“The odds of an electronic lockbox being defective vary directly with how far a new listing is from the agent’s office.”
–Murphy’s Law, Realtor edition.
Unfortunately, I learned that lesson firsthand this morning, driving 40+ miles round-trip to place an electronic lockbox on a new listing.
The silver lining (of sorts): the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors (“MAAR”) office was on the way, which is where I stopped by to swap out the defective lockbox for a new one.
P.S.: And yes, the problem could have been avoided if I’d tested the lockbox before leaving my office. But — at least until today — I typically only did that before showing listings as a Buyer’s agent, when I know I’m going to be opening multiple lockboxes in quick succession.
See also, “Murphy’s Law & the Buyer’s Walk-Through Inspection“; Murphy’s Law: Showing Condo’s”; “Murphy’s Law — Realtor Edition“; and “Murphy’s Law: “For Sale’ Signs.”
