Q. I have just agreed terms with my agent to place my property on the market for sale. Having discussed viewing arrangements my agent has asked if I can provide them with a set of keys. Is this really necessary, and are there really advantages to letting my agent have keys?
A. Good question. Having keys to a property that we are marketing is a priority. Today’s hectic lifestyle means that most of us are rarely at home as longer working hours seem to be the order of the day. Although generally speaking people tend to want to view on the evening and weekend you would be surprised how many people now take time off from work to hunt for their new home. We often have people wonder into the office in the middle of the day with no pre booked appointment doing just that. If we have keys we are able to strike while the iron is hot and view immediately. Often whenever keys are not available and we have to wait for the vendor to return home, that buyer is usually back on the train home having made an offer on something they were able to view. Buyers too, are often far more relaxed when viewing if the vendors are not present as are the majority of vendors. Security of course is paramount, and a key tagging system that does not relate your keys to your property is operated within all reputable agents offices.