Jeff - we started using them here about a year ago.  I totally resisted the idea at first, but have done a complete turnaround.  They are extremely convenient, allow for printouts of access dates and agent names, and makes keeping track of showings a breeze.

The downsides are:  they can get expensive, they are heavy and there is a learning curve as to all the functions and the sequencing when you go to change from one listing to another.  But it can be done smoothly if you're patient. 

Carol, say you have a ton of listings and in the past had an assistant remove the lockbox or the buyer broker last through the house during the final walkthrough. Now, I understand the person who places the lockbox has to be the one to unlatch it. Have you seen an increase in your time traveling to and from? Did you have a special way to track lock boxes when you had numerous listings?

Do you realize that most E&O insurance policies do not cover mechanical or combination lock boxes? The new lock boxes are very heavy with short shanks so only time will tell how well this will be accepted.

Shannon, I understand the concern there. The lock boxes weigh about 3.5 lbs each, have short shanks as you mentioned, and make me wonder if they will fit on some doors. 

I guess you are right, only time will tell...there are many advantages but there seem to be some evident disadvantages that I think will be frustrating for a bit. Tomorrow will be my first use of the card to preview another listing. We'll see how it goes. Smooth I hope (knock on wood).

I've got on on my listing right now, 2 agents has used their card (begrudingly) without incident.  One agent was there 3 minutes late (ha ha) and the other apparently hasn't renewed his card because I don't see him on my log yet.

I just took the class online (I was out of state for the much-hyped MANDATORY you MUST attend in person class - too funny that all I ended up doing was the teleclass - sorry Rick!)

I am waiting for my card now, and no one here has really taken off with it yet.  Still mechanical around here.... 

Rick - Yeah we have seen a few incidents and I can tell one of the big issues will be folks forgetting to renew their cards within the 8 day period. Another one being that the individual putting the lock box on the listing will have to be the one to remove. Gone are the days of the agent doing the final walkthrough and bringing your lock box to the closing to save you a trip.

Liz - We're starting to see a few lock boxes added to listings but it has not taken off here in Portland either.

Hi Jeff,

The card can be renewed at a Lockbox, but you have to have the instructions with you!  I agree, I have seen very limited participation so far, our company is the only one I've seen with the new boxes, and I've had to "train" every agent before their showing.

We'll have to see how this all plays out.  I'm in no hurry to start using these.

Come on Tanya, give it a shot - it seems to work everywhere else!

Anyone having any issues? Working well on your listings?

Mine is fine, but it looks like very few firms are embracing the technology.

Seems as though it will still be awhile for everyone to take on the new lockboxes. First I thought the lack of implementation was due to older listings and the need for new paperwork signed, now I see new listings still coming to market with the old mechanical lockboxes.

I must say I was a bit skeptical about the new lockboxes but now I love them. Only issue now is updating the card and a few times having difficulty closing the door due to the bulkiness of the lockbox and the configuration of the door itself.

What are others experiences out there? Good? Bad? Indifferent?

I really like the idea of not having to keep track of combinations.  Since I keep forgetting to update the card, I have now set a reminder in Outlook to update every Monday morning at 10:00.  As I stated earlier, you can update at a lock box, but you need to write down the six digit number the automated voice gives you and if you're in a noisy area or your wireless coverage is spotty, you may miss one of the numbers and have to start over!