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May 2008
Index of all
messages
from the Association President
President’s Message – the future is now with electronic lockboxes
By David DeElena
The area’s REALTOR® associations have negotiated for years to get the latest, greatest electronic lockbox...and now it appears that the distribution phase is finally near.
SentriLock has worked to overcome the concerns of the seven metro-area REALTOR® associations and provide lockboxes that are smaller and more weather resistant with enhanced battery life and improved security. The four-month trial period starts in July.
SentriLock has more than 300,000 lockboxes in use by almost 150,000 agents from over 140 different associations around the country; soon the Aurora Association will offer this new member benefit. This voluntary evaluation period will allow members to use the SentriLock system and determine whether the price will meet the value expectations of the real estate community.
Upgrades and enhanced features
The lockbox offers a variety of enhancements over older models and is the third generation of lockbox produced by the company. They’re not stopping there - SentriLock is already developing a wireless technology that will be available in late 2008.
The wireless upgrade will allow REALTORS® the option of notifying their sellers, via text message, when the lockbox is closed and the showing has been completed. This handy feature will appeal to most sellers, who can return home and get back to life instead of waiting until prospective buyers clear out.
REALTOR®-focused
The SentriLock lockbox, available to REALTORS® only, is a significant improvement over any lockbox currently being used. Developed and majority-owned by the National Association of REALTORS®, SentriLock has focused on the needs of the REALTOR® community in providing an alternative to current lockboxes being used.
Under this system, an agent will be able to use an electronic card, the SentriCard, to allow access to the homes or can use a four-digit code that is valid for one entry only. This will aid in securing vacant homes and preventing agents from re-entering the property. The REALTOR® will be able to see how long the showing took, or if it even took place at all. No more wasting time requesting feedback from an agent who didn’t have the courtesy to call and cancel the showing.
The SentriCard can be updated at any lockbox, which offers the flexibility that most agents need in a market where time is a crucial asset. Also available is a software application that will allow offices to access daily showing codes.
Learn as you go
The Association, in an effort to provide value to its membership, chose to distribute the boxes directly instead of involving any third parties. Currently, we are scheduled to begin handing out the devices July 7 or 8. Training will be available as we approach the delivery date in early July with SentriLock offering support as needed.
As the voluntary evaluation period begins, all REALTORS® can feel comfortable that they will be able to show any property using this new lockbox whether they have an electronic access card or not. The SentriLock system will offer benefits to the seller and enhanced value to the REALTOR®. Whether you choose to participate in the program or not, try using the lockbox to improve your understanding of a system that is new and dynamic in the features you can use for your listings.
To see a video demo of the SentriLock lockbox system, visit www.sentrilock.com/movie.asw.
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