Access to “take a look”
… at a home for sale is beyond “critical” … no access – no sale. It is also a fact that difficult access is near 100% certain to result in a longer time for the sale, and probably a lower price.
But how do you provide access in the age of coronavirus issues? 3D virtual tours, or even better “Live Virtual” technology spearheaded by HomeSmart, are the answer. Want to know more? Just give us a call.
Even with “virtual” technology, some physical access will be required … for appraisal and inspection, at least. A highly secure lockbox is how such access is provided in absence of the homeowner or listing agent from the premises.
Plus, very few home shoppers are going to make that hefty investment in a property they have not been onsite to examine.
What is a lockbox
Thus the need for a lockbox – a secure repository attached to something exterior to the home that has a key to the front door.
Obviously the “repository” must not be accessible except by persons who should have access, and the attachment needs to equally secure. Usually the lockbox is attached to the pipe of a gas or water meter near the front of the home.
Supra Lockboxes
Fortunately, the lockbox technology inherent in the electronic Supra lockboxes provided and controlled by ARMLS is truly extraordinary.
Pictured below are the SUPRA electronic iBox, and the SupraKey App as it would appear on a cellphone.
The iBox is almost 8 inches tall and is hefty – weighing over 2 lbs.
Realtors must subscribe to the SupraKey service and obtain a unique PIN to access any lockbox.
 |
 |
How does it work?
Bluetooth technology is used by the SupraKey App. The Realtor® enters the PIN and holds his/her cellphone near the lockbox to gain access to the key container inside the lockbox.
The PIN for each Realtor® ensures that the system is secure even if the cellphone is lost or stolen … and that it is a unique PIN enables recording of a log of each lockbox access by that Realtor. Each time an iBox is opened, a record of the date and time of access is permanently recorded.
Access Alert
The Listing Agent is immediately sent an email and a text notifying of the lockbox access, including the property address and the Realtor® name and phone number.
The effect of all this is that the Listing Agent is made aware of the details regarding the property access within a couple minutes of when the iBox is activated … sometimes even before the accessing parties have gone through the front door.
The Listing Agent can set the Supra system to also simultaneously notify the Homeowner and any number of others of the lockbox access.
Who can access the lockboxes?
In addition to Realtors®, certain vendors, like inspectors and appraisers, can subscribe to the SupraKey system for access as their professions require, but this is very carefully controlled and those vendors must be registered with both ARMLS and the Supra system.
The SupraKey Lockbox system is very secure, effective and transparent.
For information, guidance, services, questions …
Give us a call! We’re here to help.
No strings … no obligations!
Call today! You’ll be really glad you did.
Other Home Selling Issues
