most upgrades need not cost a fortune. Not only will you enjoy the changes while you are living there, but a relatively small investment

can potentially lead to a substantial increase in value. Who knows, the house may turn out so nice and comfortable, you may never want to move. On the other hand, why do you suppose the nicest homes seem to always sell for more than the others?

For all your Real Estate, Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact: LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The New Star in Town",1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, N.J. 732-744-0400.