Lockbox Opens to Leads
Lockboxes are tools used by agents of real estate to get a hold
of keys of houses and properties that are listed as available
for purchase. Lockboxes exist for the number one reason that it
is an effective tool to ensure that only authorized agents could
enter inside houses that are up for selling.
Lockboxes are called as such because that is what they are.
Usually, these boxes are made out of metal and are attached to
the doorknob in front of the house or any other secure area
nearby. Inside this box is another smaller sized box. This is
where the key of the house is located. This makes sure that no
unauthorized strangers could freely come inside. However, the
lockboxes that are available now are more high-tech. Current
lockboxes contain a small microprocessor and utilizes an
electronic key for it to be opened. This key would only be
available if one is a member of a listing service. Each key
holds a specially marked identifier. The agent who is a member
of the listing service in their local areas are also assigned a
unique and specific code that is highly personalized.
Only they could have access to this code as they are not allowed
to give it to other listing agents.
The purpose of this is so that whoever enters, the
microprocessor sort of records or makes a log as to who went
inside the house as well as what time and date. This is an
effective security tool for the homeowner. But primarily,
lockboxes are there in order to make it easier to sell a house.
In the absence of a lockbox, the seller of the house would then
be required to be present when a prospective buyer comes by
along with his or her agent. Because of the lockbox, the
seller's presence becomes voluntary and not a requirement. Also,
there is the question of security.
There may be instances wherein the seller might leave the door
open after giving buyers a tour around the house. Via the
lockbox, there is no second guessing as to who did such and
such. The questions of who let the cat out or who left the water
running in the kitchen sink is no longer an issue since the
identity of the agent who comes and goes is immediately known.
This feature proved to be a relevant necessity during an
instance in Kirkland, Washington almost four years ago when a
real estate professional was apprehended following a series of
burglaries from FOR-SALE residential houses that the particular
agent visited. This agent had access to lockbox keys and,
fortunately or unfortunately, this is the same tool that enabled
the agent's arrest. This system of lockboxes enabled the arrest
of Kathy Troxel, via the trail of records she left.
The pioneer in the creation of an electronic type of lockbox
was made possible by Supra Products, Inc. This was eleven years
ago. Their company has its headquarters in Salem, Oregon.
More importantly, lockboxes are great avenues for showing off
property and houses one is intent to sell. Newer features of
certain lockboxes limits the access of anyone to only a
specified time, day and hours. This is in case the seller
requires privacy once in a while. More complex lockboxes have a
feature wherein agents are required to call first before showing
up in front of the house they are intent on selling.
Real estate companies in the United States are also using the
most recent lockbox from Supra. The new application makes use of
a handheld device that is connected to a larger network of
information, including the most recent ones, that are all
related to real estate. This new palm-sized device is placed in
a receptacle equipped with a modem. This new mobile device
enables agents to have immediate access to updates on local real
estate listings in their specific area. This new tool also
provides maps and directions for driving and a roster of members
to make it easy locating agents. This device is run by a battery
made out of lithium. This device, while placed in the
receptacle, is also being charged so there is no need to bring
any back-up batteries.