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
To view more blogs visit http://www.real-estate-blogs.com/
Comments (3)Subscribe to CommentsComment