The lockbox idea sounds practical, but have you thought about how secure these actually are? I've seen some pretty flimsy models out there, and I'm wondering if anyone's tested different brands or types for durability and tamper resistance. Also, curious if weather extremes (like heavy rain or freezing temps) have caused issues with the combo mechanism over time...wouldn't want to trade one headache for another.
I've had similar concerns myself. We used a lockbox at a flip last winter—thought it was solid—but after a few heavy snowstorms and freezing nights, the combo dial got super stiff. Had to use WD-40 just to open it. Definitely pays to research durability beforehand.
"Had to use WD-40 just to open it."
Haha, been there! Last fall, I was staging a client's home and had the same lockbox drama. It wasn't even winter yet, just a chilly rainy week, and suddenly the dial refused to budge. Ended up awkwardly borrowing a hairdryer from the neighbor to thaw it out—talk about first impressions! Now I always double-check reviews for weather resistance...lesson learned the hard way.
Haha, reminds me of when I first moved into my current place—it's an old house from the 1920s, and the front door lock was so stubborn. I spent a solid 20 minutes jiggling and wiggling it every time I came home. WD-40 was my best friend for a while, but eventually even that stopped working. Turns out, the lock mechanism itself was just worn out from decades of use (and probably neglect). Ended up replacing the whole thing with something a little more modern—but still vintage-looking to match the house. Now I'm curious if weather resistance is something locks lose over time or if older hardware just wasn't made for harsh climates? Either way, definitely learned to keep an eye on those little quirks before they turn into bigger headaches...
Older locks do tend to struggle more with weather, especially if maintenance wasn't great over the years. Most vintage hardware I've handled wasn't exactly built for extreme conditions—materials and coatings just weren't as durable back then. Modern locks usually have better sealing and rust-resistant parts. Still, regular upkeep helps a lot...a quick clean and lube every season can save you from another 20-minute wrestling match down the road.
