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Your Maryland lockbox doesn’t work in Virginia

October 14, 2009 By Doug Francis

sentilockIn the past two weeks, I have shown up at two vacant homes in Fairfax, Virginia with clients wanting to take a look-see, only to find that the SentriLock lock-boxes did not work. You know, SentriLock’s are the little blue boxes on the front door handles of homes for sale.

In the Washington D.C. metro area, we have Realtor Associations in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, plus many Realtor sub-associations in each state. Some agents get licensed in all three jurisdictions which also means they need to join each association (yes, it does sound like a racket to me too). But, this is where some agents may be trying to skip a step when working on the other side of the river.

Well, the first time the box did not work I just called the agent and left a message. The second time I left a message too. I figured out the Maryland connection through a little detective work… their telephone numbers were area code 301.

Maybe a trench coat would help my business? Or maybe that’s a 301 redirect (too geeky?)

Silence.

No response, no thank you’s, and no call saying that they changed the box so please come back.

They did not care about the situation… probably because driving from Maryland into Northern Virginia almost requires you to go through Tysons Corner where the Capital Beltway is torn up and traffic is snarled 18-hours a day.

The lesson for the Sellers: If your agent installs an out of area lock-box, then you have a gross negligence case.

Maybe it’s time to find someone who cares about selling your home!


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Filed Under: Blog, Video Blogs Tagged With: agent, buyer, seller, technology, virginia

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he "starred" in a tech commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Being able to guide my clients through many real estate sales, either moving out, moving in, or just across town, has been a rewarding experience that helps when discussing a plan with a future client.

Being able to help them focus and understand our proven sales plan always eases their anxiety of this looming personal task. And, putting it into bite-sized steps always helps them get where they really want to be.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the town tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing ~ and my marketing starts here. My elite clientele has been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients now.

Thanks for reading... and feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or send me an email at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

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