Lock Box Access

[Nick Goldman]

The appraiser that our lender sent (yes I know a 3rd party really picks) does not have lock box access. Our agent doesn't trust anyone that doesn't have lock box access. In her words, they're not professionals if they don't have lock box access. Is this true? Is it a big deal? What are your opinions on appraisers that do/don't have lock box access?

 

[Em Tee]

It's a personal decision and has NOTHING to do with whether the appraiser is professional. Some appraisers prefer to have a lockbox key so they can avoid realtors, others like to have the realtor let them in so they can talk to them about the property.

 

[DianaOKC]

I've never had a lock box access as I don't want to go to occupied homes without someone home.

 

[The Dog]

I refuse to have a lock box key for the simple reason that your realtor makes a whole bunch of money and to me, one of the services they provide is to let the appraiser in. Been appraiser for over 25 years, never had a problem with a realtor letting me in.

May be time to check out what your realtor provides for the commission you pay.

 

[Tom Woolford]

I've had one since the early 1980's. I don't leave home without it. I don't like being tied to someone else's schedule.

 

[CANative]

I belong to 4 MLS systems and each has it's own lockbox "key." None are actual keys. Most lockboxes now days are electronic. And each one has a monthly fee for having a key. It's just too much money for the ocassional use (vacant sales). I've kept one active but there has been little activity in that area.

You cannot determine an appraiser's qualifications by whether or not they have a lockbox key.

 

[Mr Rex]

Some MLS systems charge for lock box access above and beyond the access to the data. They also charge appraisers the same thing they do Realtors that list property etc while appraisers just lurk and use the recorded data. So no, its just a Realat***** just protecting their interest by denigrating the appraiser. I will guarantee that his/her beef is not with the appraisers level of access, but his/her level of influence on the appraiser. If he/she knew the appraiser and was a "team" player, Sally High Heels and her Husband Skip "BS" Dollarvolume, would be there opening the door for the appraiser, and offering Krispy Cremes and Lattes, and waving incense to keep down the stench.

 

[nstanbru]

Our MLS (SOCALMLS) does not allow appraisers to have lock box access unless they are also in the MLS as a Realtor.

 

[Mountain Man]

In years past, before some MLS boards merged, I was a member of over a half dozen MLS systems. I didn't have a lock box key to every MLS until they all agreed to use the same lock box system. The fees would have been outrageous, and I rarely needed a lock box key. To this day, the only time I really use the key now is when acting as a broker to sell a house, or when looking at a foreclosure to buy.

 

[Thomas Fiehler]

It's just a cost of doing business. I'll take a house without a Realtor talking me thru anyday.