Renaissance Realty Group’s Blog: What is Cash For Keys ?

What is Cash For Keys ?

I have a lot of old keys and remotes and heck even a dozen or so old cell phones will some one pay me cash for my old keys ? Is this like a gold  jewelry exchange ?

Sorry to say nope Cash for Keys is ..

Cash for keys describes an agreement between the lender and the homeowner where the lenders offers a lump sum for timely vacancy in an orderly fashion. The amount of cash is negotiable and generally covers moving expenses for the homeowners' goods and belongings. The cash is paid after the property is vacated and inspected, assuming that the property is left in good order.

In many cases the agreements are negotiated by the real estate agent that represents the bank. In other circumstances, the attorneys for the homeowner and the bank come to terms on an equitable cash-for-keys scenario.

9 commentsEric Reid • November 25 2008 07:27AM

Comments

Ha, that's a funny one!  How about a Salvation Army collection pot downtown, where folks can simply drop off their keys on their way to holiday shopping? I've heard it called "jingle mail" as well, as the sound of the keys "jingling" as they are mailed back to the bank.  Sign of the times I guess,

rob

Posted by Rob Kelly (RE/MAX Alliance) about 1 year ago

First time I heard this term but makes perfect sense to me if this is a way to give those who lose their homes an incentive not to destroy it on the way out.  Unfortunately happens much too often. 

Posted by Silvia Dukes, BSBA, CIPS, TRC, SFR, AHWD, (Tropic Shores Realty --- Ich spreche Deutsch!) about 1 year ago
I agree with the above comment. Patricia Aulson/Hampton NH Real Estate
Posted by PATRICIA AULSON, REALTOR Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes (PRUDENTIAL VERANI REALTY- Portsmouth NH Real Estate ) about 1 year ago

It's too bad the banks are getting the homes back instead of the mortgage note being paid off, but now they'r paying the owners not to trash the place?  Unbelievable.

Posted by Heather Goodwin ~ Shreveport Louisiana Real Estate (Nest Realty) about 1 year ago

I won't work with deals like thatl. Last time a bank convinced me to go knock on a door and offer CASH FOR KEYS I swear I thought I'd get shot at. Holdover owner was still in the house and hostile despite the fact the bank now was the owner.

Posted by Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate about 1 year ago

So it's not an offshoot of the "Cash for Gold" program that I see advertised in the Informercials at 2:30 every morning? Darn - LOL.

I've heard of some cash for keys settlements of up to $5,000 out here.

Posted by Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) about 1 year ago

I have several pounds of keys some left over from expired listings, some from extra house keys, some just found their way into my possessions, etc... would you please give me some cash? LOL

Posted by Mary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate (RE/MAX Hill Country) about 1 year ago

How does cash for key work for a renter?  I am renting a property that the landlord let go into foreclosure.  There are 3 months left on the redemption period.

 

I've still been paying my rent, but I think the owner will be the one to get the cash for keys program.  So how does that work for me?

Posted by Darcy about 1 year ago

I have paid cash for keys to renters .. the banks pay to the ten ate to avoid a eviction

Posted by Eric Reid (Renaissance Realty Group ) about 1 year ago

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