If you read Real Estate Lockboxes, then you understand the importance of using an electronic lockbox as opposed to a combination lockbox. As I mentioned the in the previous blog electronic lockboxes are accessed using an eKey. If you are wondering exactly what a eKey is, this is the blog for you.
First let me explain who can get an eKey. In order to obtain an eKey you must be a member or affiliate member of Omaha Area Board of Realtors. Realtors are members of the board. Affiliate members consist of home inspectors, termite inspectors, home warranty technicians - basically non-Realtors that are also in the real estate business in some way.
The eKey itself is a small device with a numeric keypad and an infrared port. To use it the user points the eKey at a lockbox (in Omaha we use GE Supra iBoxes) and punches in their unique PIN. The eKey then communicates with the lockbox via the infrared port and if the PIN entered is correct the lockbox opens providing the user with access to the property's key.
eKeys need to be updated every week in order for them to function. This is done by plugging them into a base unit which is connected to a phone line. The base unit calls the board of Realtors computer. The computer uploads the information on the eKey which includes the dates and times that the ekey was used to access any lockboxes. It then updates the eKey making it usable for another week.
The information uploaded provides a record of every time a lockbox has been accessed. The owner of a lockbox can go to the Supra eKey Website to view a record of who entered which properties and when they did so.
As you can see this is a pretty handy technology and provides a great deal of security for anyone that is selling their home.
Trumm Team - Alliance Real Estate, Omaha, NE
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