Totally get it—sometimes the old-school stuff just works better. I’ve had smart locks glitch on me during a flip and it’s a pain when you’re juggling tools and your phone’s dead. Lockboxes aren’t fancy, but they’re reliable. You’re not alone in sticking with what works.
Had a smart lock freeze up on me once during a showing—standing there with a potential buyer, fumbling with the app, feeling like a total amateur. Ended up calling my contractor to bring the backup key. Ever since, I keep a basic lockbox hidden somewhere, just in case. I get the appeal of tech, but sometimes I wonder if we’re just making things harder for ourselves. Anyone else feel like the “upgrade” is more hassle than help?
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I kinda like the smart lock. Had a couple hiccups at first (forgot my phone inside once… not fun), but after getting used to it, it’s been pretty handy. No more digging for keys or worrying if I locked up. I still keep a spare key hidden just in case, but for me, the convenience outweighs the occasional glitch. Maybe it’s just about finding the right system that works for you?
I get the appeal—no more fumbling for keys in the bottom of a bag, and it’s nice not having to double back to check if you locked up. But I do wonder about the long-term reliability. What happens if the battery dies or the app glitches at the worst possible moment? I’ve seen a few clients get caught out by tech that just didn’t play nice when they needed it most.
Have you thought about how it fits with your door style or overall look? Some of those smart locks can be a bit clunky or just not match the vibe of an older home. I’ve had people ask me to swap them out for something more classic after a year or two because they missed the feel of a solid, traditional lock.
I guess it comes down to what you’re willing to risk for convenience. Personally, I still lean toward a good old-fashioned key—maybe I’m just old school, but there’s something reassuring about it. But hey, if it works for you and you’ve got a backup plan, maybe that’s all that matters.
Honestly, I totally get where you’re coming from. The idea of getting locked out because a battery died kinda freaks me out too, especially if you’re on a tight budget and can’t just swap tech every couple years. I did look at smart locks but ended up sticking with a regular deadbolt—less to go wrong, and way cheaper to maintain. Plus, some of those smart ones just look awkward on an older door, like they’re trying too hard. I guess if you’re into gadgets and willing to keep up with the updates it could work, but for now, my old key does the trick.