To Whom It May Concern,
In regards to the lockbox violation matter that took place earlier this year, I would like to summarize the circumstances so that other MLS Subscribers might learn from my mistake.
The home in question was being purchased for my dad, mom, and sister. We had our final walk-through scheduled for Saturday, January 17th, with plans to close the following Tuesday. I planned to meet my sister at the house for this walk-through. However, as I was on my way to the property for that meeting, my wife called and asked that I come back home as she was suffering from an excruciating migraine. Under the circumstance, I called my sister and gave her the lockbox code so I could relieve my wife and be with our children. While my sister was at the property, the seller came to the home and saw that my sister was there without me being present. The seller was very upset that I was not there with my sister. My sister was also accompanied by a family friend who is also a contractor. The seller opposed him being there as well.
I am well aware that giving out lock box codes is wrong and a very serious matter. However, I believed that under the special circumstances, and with the walk-through involving my sister, I could make an exception. Through this experience, I have learned that lockbox codes should NEVER be given out no matter the circumstance! By giving out a lockbox code, the owner of the home is not protected, the home may not be locked up properly, and from an ethical point of view it’s just WRONG.
This MLS policy (along with supporting reasons and escalating fines) should be taken seriously by all real estate professionals. As REALTORS®, we have a code of ethics to live and work by and a trust with our clients that is priceless. In the future, given the same circumstances, I would handle this situation differently. I would like all REALTORS® to learn from my experience and think twice before sharing a lockbox code with any unauthorized individual(s).
Thank You.
Note: Under the newly updated MLS policies going into effect today, MLS Subscribers who commit their first offense against Realcomp's lockbox policy must provide a written letter which acknowledges the importance of the policy. This letter is to be shared with other MLS Subscribers via Realcomp's weekly e-newsletter in order to help educate all regarding the policy. (This is the first of these letters.)
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