Cling tightly, agents who enjoy home entry variety, to the days of hiding keys, finagling jammed lockboxes and leaving doors open; times such as these are numbered. With increasing pressure from NAR to establish a unified system of home access, statewide Realtor associations are practically mandating that each and every agent be well versed in the new, tech friendly lockbox systems.
Two of the most popular examples of today's lockboxes are Sentrilock and Supra; having attended a training (!) seminar of the former, I present here a few thoughts to ponder when considering the Sentrilock system.
1.) Even if you have no need for lockboxes, possesion of a keycard will provide effortless access to your competitor's listings. A short training is required prior keycard issuance, as well as a $6 monthly fee thereafter. One day, temporary codes are possible for noncarholders, but fellow agents may balk at your request to program.
2.) Maine's Association of Realtors chose a 1 week activation length of cards; every 8 days your card will need to be inserted into a card reader (which plugs into your computer's USB port). Each office will be issued 1 card reader. If your company does not have a vacant computer station, consider the reader's location and whether utilization will get in the way of support staff. I reccomend purchasing a personal card reader for $50.00.
3.) Reactivation is free, only takes a few seconds and will automatically update statistical logs of the brokers whose listings you've shown. When a broker has shown one of your properties and reactivates their card, your showing statistics will be updated as well. The logging function of Sentrilock lockboxes eliminates searching for slips of paper with broker's names and phone numbers; in addition to tracking the data, a hotlink is provided where you can automatically click to email for feedback.
4.) If you have a vacant listing lockboxes can provide codeless access to all keycard members. For properties with security issues, an access code can easily be programmed.
5.)Ever lost track of a lockbox? With Sentrilock, lockboxes can be programmed to listings and viewed online in 3 easy steps.
6.) If you forget to reactivate your keycard you cannot show property. Luckily, Sentrilock provides technical support 7 days a week, 8 AM to 10 PM. Call tech support and they will issue you a one day, one house access code.
7.) Sentrilock provides the option of issuing one day codes to non card holders. Up to nine one day, home specific and time dated codes are allowed per day, which will be of great benefit when tracking contractor hours or investigating theft or damage.
8.) Lockboxes are astate of the art, enhanced by ample key space, drainage holes, flashing instructions, protective covers and projectile shackles. (Watch your feet)
Content provided by Sam Armentrout, a Southern Maine Real Estate Agent at CHR Realty/ GMAC Real Estate
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3 Comments on Sentrilock: lockbox must knows
Fantastic article! Thank you so much Sam!
Immediately remove all combination boxes - before the sellers learn of the liability of having them on their property - and replace them with Supra electronic boxes
Just got an e-mail from our local board.
After months of horror stories regarding combination lock boxes, the RAMB Residential Board has voted to initiate a campaign telling sellers they should immediately have any combination lock boxes removed from their property and replaced with Supra electronic boxes.Public Campaign: The public will be informed of the liability and dangers of combination lock boxes and the security of Supra electronic boxes. The public campaign will also tell buyers to be sure to work with RAMB MEMBERS who have Supra electronic keys for more access to more properties - and sellers to sell their homes faster.
Agents: Immediately remove all combination boxes - before the sellers learn of the liability of having them on their property - and replace them with Supra electronic boxes. This is the official advance notice to RAMB Members before the public campaign begins.
Brokers & Managers: Please contact your agents to make sure they take action ASAP. This liability must be eliminated for you, your agents and your sellers.
What should we do? Remove all combination boxes ?