You mention an agent accidentally walked into your property using a master key. I too would be upset if that happened to me but that is not a lock box issue, a security issue yes, but not a lock box issue. Unless there are a bunch of agents out there with master keys (I certainly hope not) then this is a very isolated experience. Certainly there are other solutions to resolving that problem than to force all properties to be shown by appointment only. And for that matter, the agent who walked in on you will not be affected by the policy change as she has access to the property with or without making an appointment with a listing agent.

I agree that the previous system (securing lock boxes to storage cages throughout the parking structure) was less than ideal. Many of the listing agents failed to mark their keys and fobs adequately so it was difficult to make sure one returned the right keys and fobs to the right lock box. I use to bring small sandwich bags and a marker with me when I showed the building. I would make a seperate bag for the contents of each lock box so that I was sure to return everything to the right place(cumbersome but effective). Two great things about the key fob system are that “lost” fobs can be deactivated thereby eliminating any security risk AND the HOA controls who has fobs and can charge listing agents a high fee if they lose them (this would encourage them to mark their fobs well AND to identify any agents who fail to return the fob to the appropriate lock box). Please know that today’s lock boxes allow the listing agent to identify exactly which agent access the box and when.

As of a couple months ago, the concierge was explicitly prohibited from helping agents show property. Has that changed? If so that is great. When you say the HOA manager helps agents, who are you referring to? Ms. Pocs? If so, although she is very helpful and a great asset of the building, I did not know that her job included assisting agents in showing property. I do not think that is the case at all.

I know that security is important to the HOA at Biltmore Towers, as it should. That’s great. However, making it more difficult to show condos is not good for the building. Encourage the HOA to reconsider their solution. Go see how other HOA’s solved the same problem (eg Biltmore Square and Third Avenue Lofts) and come up with a solution that provides great security AND allows agents to show the condos in a manner that “makes sense”. You guys have a high tech modern security system in a modern building. Certainly there are better ways to contral “access” to listings than the “old world” way of scheduling appointments.

Liz

When we purchased in Optima, three of the better units we looked at were shown by appointment. Our Realtor had no problem coordinating the appointments and it was a great pleasure to meet the listing agents to answer questions, etc.

We’ve also found out that several fobs have been missing from the lock boxes… not very good for security. Also, it’s not uncommon for Realtors to mix the keys up… leaving the next Realtor in a bit of a pickle.

We also have an onsite HOA manager and a concierge service to help coordinate Realtors, sellers, and prospects.

I encourage the board to stick to their guns on this one. They have the best interest of the residents in mind… knowing that we have a strong HOA board is a terrific sell point that well out-weights a Realtor actually working for their client by making appointments.

The best people to help sell existing units are the current residents who feel SAFE and SECURE in one of the best high-rise condo complexes in the Phoenix area. This will NOT hurt property values… in fact, it shows new prospects that we are serious about security and proud of this incredible community. In fact, folks and Realtors already know that Optima Bilmore Towers IS the place to live when wanting a fantastic location in the 24th Street and Camelback area of Phoenix.