No SupraKey, No Referrals

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

I have one that is practically brand new but it sits in a desk drawer. We used to have to buy it so I did. Shortly after buying it the local Realtors Assoc. decided to curtail that particular key and go with a newer version (I bought this one thru them) that you have to lease. No thanks, I do just fine without one. I would need several too to cover the areas I work in.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by mtimpani

Dale, they are not available for all AZ inspectors. Tucson association does not allow it. I have been trying for three years.

My Key works there..............

[Gary L. Porter]

I would need 5 also.

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

In KC affiliates of the Realtor Board can lease one, BUT you need the Agents CBS Code along with your Pin Code to use it and the vast majority of agents don't have a clue what the CBS Code is OR what the Code for that specific box is - even when they'd like to have you go and use it.

Its really very pathetic in a way. They're often very personable, but so under-educated or poorly trained in their own jobs.

Last week I had an agent send me a list of 25 CBS Codes. She had no idea which box was on the house she wanted me to sit a radon test in. So I stood at the front door trying codes - it was #21.

You'd think they'd have better education about what they do for a living.

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

Back when I used a Supra key I had the exact same experience. A handful knew exactly what I was talking about and could provide the CBS codes, but the vast majority would get into a pi$$ing match with me about it and insist all I had to do was enter my PIN to access. NO amount of discussion could convince them I was right. I had one female Realtor go into a blind rage and start using language that would embarrass a Longshoreman.

For a short duration I could call the Association and they would provide the CBS code but they stopped doing that for all the legal and right reasons. That coupled with the "leasing thingy" helped make my decision to stop carrying one. I like the idea of having one but it is not worth all the hassles and expense. Like I said, it hasn't slowed down business. That is part of their job, to show up and give access and most understand that part. I guess I am fortunate as most of the Realtors I work with routinely are very Professional and know their job. Makes my life easier and hopefully I make their a little easier while doing what the customer paid for.

[Russel Ray]

Iin February, San Diego switched from the Supra system to the Sentrilock system. Much more convenient since the Sentrilock system involves a device the looks and size of a credit card. I always wanted to get the appropriate "key," but SDAR doesn't allow affiliate members to have them. Alas, Jim, my Domestic Partner, has been a Realtor at Century 21 Award since May 2005, so if I need to get in under unusual circumstances, he can let me in.

[James H. Bushart]

I present to my clients that only those with an interest in the outcome of the sale of the home have the owner's trust and confidence for immediate access at any time. The real estate association requires that I join and become one of their "associates" before giving me a supra key which is something I simply refuse to do.

For their share of the commission, the real estate salesman can at least show up and unlock the door.

I've had the real estate salesman actually pass the combination off to the buyer. Here we are...the two of us...going through this stranger's house, looking in their closets, their basement, their garage....with no real estate agent in sight.

And people actually PAY their real estate salesmen for this. I can hardly believe it.

[nwagner]

Originally Posted by jbushart

I've had the real estate salesman actually pass the combination off to the buyer. Here we are...the two of us...going through this stranger's house, looking in their closets, their basement, their garage....with no real estate agent in sight.

I had one where the agent passed it off to me. Someone was willing to sell a home that was 2 hours away but was not interested in traveling that far to open the door ...

[bpaull]

I have had a Supra for years. I don't mind paying a yearly fee for it. I would rather get my inspection started alone and not have a Realtor hovering. In our area, a Supra unlocks most boxes and those who don't use that type of box, generally have combinations that they are happy to give me. Like Nick, I would have a problem being forced to have one. I like it better if it's my idea.

[David P. Valley]

Wow...I can't believe how many Home Inspectors need Lock-Box keys in order to complete an inspection.

In Massachusetts, the listing Agent is always on site (99% of the time) to unlock the door for the Inspector and the Buyers. The other 1% of the time, the responsibility gets passed on to the Buyer's broker. If they want the house to sell, they must be on-site on my inspection date.

Most of them even walk through the house (after I leave) and shut off any lights I missed, they make sure the windows are locked and they even confirm that the thermostat is placed to it's original settings.

I feel bad for all of you who are held responsible for gaining access to a house you have to inspect. The less responsibility I have, the better off it becomes for me. It gives me time to think or relax (at times) during my busy days.

[nwagner]

Originally Posted by dvalley

Wow...I can't believe how many Home Inspectors need Lock-Box keys in order to complete an inspection.

In Massachusetts, the listing Agent is always on site (99% of the time) to unlock the door for the Inspector and the Buyers. The other 1% of the time, the responsibility gets passed on to the Buyer's broker. If they want the house to sell, they must be on-site on my inspection date.

Most of them even walk through the house (after I leave) and shut off any lights I missed, they make sure the windows are locked and they even confirm that the thermostat is placed to it's original settings.

I feel bad for all of you who are held responsible for gaining access to a house you have to inspect. The less responsibility I have, the better off it becomes for me. It gives me time to think or relax (at times) during my busy days.

I wish I had the same experience. Quite frankly, I feel it is best to have the real estate agent to meet the client and I before the start of the inspection so that he/she can personally provide us useful information. For some clients, it is also desireable for the agent to return at the end of the inspection so that they can address any grey areas while I am still there. While some agents agree with this, I am finding all too often that convenience trumps service.

[Peter C. Russell]

Originally Posted by dvalley

Wow...I can't believe how many Home Inspectors need Lock-Box keys in order to complete an inspection.

In Massachusetts, the listing Agent is always on site (99% of the time) to unlock the door for the Inspector and the Buyers. The other 1% of the time, the responsibility gets passed on to the Buyer's broker. If they want the house to sell, they must be on-site on my inspection date.

Most of them even walk through the house (after I leave) and shut off any lights I missed, they make sure the windows are locked and they even confirm that the thermostat is placed to it's original settings.

I feel bad for all of you who are held responsible for gaining access to a house you have to inspect. The less responsibility I have, the better off it becomes for me. It gives me time to think or relax (at times) during my busy days.

DITTO!!!!!!

[Bruce Thompson]

I have one for the Tyler area and it is not supposed to be used anywhere else. I would have to buy 2-3 others for the Metroplex, which I'm not willing to do.

I don't really want to have to spend the $400 or so that I do, but I do it for my clients AND I don't want to be dependent on the Realtor's time schedule.

My .02 cents

[Bruce Thompson]

Originally Posted by dbowers

In KC affiliates of the Realtor Board can lease one, BUT you need the Agents CBS Code along with your Pin Code to use it and the vast majority of agents don't have a clue what the CBS Code is OR what the Code for that specific box is - even when they'd like to have you go and use it.

Its really very pathetic in a way. They're often very personable, but so under-educated or poorly trained in their own jobs.

Last week I had an agent send me a list of 25 CBS Codes. She had no idea which box was on the house she wanted me to sit a radon test in. So I stood at the front door trying codes - it was #21.

You'd think they'd have better education about what they do for a living.

I will say that our Realtors know what a CBS code is and provide them for me.

We didn't use the CBS code until last November when a home inspector's son began going into people's houses....finally went into one and the people were home. "Uh, I'm just here to examine the uh....."

Shotgun approach. Now I gotta use a CBS code.

Bruce

[Carl H. Lederhaus]

went to do an inspection an hour away once. The buyers and I stood there for an hour waiting for the realtor to show. He finally call my cell and said he was having car problems and was stuck on the road side and could not get there. I noticed that the number on my caller ID was his office phone. The buyers walked because he would not give us the lock combination and wanted to do the inspection the next day. I sent a bill to the branch manager with a letter explaining what went on. He made the realtor pay my bill out of his pocket. I found out he had done this a few time before because he does not like to go out in below zero weather. He just likes to make his clients stand out in it.
He no longer works for that company.