I bought a power inverter at Wal-Mart for about $40. It plugs into my cig. lighter, and creates 110V output. This is always in my truck, and I can always plug in my camera charger to avoid having dead batteries.

We use a variety of different style lockboxes and lockbox codes. I try to ALWAYS write them down as soon as it is installed, but sometimes forget and struggle to remember the codes. A new idea I'm trying is to TAKE A PHOTO OF THE LOCKBOX as soon as I install it. Once I see the box, I usually know the code. We take photos of everything else, why not the lockbox? Also, don't know if this is already on the list, but of course you want to take photos of the dataplates on mobile/manufactured homes. It will save you time and effort later!

Great ideas. I also keep a list with me of gate codes for gated communities. Some agents use the same combo for each of their listing combo-boxes, so I keep a list of those, also.

LOCKBOX CODES---get used to some type of coded method to insert them into the agents comments on the MLS.

For example---if you work for ABC Realty Co and the lockbox code is 2609 then at the end of the agent comments put the following.

ABC2609

or

2609ABC

Of course you can choose to make it a bit more complex.
This is largely for those agents in your office who may be showing your properties or those who are taking your phone calls away from the office without all of the info handy.

We get fined $100 for any mention of a combo lockbox in the MLS. It has to be a Metrolist lockbox or we can't bring it up..

I soooooooo wish we could put the LB codes in the MLS!

Auburn-Have you thought about encoding the code like suggested? I don't like to tell other agents in the listing as there are too many in our area that I know let their clients just "visit" on their own---which when I find out I call their broker..

CAUTION ABOUT LOCKBOXES...

A REO property I had listed last year went under contract in 10 days and then the fun began...Some agent gave out the combo and when we weren't looking someone out of Puerto Rico (or maybe here in Denver) started renting the property out asking for money wire transferred to PR, the minute the transfer hit PR it was wired out. The phone company investigated the phone number and found out it was bouncing through at least four services then lost. The Denver accompliace even held an open house to rent it. Four families were stung, and the lock box changed every three days.

I think it's #83 or so:

After doing all those BPOs, you get that REO listing only to have your beautiful sign tagged by some kid's fat maker. After installing my signs I smooth on a thin layer of Vasoline to both sides, using my always available vinyl gloves. Serves two purposes, keeps my signs relatively clear from graffitti, and I usually find the Magic Marker nearby as it will no longer work. If the sign gets to dusty, or bug filled, I replace and bring home and wash with Dawn detergent. Remember to pick-up those dead markers

#84 http://www.bestplaces.net/ and cyberhomes.com are to sources for comps, neighborhood and demographic data that are useful for me

#85 - Tagging BPO photos with contact information -

I use either PaintshopPro or Adobe. After I resize the photos, I look for an area that is either pretty uniform in color e.g. sky or asphalt, pick a color that will stand out against the background color. Using the text editor within the program I add the following:

Asset ID: 12345
Address: 1234 Main St.
View: Front (or back, street, address verification, damage, etc.)
BPO completed by: ColoradoReo
email: coloradoreo@comcast.net

I pick a font size that is not to distracting, neither too large nor too small. I also BOLD, ITALICIZE the text. Helps it stand out.

No company that I have done BPOs for has complained, but I don't think they really know what and why I'm doing this. I have gotten direct contact from lenders on other properties which I didn't even do a BPO on. And have gotten listings.

This act of self-promotion keeps your info in front of the lender who ordered the BPO. Remeber, if they say your name three times they will remember you.

Its always a good idea to keep a list of lockbox codes in you PDA for agents. Lots of them will use the same code for multiple properties.

Thank you for whoever started this post. The information on this post has been great.

Dan

Thanks for the compliment Dan! I'm happy to see SO many great replies and tips!

SUGGESTIONS FOR HANDLING LOCKBOX CODES ON YOUR REO LISTINGS

#86

Keep an up-to-date list of all lockbox codes posted at your office for use by floor duty agents and the secretary. Make extra copies for yourself: the car, by every phone you use, taped on the computer, and I even have my husband keep a copy in his wallet in case I get a call when we are out.

When you have a few REO listings, it isn't much of a bother to have showing agents phone you directly for codes--but when you get a dozen or so, it gets to be a problem. I put the following in agent only comments on all my REOs: Call office for lockbox code.

#87

When the vendor allows you to select the lockbox code, use the last four digits of two or three different phone numbers and then rotate among them (office number, fax number, your cell number). That way if you get caught without your list, you only have to guess a couple of times.

#88

Pick any two numbers as the last two digits and then assign the first two numbers of the address as the first two digits.

#89 Finding information on a newer property not in tax record or MLS.

Try to find the subdivision name at least. This can lead you to some type of listing - which can get you a builder's name. With either builder's name or subdivision name, you can often find a website with the info online to include sq ft, acreage, # BR, BA. You may even find Active Comps this way.

BP!, REALTOR, 8 years doing BPOs. Now specializing in BPOs.