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GE Supra Activekey or Combo Lockboxes

Our Area board or realtors (AABOR) Akron Area Board of Realtors is getting ready to convert from

Supra Super Key to the new wireless Supra ActiveKey. My question to everyone is: Which do you prefer, the new GE Supra ActiveKey or the traditional combination lockboxes. This has been an ongoing controversy and I would like some input from my fellow ActiveRain members. Thanks for your help, comments and suggestions. I prefer the traditional combination lockboxes which are a lot cheaper. I still have to get the Supra Super Key to get into the few homes that have the supra Super Key boxes.

Posted by Tony DeLuke, ABR, GRI on 10/08/2008 09:07 PM

Comments (21)

Lockboxes in the Technology and Tools Channel

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21 Comments on GE Supra Activekey or Combo Lockboxes

OCT

2008

We have the Supra key in our board and I can't imagine life without it! It can track who opens the box so I think for safety factors alone they are worth it. Some of our HUD properties have combos on them and I once had a client look over me and get the combination. It left me very uneasy even though I knew him well.

I think what you call the ActiveKey is what we call the Supra iBox here??? If that's the case, I definitely love this the best. My phone can access it. And it definitely reads the box and unlocks alot faster than the old keypad ones.

I dont mind the combo box. But I dont like the turning ones....

I prefer combo boxes. Elimiinates the problem of agents who don;t have keys. We're right ont he PA/NJ border and I'm lilcensed in both states. I'd need four different keys to access all of the different systems. I have our Supra key (like the one you showed) but, I use combo's on my listings.

They ARE much cheaper, and there should be no reason why we couldn't put these on the VACANT homes and the supras on the owner occupied homes.

Here in Florida, I have MANY listings right now. I would not normally carry this many listings at once, but market shift is everything, and I don't believe I will have a need for 15+ lockboxes at once in the future after the market settles.

That's my take.

I moved from an area that was all combo boxes to an area that is all Supra. I like the security features and the fact that only agents with active keys can get in. How many morons never change the combination from SPI on combo boxes.

The only bad thing is cost, instead of buying boxes for $25-$30, we need to lease the boxes for $18 per box per year. My e-key is loaded into my cell phone and cost me an additional $25 per month

Combination boxes have No Security because you can't monitor every entry like you can on Supra. Seller's like the security of Supra!

I have a SUPRA, however, I use the combo's, now with 5 number codes...I hate to do it, however if the listing is not vacant, I use SUPRA's...then again, most of the time if they are not vacant, I have to accompany...

Supra is much safer for occupied homes. The cost is justified!

I understand your thought on Vacant homes however; those are often the ones that are targeted by people we don't want in them.

Our MLS changed this year to the ActiveKey - great product, even though it's a little more expensive. The better security and online data are well worth it.

OCT

2008

I had a woman call me today wanting to get into a vacant short sale home. I offered that we could go out there and show her the home and she said "can't you just give me the combo for it? That's what all the other agents have done on the other vacant homes I've gone to see. I'll leave you my name and DL#." Yikes! I called CSS and the home's on Supra. Probably a good thing! We also really like the information that you receive with the Supra.

I prefer the ActiveKey to combo locks. The ActiveKey is a much safer solution andit provides the listing agent with showing information. The ActiveKey is much more professional and allows for better service to our clients.

I'm with you Tony. The combo lockboxes fit the need and I hate being held hostage to the Supra Keys. The expense is rediculous and the boxes only last about 2-3 years. Once the battery dies then you have to buy new ones(lockboxes you can't replace the battery only). At the price they charge for boxes this is highway robbery.....you asked!!!!....

OCT

2008

I am so ready for those! We had them in San Diego, but we don't have them in Cary, NC yet.

Hi Judy - you may not have to buy anything new when the battery dies on your iBox. In many cases, the battery is under warranty for the term of your association's contract, and should last 6 yrs at a minimum; most last 7-9 yrs. The boxes last much longer. Your association should have the details on what to do when you get a low battery warning, or you can call Supra customer service.

I hope that helps!

OCT

2008

I own 20 of the Supra lockboxes and 25 combo lockboxes. I hope our board doesn't change over to new one. I have way too much money invested in the ones I own. I like the Supras because it does add security and I use them on occupied homes. I use the combo lockboxes on my investor properties or ones that have work in process so my clients can give the code to their contractors. They love it.

I don't care much for the combos, I find them awkward!

Michele: our board is at least exchanging them on a one-for-one basis. This will allow us to exchange what we currently have for the new ones. At least our board covered this aspect of the exchange!

Ann: They can be awkward. There are so many different kinds of combos on the market.

Judy: Rick makes a great point about the battery being under warranty

OCT

2008

Tammy: I definetly can see the advantages of the security.

Lorena: What package did you get, the basic or the advanced package?

Andy: Right now I do it the same way. I use combos but I have an e-key for showing properties.

Katrina: I agree. You can always sell a few laterif needed. it's better to have too many than not enough.

Micheal: That always cracks me up, SPI, SET, SVI. Come on people, change the combs. Here in my area Michael we don't lease the boxes, they are $89/each.

Garren: I agree. Area (location) has a lot to do with it also.

OCT

2008

Karen: We don't have many of the combos with 5 numbers in my market area. What brand are they?

Ron: Cost vs effectiveness is a plus.

Tammy: Good point about vacanys being targeted.

John & Susan: That seems to be a theme here as far as security goes.

Terri: I can't believe some agents would put there license on the line like that.

Steve: I think I'm going to the version that can go on my Smartphone with all the bells and whistles.

Judy: $89 dollars per box is pretty steep in my mind.

Cathleen: Probably be in your area soon.

Rick: Thanks for put that information out there about the battery being under warranty.

JUL

Combos makes it easy to show. Almost everybody can do the combo. Not everyone has a super key. That is changing. Would have been faster--but the economy slowed. Hard to justify the super key box price as opposed to the combo lock. At least right now.

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