I had an appointment with a buyer couple I have been working with this past week on Thursday night at the Shari's off of Sedgwick. I grabbed their binder ( I keep all my clients in individual binders) grabbed my keys off the table and shut my door.
OOPS!
I had grabbed my office keys which are never on my table and look just like my car keys. You see I hate carrying keys so I have two key chains. Bad move on my part. Of course I have a spare house key in my car - oops locked. Of course my boys have keys to my house - oops they live 60 miles away. Of course my husband has a key - oops he lives in Alaska. Of course I made one for my good neighbor June - oops keep forgetting to give it to her! So I was locked out!
I called my buyer couple and explained the situation and of course they were very understanding and offered to drive to my house to help if I needed. I called June and told her I would need to come over to her house and use her phone book so I could call a locksmith. Oh joy!
I received very quick service by Mike Forbragd of Anytime Lock & Safe (after all it was after hours). I really didn't want to pay the $85 but knew that it was probably the going rate. After speaking with Mike as I handed him my card I knew he was right to not find the cheapest but go with the bonded, professional CML that he is. So if you are ever in need of a locksmith in Bremerton or the surrounding Kitsap County - give Mike a call!
The next day at my re-scheduled appointment with my buyer couple they presented me with a Lowe's shopping bag and inside was a very fancy dancy safe storage device for your spare keys called the Master Lock. It is like having your own personal key box with a combination code installed on the exterior of your house so that you have access to your spare key - HOW COOL!! I have the coolest buyer couples!
Author:Jo Soss
Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.
Subscribe
Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty
Washington State Required Disclosures
"Equal Housing Opportunity"
How thoughtful of that buyer couple. How does that fancy storage device for your key work? Where is it attached? Sounds almost like having a personal supra key lockbox for your own home.
It's always nice to have understanding buyers. I didn't know that something like Master Lock was available. That's worth a trip to Lowe's!
Leah, You can attach it to your siding. The screws are on the inside and it can hold up to 5 keys. It does remind me of a lock box. I am going to let the hubby install it when he comes home on leave.
John, I love my buyers! They are all so amazing! I had never seen this type of device either. Here it is. the combo part is covered by a black sliding cover.
Sorry to hear that had happened to you but a much cheaper mistake than some of us make (myself) lol
Things happen for a purpose I'm glad that it turned out fine in the end!
Regards,
Pete
Pete, I always wonder - hmmm would I have been in an accident had I traveled the freeway? There was one that night.
This combination key holders are very popular in the real estate business. i sold many of them in my locksmith years.
jus one important note. when intsalling or hanging (there is a type that hang on your door knob) them, it is recomended to inspect the surface (or the door knob) first to make sure it is strong enough.
Sounds like these locks would be much better than the simulated rocks that you place inconspicuously in the landscaping. :)
What wonderful clients you have, Jo. And now you have a great locksmith to refer them to when they need one. That's making a Win-win out of a bad situation!
Very cool clients to bring you that. I had to cancel an appointment the other evening beause my car broke down. I HATE cancelling appointments but it was inevitable. Fortunately they understood and we rescheduled. Just makes me feel bad even though I know we are only human as well!
Hank, I thought that would be the case. I have a special place for it that is nice new wood and not visible by anyone. I don't think I could put it on my siding next to my front door.
Jim, I have had a "pet rock" but never a fake rock :)
Lisa, I am some awesome clients!
Valerie, Oh dang! I hate car problems more than anything!
Jo- Great story... I too had to cancel a appointment because of car issues. (always replace a ball joint BEFORE it fails) I have found though if you have to cancel or reschedule people will understand if you explain things calmly and promptly.
Sounds like you found a good locksmith out of the whole ordeal too!
Best,
Scott
Just a note to thank Jo for the kind words. Also to let everyone know that I carry the Master keybox as well in my shop which is located at the Fred Meyer Plaza in Bremerton. We also have a number of other types of key hiders as well as one which consists of a canvas pouch and is held in place at your secret hiding place with very strong velcro! No more rusty tin boxes under your car which usually fall off after a few years..... Just a note.... Mike Forbragd, CML - Owner of Anytime Lock & Safe for over 35 years in Bremerton.