How Do I Find My Mailbox and Keys?

Finding your mailbox and how to get access to the mailbox is not the most self explanatory thing in Austin. When we bought our first home in Austin, we had no idea how to get our mail. If you’re one of the lucky homeowners who have a mailbox at the edge of their driveway, this doesn’t apply to you. But, if you live in a community where they have cluster mailboxes either at the entrance to the community or located throughout the neighborhood, you’ll need to know how to get your mail. Here we’ll answer the question you’re probably asking yourself – How do I find my mailbox and key?

Find Your Assigned Post Office

Before you drive to the closest post office, call to make sure your home is on one of their carrier’s routes. The closest post office to us is not our local post office and yours might not be either. Considering the lines at post offices now are insane, this could be a huge time waster if you don’t call first.

Take Your Closing Disclosure Statement & Photo ID to the Post Office

When you gather your closing disclosure statement and your photo ID, head over to the post office assigned to your home. The closing statement is proof that you are the new owner of the property. If you are renting the home, bring a copy of your lease showing you are the tenant. When they post office sees proof you live at the property, they’ll look up your address and tell you where to find your mailbox (street location and box number).

The Post Office Will ReKey Your Box

In the contract, it says the seller will provide mailbox keys. However, in practice, the seller usually keeps their mailbox key as the buyer will get new keys from USPS. This way access to the box is secure and you can be sure no one has an extra key. When you take your HUD to the post office, they will put in an order to rekey the box. About a week later, your key will be ready for pickup from the post office. If they don’t mention rekeying the box, make sure to ask them to do it. They might assume you’ve already gotten the key from the seller.

Need Mail During the Rekey?

Place a hold on your mail and ask to pick it up at the post office. This way, your mail will be available at the post office and not sitting in your mailbox.

Know Anyone Looking to Sell or Buy a Home in Austin?

Send them to our Austin Home Sellers or Austin Home Buyers section for more tips about buying and selling in Austin. In the meantime, keep track of the market with our monthly Austin Real Estate Price Reports. Call us at (512) 827-8323 or email us at info@11OaksRealty.com with any market questions.