Click to Enlarge One of the unique tools that most Realtors utilize is an electronic lockbox in which to store keys for listed properties. Each Realtor can access the lockbox utilizing a specialized device, or as many do, with an app on their cell phone. It's a very convenient and efficient system. When an agent accesses the lockbox, the listing agent is (nearly) immediately notified of who accessed the lockbox, and the exact date and time -- great for security and follow up.
There's an additional layer of security that one can add with these lockboxes, in the form of a secondary code that must be input, along with the use of an electronic Realtor lockbox key as noted above. While most agents have good intentions, and try to arrive on time for a scheduled appointment, there are often circumstances that are out of their control that cause them to be late, or early, to a scheduled showing. It is not unheard of for clients to call a few minutes prior to their meeting to say "I'm running 30 minutes late -- see you in a bit" -- all well and good, but if you're viewing 5 or 6 houses, the whole schedule is now out of sync. Likewise, buyers will spend less time at a house than anticipated (or want to skip it all together) or will spend more time at a property than allocated. In all cases, it will modify the schedule of showings. Most homeowners are very understanding, but of course, some are not! But the worst is when an agent shows up unannounced..."we were just driving through the neighborhood and saw your sign" -- they knock once, hit the lockbox, and let themself (and their client) in -- and you're in the shower! That's where that secondary code noted earlier (Call Before Showing or CBS code) comes in handy -- no unexpected showings!
The downside of the CBS code is that once an agent has it, they now have unlimited access, as the code is not easily changed. And they might circle back with another client, or to take a 2nd look -- again, unannounced. That's where my new lockbox comes in handy.
With my new electronic lockbox, I can provide a code to an agent (or a tradesperson -- painter, plumber, electrician, for example) that is good for one opening of the lockbox, or that is good for a time/date range, and then expires. Note that the Realtor electronic lockboxes can only be used by Realtors -- they won't work for tradespeople, as most tradespeople don't possess lockbox keys. Up until now, I generally used combination lockboxes for tradespeople, but the combinations aren't often changed, and once they have the combination they have unlimited access as well -- the majority are honest and I've not had any problems, but it is a weakness from a security perspective - this eliminates that weakness. Like the Realtor electronic lockboxes, I'm also provided a record of who accessed the lockbox (although it's not instantaneous unless the person opening the lockbox uses an app, which would be unusual) and I can generate codes on the fly, and text to either agents or trades personnel (even the homeowner if they've inadvertently locked themselves out!).
So all in all a good find! I'm also considering purchasing the deadbolt model for my own home.
There's an additional layer of security that one can add with these lockboxes, in the form of a secondary code that must be input, along with the use of an electronic Realtor lockbox key as noted above. While most agents have good intentions, and try to arrive on time for a scheduled appointment, there are often circumstances that are out of their control that cause them to be late, or early, to a scheduled showing. It is not unheard of for clients to call a few minutes prior to their meeting to say "I'm running 30 minutes late -- see you in a bit" -- all well and good, but if you're viewing 5 or 6 houses, the whole schedule is now out of sync. Likewise, buyers will spend less time at a house than anticipated (or want to skip it all together) or will spend more time at a property than allocated. In all cases, it will modify the schedule of showings. Most homeowners are very understanding, but of course, some are not! But the worst is when an agent shows up unannounced..."we were just driving through the neighborhood and saw your sign" -- they knock once, hit the lockbox, and let themself (and their client) in -- and you're in the shower! That's where that secondary code noted earlier (Call Before Showing or CBS code) comes in handy -- no unexpected showings!
The downside of the CBS code is that once an agent has it, they now have unlimited access, as the code is not easily changed. And they might circle back with another client, or to take a 2nd look -- again, unannounced. That's where my new lockbox comes in handy.
With my new electronic lockbox, I can provide a code to an agent (or a tradesperson -- painter, plumber, electrician, for example) that is good for one opening of the lockbox, or that is good for a time/date range, and then expires. Note that the Realtor electronic lockboxes can only be used by Realtors -- they won't work for tradespeople, as most tradespeople don't possess lockbox keys. Up until now, I generally used combination lockboxes for tradespeople, but the combinations aren't often changed, and once they have the combination they have unlimited access as well -- the majority are honest and I've not had any problems, but it is a weakness from a security perspective - this eliminates that weakness. Like the Realtor electronic lockboxes, I'm also provided a record of who accessed the lockbox (although it's not instantaneous unless the person opening the lockbox uses an app, which would be unusual) and I can generate codes on the fly, and text to either agents or trades personnel (even the homeowner if they've inadvertently locked themselves out!).
So all in all a good find! I'm also considering purchasing the deadbolt model for my own home.
 Master Lock Bluetooth Lock |  Realtor Supra Lockbox |  Common Combination Lockbox |
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