Any advice?

**Jtara** · 06-25-2009, 07:26 AM

I have been a realtor in the Southern California area for about 4 years. One of my listings has seen little traffic over the last six months. I finally got a nibble and now have a signed purchase agreement and the inspection contingencies have been cleared. I'm about two weeks from closing. My client has already moved and the property is empty. When I stopped over to check on the property, the garage was open and people were walking around inside. No one had called me about a showing. The buyer somehow got the lockbox code and had come over to look through at the property again. No agent was present. I've never heard of this happening. I am so furious and shocked I don't know what I can or should do. What would you do?

**markbrian** · 06-25-2009, 08:00 AM

This is a good reason to only use electronic boxes. Did you ask how they gained access? Who gave them the code? It would appear the buyer's agent did, but proving it will be very hard. But if you can prove it, take it up with your association.

Also I would have my broker speak to the buyer's agent's broker. And change the lock box code if you have not already, double check for unlocked windows, etc.

**michaelsf** · 06-25-2009, 11:15 AM

I agree with mark, are you sure they got the lockbox code? The odds of that happening are pretty slim, unless you used 1-2-3-4 or you posted it on the MLS and an agent told them. I'd suggest writing "call agent for lockbox code" in the mls, don't post the actual code anywhere. That way, you'll always know who is viewing the property.

Also, of course, double check all the windows and doors!

**gjtrafl** · 06-29-2009, 10:12 AM

Just be careful about how you approach the issue with the buyers agent. They could make this transaction much more difficult in the future. I would save my opinions until after closing.

**First Time Home Buyers** · 06-30-2009, 10:33 AM

Wait til it closes, and then go to the buyer's agent broker and tell them what happened.

It's against the law for them to allow the buyer to enter the property without them being their. They can lose their license, etc.

Bottom line: that ain't cool.