A while back, I was showing Cary, NC, homes to clients, and we called in on a drive-by to get an appointment to see a home.  No problem, got the appointment and the lockbox code.

And the front door was open...  A nice couple came out.  House was vacant.  The Feller said, "What should I do with the key?"

Me:  "Uh... The lockbox, maybe?"

Him:  "No...  It was over the door."  And he started to put it on the ledge over the door.

I said, "Hold on."

He gave me the key, and we went in, saw the property, and decided to leave.  I went to put the key into the lockbox, and... There was already a key in there.  So I put the key over the door where the other feller apparently got it.

This was a Seller who bought a cheap listing in the MLS and apparently was turned loose by the negligent agent who took his money.  Apparently the Seller kept a key over the door for his clientele, and one in the lockbox for Realtors.   What an opportunity for a mess!

I have thought about it ever since, and I wonder who would get the call if something was stolen, broken, or otherwise damaged, or if the door was left unlocked.  Would it be an unescorted visitor, or the real estate agent who was unfortunate enough to be the last one registered to show the home?