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New Lockbox

6/30/2017

1 Comment

 
PictureClick to Enlarge
One of the unique tools that most Realtors utilize is an electronic lockbox in which to store keys for listed properties. Each Realtor can access the lockbox utilizing a specialized device, or as many do, with an app on their cell phone. It's a very convenient and efficient system. When an agent accesses the lockbox, the listing agent is (nearly) immediately notified of who accessed the lockbox, and the exact date and time -- great for security and follow up.

There's an additional layer of security that one can add with these lockboxes, in the form of a secondary code that must be input, along with the use of an electronic Realtor lockbox key as noted above. While most agents have good intentions, and try to arrive on time for a scheduled appointment, there are often circumstances that are out of their control that cause them to be late, or early, to a scheduled showing. It is not unheard of for clients to call a few minutes prior to their meeting to say "I'm running 30 minutes late -- see you in a bit" -- all well and good, but if you're viewing 5 or 6 houses, the whole schedule is now out of sync. Likewise, buyers will spend less time at a house than anticipated (or want to skip it all together) or will spend more time at a property than allocated. In all cases, it will modify the schedule of showings. Most homeowners are very understanding, but of course, some are not! But the worst is when an agent shows up unannounced..."we were just driving through the neighborhood and saw your sign" -- they knock once, hit the lockbox, and let themself (and their client) in -- and you're in the shower! That's where that secondary code noted earlier (Call Before Showing or CBS code) comes in handy -- no unexpected showings!

The downside of the CBS code is that once an agent has it, they now have unlimited access, as the code is not easily changed. And they might circle back with another client, or to take a 2nd look -- again, unannounced. That's where my new lockbox comes in handy.

With my new electronic lockbox, I can provide a code to an agent (or a tradesperson -- painter, plumber, electrician, for example) that is good for one opening of the lockbox, or that is good for a time/date range, and then expires. Note that the Realtor electronic lockboxes can only be used by Realtors -- they won't work for tradespeople, as most tradespeople don't possess lockbox keys. Up until now, I generally used combination lockboxes for tradespeople, but the combinations aren't often changed, and once they have the combination they have unlimited access as well -- the majority are honest and I've not had any problems, but it is a weakness from a security perspective - this eliminates that weakness. Like the Realtor electronic lockboxes, I'm also provided a record of who accessed the lockbox (although it's not instantaneous unless the person opening the lockbox uses an app, which would be unusual) and I can generate codes on the fly, and text to either agents or trades personnel (even the homeowner if they've inadvertently locked themselves out!).

So all in all a good find! I'm also considering purchasing the deadbolt model for my own home.

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Master Lock Bluetooth Lock
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Realtor Supra Lockbox
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Common Combination Lockbox
1 Comment

DRAFT - Old Towne Orange Design Standards

6/10/2017

1 Comment

 
PictureClick for Draft
The City of Orange recently released a draft copy of the revised design standards for the Old Towne Orange historic district. The current design standards document was published in 1999 and so a new version is welcome and long overdue! Click the photo to the left to view the draft.

You'll see in the draft references to elements such as solar panels, vinyl windows (not appropriate), vinyl fencing (not appropriate), modifications to non-historic (aka "non-contributing") structures, garage doors, satellite dishes, in-fill projects and the like.

Please review -- if you see something you don't feel is correct, or this is missing, please let the City know! They are currently soliciting input prior to submitting the final version for City Council approval. Comments and/or suggestions can be left here, and they will be passed along to the City, or you can email the City directly:

Marissa Moshier
City of Orange
Sr. Historic Planner
714-744-7243
mmoshier@cityoforange.org

1 Comment

    Author

    Tony Trabucco is a real estate Broker who lives in Old Towne Orange, CA

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Tony Trabucco
Orange Realty, Inc.
1537 East Chapman Ave
Orange, CA 92866
714.288.9369
Tony@OrangeRealty.com
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CA DRE Lic #: 0982321
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