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Apr 2006
Index of all
messages
from the Association President
Keep Your Options Open
By Kim Enomoto
Will Rogers once said, “People like progress, they just don’t like change.”
The real estate profession has progressed in many areas. Each progression has meant some change. We don’t always look back and acknowledge it, or understand that it probably was not as difficult as we imagined. Change results from a desire to improve conditions or solve problems. Everyone’s measure of “improving” conditions is different. Growth from change is an inherent natural force that propels us forward and makes us realize that everything will be all right.
Rumors and considerations
There is a lot of buzz going around about the possibility of yet another change…an option to have the availability of an electronic lock box system for those who want to use it. Directors of the metro-area Associations have been looking at this option at the request of some of the larger firms in the area. Some of the things that have been considered are:
1. Providing an optional system for those members who want the product.
2. Providing an evaluation period for members to become familiar with the product and service.
3. Ensuring that all REALTORS® in the metro area have the same advantages, privileges and options available at their local association.
We realize this issue may cause some (or a lot) of us anxiety, especially those of us who went through the Supra installation in the late 1990s. While that change was not entirely mandatory, the features of the system caused a great deal of concern in showing property for those who did not subscribe and found an electronic lock box at the house they wanted to show. The systems and features have changed since that time, and the Association is closely looking at options that would allow individuals or companies to make choices about participation.
Task forces, focus groups
When I was installed as president of your Association, I promised to keep you informed. Recently, I addressed the membership at one of our Friday morning marketing meetings, and wanted to provide an update in this newsletter for those of you who did not attend.
A task force comprised of representatives from the metro-area associations is doing research on the cost, functionality and desirability of the three systems that are currently available. Upon completion of their research, the metro area associations will have a recommendation for future decision-making. Earlier this year, the directorate authorized a series of focus groups to gather information from the membership. The Board has not authorized any decisions to date.
Electronic features
It may help to try to understand some of the features of electronic lockbox systems.
- System offers web-based administration of boxes so you and your clients are aware of day and time that agents or vendors entered the property
- System prevents unauthorized persons from entering the property or multiple entries without your knowledge.
- System eliminates potential problems with known or familiar lock box combinations.
- Some systems may have one-day codes available to allow entry for individuals from another MLS area or for non-participants. You would not have to go to the property to assist these individuals with showing the property.
- Some systems have contractor codes. These are programmable codes for vendors that will work for one week if you or your seller desires. Think of a vacant home and a painter going in and out. You’ll be able to track the progress by the entry reports and be able to keep your seller informed – no more guessing whether your vendor said he or she was there, but wasn’t.
- Call before showing codes
The system will continue on the “call before you show” system we currently use.
The system could eventually revert to a system where you call the owner directly prior to showing. This system is used in the Phoenix and other area markets very successfully. This is an option.
Again, I want to stress that the Associaiton is looking at these options for the reasons outlined at the beginning of this article. Any decisions made would be with the understanding that you, as a member, would have more options and the options would be your choice, NOT mandatory.
We appreciate your patience in this matter and I promise to keep you informed. We are taking this very slowly and doing our due diligence to make a decision that would be suitable for our membership.
Until we know all the facts, let’s keep our options open.
Please send thoughts, comments and concerns to
Kim.Enomoto@ColoradoHomes.com.
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