It's a numerical code box that anyone with the number can access. It's used for non-agents to gain access. Maybe a plumber or HVAC guy to do work. Maybe a cleaning crew to tidy the place up. It's called a combo lock box or builders key safe. If you do agree to use one of these boxes, make sure your agent customizes the key code.  You would be suprised at the number of times the code for these boxes is the same assigned by the manufactor (which makes it very easy to figure out).   We don't recommend one for an active listing on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  It is less secure than the blue lock box below and no feedback is provided to your real estate agent regarding who has accesed the property.  Maybe your agent is using these grey boxes. These are what we used before. But, the lock box keys that agents use have changed and we can't get access with this lock box. Most agents use a lock box key similar to the black one above or have the infrared software on their cell phone to gain access  When we moved to the blue boxes, GE gave us a blue box for each grey box we turned in. I'm not sure why any agent kept a grey box.

Hopefully, this is the box your agent is using to secure your home. It goes on the door knob, the hose bib or any pipe. It's accessed by a computerized key by a real estate professional that needs to be updated every night. It will send contact information on any agent that shows your home to your listing agent. It is the most secure way to give access to real estate agents, inspectors and appraisers. It's the best way to get feedback from other agents too. We are notified of each showing and we can call each agent to find out if they liked it, hated it, showed it or just previewed it.  Additionally, your agent can set this lock box so that it will only open at certain hours of the day.  So you can have it blocked from being opened during the night.

 

We recommend that if your prospective agent isn't going to use a blue lock box, then pick another agent.