How do the real estate agents get the Lockbox combination to open the door for his/her clients?

If I don't have a buyer agent, how do I check out a for sale property locked with a lockbox?

You need an agent. These numbers are provided on the MLS(Multi-Listing Service) and can only be accessed by people who are registered.

If you are not an agent(or don't have one) you would have to contact the owner(or their agent directly).

If you're not an agent, you will have to contact the seller's agent to get the lockbox info. Realtors have access to the lockbox code and can get the codes from the listings in the real estate database but sharing the code with non-Realtors could actually cause them to lose their license if they get caught.

You do not check it out then! Just because they are for sale does not mean they are open to the public!

Most homes on the MLS have electronic lockboxes that opens with their cell phone. The banks use combination locks, you get the code from the bank, but you need a license to obtain that.

We call the office holding the listing and give them our information, including our license number and they will give us the code for the lockbox.

"If I don't have a buyer agent, how do I check out a for sale property locked with a lockbox?" You don't. You will need to have a real estate agent accompany you to any showing on a home that is listed with a real estate agency.

The reason for the lockbox is to accommodate real estate agents who have clients to look at homes. We are professionals, and since we are bound by a code of ethics, and there is a record of any showing by an agent, there is accountability in case something is stolen/damaged. There is no accountability when the lockbox code is given out to anyone.

I'm not sure why you would not want an agent with you to help you with the purchase. In most cases, you're not paying the agent anyway, and that agent will impart to you his/her expertise in the purchase, including whether or not the property is worth what the asking price is.

You do not get access to the lockbox combination UNLESS you are a qualified real estate agent, or other person with a valid reason to enter the premises, such as an inspector or repair person.

You don't gain access to such a property without a real estate agent.

Although you won't be able to use the lock box, you can always knock on the door as ask the seller/owner to show you the property. If the owner feels uncomfortable about showing you the home without an agent present, you can always ask when is there next public Open House. During public Open Houses, the listing agent will be present and will show the house to anyone who shows up, no appointments or contracts needed.

I'm a licensed realtor in CT, and I see this quite frequently.