In part one I discussed why it is important to have a lockbox on your listed home.  Part II will discuss the iBox vs. an old style combination box

Below is a picture of a combination style lock box.  While these are effective in providing an extra key, once the combination is given out there is no way to track who has opened the box or control people from giving the combination code to others.  These style boxes are ideal for family members or setting up access for handymen or utility provides is the seller so desires, but not for a Real Estate Agent showings due to the lack of control.

In my trade area the SoCal MLS and the Ventura County Regional MLS have chosen to use General Electric's Supra iBox system.  This blue iBox is controlled through an infrared communication device on the front of the box.  Agents can rent an electronic key pad or have software loaded onto any PDA or PDA cell phone that has an infrared communication device.

The iBox has a computer chip inside that stores data on all who enter through the box.  The PDAs and keypads are required to log into the system at night through a modem system to upload all activity the Agent had with the key or PDA as well as receive an authorization code for the following day.  This means that the keypad or PDA are only authorize for one day at a time.  This way, if an Agent has not paid their bill or is disciplined by the MLS, the system can be set to not authorize their keypad or PDA for the following day.

Each night when the keypad or PDA calls in for authorization, a central database keeps track of where the keypads and PDAs have been used.  This database can be accessed by the agents for useful reporting.  The database software can be set to send email alerts as to when the boxes are accessed.  There is also a feed back system that will prompt showing agents for feedback on the listing.

The software on these boxes allows for some very flexible programming. The weekdays, Saturday and Sunday can be programmed so the boxes will open only certain times. 

If you really want to crank down on who gets in, there is a CBS setting. The Call Before Showing (CBS) setting requires the buyer's agent to call the Listing agent for an additional unique code to open the box. Using the CBS you could prescreen the agent calling and determine if you are comfortable enough to give out the CBS. Additionally you know right then and there who is going in and at what time.  Please remember that the more restrictive you are with the times buyers can view your home, the few showing you will get.

There is a note section in the software so a note will pop up right after the box is opened and you can type in any important notices for the agent, for example, "please leave your card or please turn off the lights".  "Feed the dog or take out the trash" is probably not a good way to greet a buyer's agent.  Another positive feature is that the Listing agent can put their contact information in as a virtual business card and Listing comments as an electronic flyer.  When used as designed and programmed properly, the iBox system becomes powerful tool to increase exposure.