Risco Keys

[Zapper7246]

So do you any of you guys or gals have a risco key?

I've been meaning to get one of these for a while, and I just haven't got around to doing it yet. So I started looking into it and here's everything I would need to get one.

1. Join the Salt Lake Board of Realtors

$440.00/per year and a $350.00 sign up fee.

2.Required "Real Estate Ethics Course"

$30.00

3.Risko Key

$150.00/per year and a $50.00 deposit

So, just over a grand to get the key, plus you must also have E&0 insurance in case you don't already. Seems a bit steep, don't you think? Especially for joining the Salt Lake Board of Realtors which I don't really care to be a member of. I just don't understand why I would pay $790.00 to become of member for something doing absolutely nothing for me?? (Except for getting me use of a key) You also have to go to a mandatory "New Member Orientation Class." Anyway, I think I might just be making the agents meet me at the home or have people use a contractor code box. Any thoughts?

 

[Chris Harrison]

Zapper,

Your question begs the question in my mind weather your really are a licensed appraiser in Utah. If your not a member of the Board of Realtors, how can you get access to the MLS sold information? That's just part of doing business along the Wasatch Front! Items 1 & 2 should already be part of your expenses.

Since I don't do much lender work, I turned my Risco key in last year when they raised the yearly fee. Also the new keys require constant updating via being hooked up to your computer and the battery life sucks. But if I were to get back into lender work it's a lot easier to schedule my day without having to meet some agent that about half the time doesn't show up or is late for your appointment. That and trying to get an agent to call you back can be a challenge.m2:

Being a "Fee Appraiser" is not free.

 

[Zapper7246]

I have had the MLS for years now, ever since I was a trainee with the same account name. I'm still with the same appraisal company, but since I've been licensed I have still just keep paying my monthly dues and they have never made me get my own membership.

That of course is another $500.00 start up fee just for the MLS, or somewhere in the ballpark from what I hear. Haha, I think I'll just sit tight until someones says something.

I actually do 100% lender/broker work so there are many days I have to set appts. with many agents (they usually just leave a door unlocked for me if it's vacant) . Yeah, it's annoying, but until someone tells me I have to change it, I don't really want to drop $1,500.00 just for a key.

That does clear it up a bit though..I wasn't aware that they were making you become a member of the SLBR to get the MLS as well since I haven't had a problem with mine yet. Still outrageous fee's as far as I'm concerned though.

 

[camcisneros]

i hate the new key, half the time it doesnt work

 

[Jonah]

I love my key. I come and go as I please.

 

[Stevebo]

Its too bad that many of the Listing Agents act so put out most of the time as well when it is their responsibility to let us in. I do have a Risco Key which makes it convenient but is shouldn't be required or shunned if you don't.