Self Storage for Real Estate Agents

Never has a market been more competitive for real estate agents.  Houses are selling in Auckland like hot cakes at record prices but it would seem to win the right to sell, commissions are being dropped, incentives are being offered and you need a convincing package for your vendor to sign an exclusive.

Presentation, how can you present your offices at their best?

The whole deal is what it is all about, well kept presentation files, slick signage and access to home stagers or re-usable home decor to makeover a house at short notice for showings and open homes.  All of this can take up large amounts of space which unfortunately the majority of Auckland real estate offices don't have the space for.

Keeping your files safe and secure

Most real estate offices have boxes and boxes of files requiring safe, secure storage.   So with a lack of space where do real estate agents store? Usually in a reputable self storage facility. The costs are minimal, files are safe and you can still achieve a well organised space with easily accessible filing cabinets and alphabetised document boxes giving you the ability to keep your office clean and professional.  

Protect your investment, get rid of the clutter

Clutter is often the number one first impression guaranteed to turn potential clients off.  Keep all your signs, banners, brochures and promotional goodies in another part of your storage unit.  Signage takes up a huge amount of space and is easily damaged.  When you think of the cost involved in every open home with around 20-30 directional signs, lock boxes, brochures, banners and associated hardware it pays to keep as much as you can re-usable, clean and tidy.  

The extra edge

Often clients are looking for options to give them that extra edge.  Real Estate agents who can offer extra support to their clients by providing a safe secure storage unit to hold extra clutter while open homes are on can often mean the difference between a standard agent and one who is known for going the extra mile.  The additional commission when an uncluttered house sells for an inflated price more than pays for the space!

A real estate agent using self storage can also offer support to their clients looking to purchase a new home as well.  For many clients, during the transition period they will need to store their stuff and in this situation a real estate agent can refer a storage unit to the seller during that period, taking your estate service to the next level.  Having a great relationship with a self storage facility who offer cash back to realtors who bring business to them, can take the hassle out of real-estate work.  

Which is the best lock to use when securing my self storage unit?

You have done the research, the storage facility is chosen, you looked for all the things that mattered to keep your property safe and secure - individually alarmed units, CCTV security, fencing and swipe or pin card access gates - now it comes down to the last item on your security list, the lock.  

There are so many different locks available for purchase and you may be tempted just to bring the one lying around idle at home but keep in mind that it is the last barrier between your property and potential theft no matter how secure your facility.

 All locks have pro's and con's and we look at a few options so you can find the lock best suited to you.  

Disc Lock 

For durability and ease, for me this comes out top every time!

Pros:  

• They cannot be be removed using bolt cutters
• They are highly durable
• You will need the key to open and close your lock meaning you cannot leave your key locked inside your storage unit!

Cons:

• More expensive than other locks (but less expensive than replacing property)
• It may not fit on the door (always check with your facility first what size the doors will take)

Standard Combination Locks

These are my least favourite, the most easily removed.

Pros:

• No key required
• You can easily give others access to your unit if needed
• Cheap

Cons:

• Easily cut with bolt cutters
• You can forget the code
• Shoulder surfing, someone may see the code as you are opening the lock and break in later

Standard Padlock

Pros:

• Easily re-keyed
• You can easily give others access to your unit if needed
• Cheap

Cons:

• Easily cut with bolt cutters
• You can lose your keys
• Easily picked

Other things to consider:

• The size of the lock, make sure it fits - but bear in mind, the larger the lock the more secure your belongings.
• If you have a storage unit outdoors, make sure you choose a lock designed specifically for outdoor use.  
• Always choose brass or steel keys, they are far less likely to break than aluminium.

And remember, above all, always insure and choose your facility wisely, its better to be safe than sorry.