House key missing after showing…?

Homeseller Forum
1

Some background—the house I’m selling is mostly empty, and I don’t live there anymore. I’m frequently checking up on it because people are leaving lights on, blinds in weird positions, parking in the garage, etc. Today, my agent called saying the current group couldn’t get in. He mentioned there were two keys in the lockbox, which confused me because there was originally only one key.

When I drove over, it turns out the previous day’s group took the garage door opener keys, which aren’t needed for entry. They put those in the lockbox, and now my actual house key is missing. My agent reached out to previous groups, but I haven’t heard anything all day. Should I be more concerned?

2

I would be changing locks and letting your agent know that there will be no more showings without them present.

3

Marley said:
I would be changing locks and letting your agent know that there will be no more showings without them present.

I’d be very worried. Someone switched keys and took your house key for a reason. Change the locks ASAP.

4

@Cameron
They managed to lock the front door, so they definitely had the key with them. They just didn’t put it back in the lockbox.

5

I would definitely change locks ASAP. Whether it was an accident or someone planning to squat, it’s better to be safe.

6

Gray said:
I would definitely change locks ASAP. Whether it was an accident or someone planning to squat, it’s better to be safe.

You should also worry about someone squatting in the house.

7

@Eucabeth
Or stealing appliances and copper wiring out of the walls.

8

The last person who accessed the home is most likely the one who took the key. Their broker should cover the cost of changing the locks.

9

Sawyer said:
The last person who accessed the home is most likely the one who took the key. Their broker should cover the cost of changing the locks.

Change the locks even if you get the key back. It’s been gone long enough for someone to make a copy.

10

@Levi
A key can be copied from a photo. All they need is a picture of it.

11

Sounds like your agent should cover the cost of changing your locks.

12

Oak said:
Sounds like your agent should cover the cost of changing your locks.

Wait, people are parking in your garage during showings?

13

Merritt said:

Oak said:
Sounds like your agent should cover the cost of changing your locks.

Wait, people are parking in your garage during showings?

Maybe they wanted to check if their big SUV fits. Older homes often have smaller garages.

14

@Sloan
I always bring a measuring tape to check during showings.

15

Reagan said:
@Sloan
I always bring a measuring tape to check during showings.

Same here. I drive a long vehicle, so I’ve parked it in garages during showings to see if it fits.