Lockbox placement is a hotly debated topic, which we explored in Where Not to Place a Lockbox recently. To further the conversation, we’ve found a list of additional places you shouldn’t place a lockbox. These photos are inspired by actual events.
Oh the places your lockbox could go….
This box could bolt at any time.
We “hose” you don’t do this.
Ummmmmmm? Anyone have a ladder?
This one is just garbage.
Darrell J. Covert via Facebook
Don’t let S.W. Gas find it on a gas meter. They will cut them off!
Valerie Tourangeau via Facebook
Think we might be encouraging them?
Jennifer Measel Ronning via Facebook
just put them on the front door!
Sonya Stockhaus
I have had lockboxes pulled right off a doorknob, so that is not always the best spot, especially if the person is really committed to removing it…
Anonymous
I’ve had Supra boxes broken into from various locations. I know the newer boxes are more difficult, but still not impossible, regardless of where installed!
Deidre St. Romain via Facebook
yikes
Linda Sparks Stahl
Mine have been cut right off the door! If they want the bax they will get it!
Joseph Adams
I use a cane to walk and agent will put the lock box around the side farthest from front door behind bushes , makes is very hard to get too.
Judith Traynor
I was told that it was dangerous to place a box on a gas meter line.
Todd J Smith via Facebook
Make lockbox easily accessible. Require a CBS (Call Before Showing) code if occupied.
Danielle Marcario Paluscio
On a main gas or water line to the house that is secured welded at both ends.
ARMLS
We don't recommend it for a couple reasons. We have a call in to SW Gas on the subject, which will probably turn into a blog post.
Bonnie Sumida Arizona Real Estate
I thought it was already discussed that placing the lockbox on the gas meter line is dangerous and could cause a massive fire.
Michelle Denney-Bland
The front door is always the best place to place the lockbox if it is possible. When an agent has to walk around the side of the house to get the lockbox, it takes away from the flow of the showing. You want the first impression to be the absolute best it can be. When I have to walk around to the side of the house, crawl behind bushes and smell a garbage can full of trash, it's hardly the impression I want my clients to see. Unfortunately, they tend to follow me and get the whiff of the garbage, watch me tumble in the rocks I have to walk through to get to the lockbox (I like to wear heels) and of course, I'm all disheveled by the time I get the key out of the lockbox. Oh, and if it's raining, good luck with the mud. Just sayin'
Doug McVinua
The Water supply line to the house is one of my favorite spots.
Sindi Stack
ROFLMAO. Thanks for the comment.
Sindi Stack
LOL. Funniest email I have received today. Forwarding to all my friends. Thanks for the laugh.
Heather Schecky Clarke
Agreed, if they want it, they will find a way to get. Many criminals don't even use the key to get what they want from a house anyway. If the doorknob is not one that can hold my lockbox, I use a gate/fence rail if one is available and convenient. Otherwise, it has to be water spigot….Hopefully it is not behind bushes, because I hate that too! 🙂
Anonymous
Additionally, our neighbors house was broke into when the thief used a drimmel tool to open the lockbox… thieves to to all lengths… amazing!! I guess my question would be, why are the lockboxes armed with sensors to notify ARMLS if a lockbox is being tampered with? For example, if someone tries to saw off a lockbox, there should be some sort of notification. (Sounds strange, but it appears easier for a thief to dislodge a lockbox than an ankle alarm used on criminals – just saying. :))
James Marcus
Hello! Sorry to hear about that. The lockbox is designed as a convenience device that is way more secure than other ways of getting in, for example throwing a rock through the back window. It’s not possible for them to send messages because the batteries would have to be re-charged too often, causing all sorts of other logistical issues. Technology is always advancing, so maybe in the near future it would be possible and feasible.
Karen Barrera via Facebook
good laugh! I cant believe how many are placed on water bib and it’s behind bushes!
Linda Jean Bennett via Facebook
Sometimes it is better to be born with common sense than have no common sense and a education. LOL.
Gregg Contreras
There shouldn't be any problem with putting a lockbox on a gas meter, unless you smell sag! But then you wouldn't really be doing a showing at that point… would you? Just be certain it doesn't block the view of the meter dial… But then, it was said that the door really is the best placement, if possible. May as well make it easy to access, since if a thief really wants it, you can't stop them! Besides, I don't want my agent tracking in mud on her "heels"!
Marti Sauers
If the front door has the correct type of door handle, definitely the front door. But not on a simple door knob. It should be the kind that attach to the door at the top and bottom to protect the homeowner and the box. Otherwise, the water line is the best place, in my opinion. But in such a way that it's accessible. And try to avoid the West side of the home in the summer time. It drives me nuts when the front door is a perfectly fine place to put the box, but they are placed near the ground or on a pipe where they can slide to the ground. The worst I've ever seen was hidden behind a bush near the ground. I couldn't find the thing and had to call the agent. Once I found it, I was covered in cob webs and leaves.. the client felt sorry for me and told me not to bother. Not the best thing for the seller…
Mike Dobbins
There is not a proven case of a fire from a lockbox on the gas stub, its old wives tale! I have had one cut off a front door and a water pipe, NEVER a gas stub. I don't want to be the reason another client home gets broke in.
Karen Seagrave
LOL…SO TRUE!!!!! Sometimes lock boxes are backwards and you have to twist all around just to open it. ..and YES, Raining and digging through the muddy bushes is my favorite.
Kathy McAlpin
I have put them on the water leading to the house and on fences when possible if the box is secure and can't be pulled off. I don't like to put them o. Door knobs because they are so heavy and can dent doors if people aren't careful.
Linda Rehwalt
I prefer the door if possible. At times I get pretty scared walking through bushes and ground cover to find a lockbox….I don't like snakes.
Richard Haworth
I lost a contractor's lock box on a water line when thieves decided to take the copper pipe and valves. I vote for the front door whenever possible.
Gayle Johnson-Nunn
I just wish there was a way for all agents to use the ARMLS lockbox! Hate hunting for the boxes but really hate trying to use the ones with codes, especially when it rains.
Anonymous
don’t go out in the rain
Bob Hertzog
Ahhhh, such a class act…^^^
Dean Ouellette
Way to take a shot at a fellow realtor on his own profile. I agree Mike, but I have heard of them being cut off gas lines.
Brian Petersheim
I had a transaction where we had to turn on utilities and when gas guy got to home he refused to turn the gas on with the LB on the meter.Gas co was SW. Selling agent was mad because we had to extend inspection period because of gas
Kay Wood
I agree – glad to hear it is mandatory to put the codes for mechanical in the proper places. Rentals are notorious to have service boxes (so insecure). Why make us call – just put a regular ARMLS box on and follow the rules. They don't take calls on weekends and that is when showing agents are working. Doesn't make sense.
Karla Dent
PLEASE put the LB somewhere where we don't have to bend over to show our 'back sides', ungraceful bending, or fighting trees, cactus, bushes, thorns, rocky walk ways, bottom of railings in apartments. Even Homeowners scratch their heads a t some of the places these are put on their homes!
Karla Dent
I don't use a cane, Joseph, but have had knee replacement, so you're so right! Higher to avoid bending so far and these 'hidden' things are just crazy! Bugs, spiders, crawlies, dripping faucets, rocks, slippery mud, sand, dirt, whatever. It's like the LA is trying to play "Hide and Seek' and I really don't want to play. If there's a sign in the yard, obviously the house is 'FOR SALE'.
Ron White
I usually put them near the water spicket, but not on the outside of the valve. On the inside so it can not be easily removed.
Starla Williams
I have had a year of physical pain and expense because of a poorly placed lockbox. I tore a disc in my back, and was off work 5 months. I noticed the listing agent is very happy right now, just purchased a new home, giving appliances that don't suit him away, but not one word about my $30K in medical expenses, some covered by insurance, some not. I could have the money for a new home too…
Sue Barnes
I couldn't agree more. It does make it difficult and ruins the flow of conversation we are trying to have with the buyers when we are digging around trying to find the lockbox and then crawl behind bushes to get to it. My luck, a lizard runs across my feet!!
Michelle Michelle
I don't worry about thieves breaking in with the blue lockbox. But if immerse, I'd want it in the front of the house where a thrive would be obvious trying to steal it. If you're using a contractors lock box, then I would be very concerned about theft. Easy to break into those. Blue lock boxes, nots ouch. Put it on the door if you can. Makes a much better curb appeal for showings.
Michelle Michelle
Immense? I was
Michelle Michelle
Darn auto correct, thieve not thrive. And not so much
Cynthia Santiago Monaghan
oh yes I luv crawling thru bushes and almost have to get on my knees while my client stands there and watches ,,,,,front doors please!
Keith Berger
In a location that will keep the lockbox secure. Perhaps a security door or a place where a hacksaw or a blowtorch would be needed to remove it. But the pictures sure do tell a story. It may be funny at first but in reality the Sellers would be extremely exercised if something happened that would compromise their lives.
Steve Spencer
I totally agree that it should be on a solid door knob or entry handle and not in the bushes or around the side of the house where accessing it is a hassle and takes away from the smooth flow of the showing. I have talked to agents that claim putting it on the front door might be visible might attract burglars, I say B, S. The presence of a lokbox is no guarantee that the house is a better target than any other house. I once showed a home to a prominent surgeon and After seeing the supra box he commented that in his youth he had belonged to a gang and could break into most houses in less than a minute which would be much easier than breaking into the supra box. If your box has been removed by force, the guilty party probably took it home to work it over with a sledge hammer to get the key. In that case you might want to tell your seller to think about changing the locks.
Anonymous
I have some very unusal body movements to get to lockboxes and it does not look good when in a skirt or a dress. I think the door knob is the best place or whever possible close to the front door….
Richard Haworth
I once had a lock box taken off a water line – rare occurrence. Vagrants dug up an irrigation line to take apart a buried joint in the pipe so the lock box could be taken off the pipe. Just make the location as secure as possible.
ARMLS
Thanks so much for pointing out that the humorous pics make a point!
ARMLS
We appreciate the story, Steve.
ARMLS
This is a really good point that is not often made. Thanks!
Barbara Bisignano
If left on meters or pipes, please have clear access to area. Brush, debris, etc can be a potential hazard
Anonymous
SW Gas was called out to my listing recently. When they arrived they were upset that my lockbox was on their gas line & I was told me that they were removing it from their line.
When I got there it was not cut off rather placed intact on the ground. Here’s the issue, when we send a code to open the box the signal interferes with their system. SW Gas also said that the gas line is their property & Realtors cannot interfer with their equipment.