Realtor key lock boxes have become one of the most valuable tools in a busy real estate agent’s arsenal. They offer an unparalleled combination of safety and convenience for realtors and homeowners alike. However, the level of quality varies widely among manufacturers. Below is a look at the top qualities to seek in a lockbox and a review of the top three realtor key lock boxes for 2022. Finally, you will learn the secret way to use lock boxes to elevate your real estate sales to a new level by using them with automated showing homefeedback software.
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What are the top qualities to seek in realtor key lock boxes?
Experienced realtors know that not all lock boxes are created equal. The best lockboxes are user-friendly, intuitive, and carry a reasonable price tag. Most importantly, they are known for their tamper-resistance and longevity. Before exploring the top models available on the market, it is helpful to understand the design qualities that make a lock box outstanding. Here are the top five qualities to seek in a lock box.
1) Superb Durability
There is no substitute for durability when evaluating realtor key lock boxes. Look for lock boxes manufactured with a sturdy, corrosion-resistant metal housing. Top real estate lockboxes feature zinc alloy construction and an additional weather-resistant coating. Use of durable materials help the lock box deter thieves and stand the test of time.
2) Electronic Design
Five-star lock boxes have features that set them apart from the competition. For example, leading models possess an electronic design that can control who enters a home in addition to the hours during which people can enter. Electronic models also prevent people from copying keys or revealing a combination number to potential thieves.
3) An Intuitive Design
While a complex lock might be an effective means of deterring thieves, you do not want to invest in a lock that is too complicated to operate. Today’s best real estate lockboxes have an intuitive design that enables realtors to quickly master their operation. They are often available with apps that boost convenience and utility for busy realtors who want to avoid remembering combinations.
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4) Stellar Customer Ratings
Consistent five-star reviews from realtors are one of the best indicators of a lock box’s quality. As you compare realtor key lock boxes, take a few minutes to read online reviews posted by verified buyers. Look for reviews and comments posted in online locations outside of the manufacturer’s website, as these are more apt to provide a true representation of realtor feedback.
5) Industry Recommendations
Realtor key lock boxes that are recommended by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are often a great choice. Professional organizations such as the NAR and the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) will often conduct extensive evaluations, testing, and comparisons before recommending a model.
What are the signs of a poor quality lock box?
Just as it is useful to know the signs of a dependable realtor key lock box, it is helpful to review some of the signs of a poor quality lock box. In contrast to well-made real estate lockboxes, poorly constructed ones leave homes more vulnerable to break-ins and theft. In general, poor quality lock boxes lack the enhanced security features that are present in today’s leading models. Here are some signs of a poor quality lock box:
1) A price that is “too good to be true”
It can be tempting to invest in a lock box that carries a suspiciously low price tag. However, real estate lockboxes with prices that are “too good to be true” are easier to break and offer little protection to homeowners. In fact, news stories have focused on the perils of using cheap, $30 lock boxes, noting that it only takes about 30 seconds for an experienced thief to break into a home with a cheap lock box.
2) Use of a basic combination lock
“We’re seeing a lot more people using them just because they’re cost-effective. They’re quite easy to get the combo for…All you would have to do is pretend you’re a real estate agent, call the number on the sign, and say, ‘ Hey I wanted to show your home’.” – Pavel Gomez of Ellie & Associates Realty
Using a basic combination lock is a cheap, quick-fix strategy that make a home an easy target for savvy thieves. There are countless ways for a thief to remove a cheap combination lock, including cutting the cheaply-made shackle or posing as a real estate agent to obtain the combination. In fact, some combination locks are so poorly made that you can open the lock with a soda can.
3) No warranty
Sometimes, a price may look so attractive that people are willing to gloss over the glaring fact that a product has no warranty. Beware of unproven models sold by overseas manufacturers and also those that appear for sale on eBay, Craigslist, and other re-seller marketplaces. In addition to serious quality risks, you open yourself up to receiving defective products and having no recourse to recoup your money.
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What are the top realtor key lock boxes on the market?
There are dozens of lock boxes on the market heading into 2022. In addition to considering the factors above, it is important to consider industry recommendations, convenience, and your budget. The top real estate lockboxes available to realtors are as follows:
1) Supra iBox
Supra’s lock boxes are designed to offer outstanding durability and security. The company is also known for its high level of customer support. The Supra website is an excellent tool for realtors seeking a means of organizing their lockboxes, viewing their list of scheduled showings, and assigning lock boxes to properties. The iBox BT LE is a digital model that offers the following benefits:
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- Users receive communication through their mobile devices via Low-Energy Bluetooth technology
- Realtors receive instant notifications via email or text if a person has entered a property
- Users can control when a person is able to access the lock box to enter a property
- A Call Before Showing (CBS) option that prompts showing agents to contact you for a 7-digit code prior to showing a property
- Unlike other models, no additional hardware is required for use with the latest iPhones and iPads
2) SentriLock
As the official lock box of the NAR, SentriLock’s electronic lock box offers a much higher level of security than mechanical lock boxes. Additionally, SentriLock’s product is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions and features a double steel vault. It is compatible with smart phones and mobile devices, and offers the following unique advantages:
- Ability to record, store, and report key data from each showing (for instance, the date, time, and agent’s contact details)
- Elimination of showings that the realtor has not authorized
- Real-time notifications of the start and end times of showings
- Ability to operate on long life batteries for up to 4 or 5 years
- Illuminated keypad
3) The KeyGuard SL-500
An attractive price and ease of use make the KeyGuard SL-500 a favorite among many realtors. And unlike many of today’s state-of-the-art lock boxes, the SL-500 holds up to five keys and only requires a four-digit code to unlock it. Additionally, many realtors like its punch button format and shackle style operation.
While the SL-500 is hard to beat in terms of price or ease of use, it features exterior plastic components that are not as resistant to extreme weather conditions and tampering. This is an important factor to consider for realtors who show homes in Florida, the Northeast, and the upper Midwest where weather conditions can cause plastic components to deteriorate faster than average.
What is the secret to success with realtor key lock boxes?
Every detail matters when you are a realtor striving to maximize your time and close sales. Realtor key lock boxes are simple devices that help busy realtors achieve both of these goals. While they offer impressive benefits, many realtors have not yet discovered the secret to maximizing success with them: Realtor key lock boxes are most effective when used in conjunction with a proven home feed back or homefeedback system.
Using lock box information to gather showing feedback is a strategy used by the nation’s most successful realtors. By taking the extra step to gather feedback, realtors can better understand and respond to the buyer’s mindset. It will also help the listing agent’s communications with the seller. Fortunately, implementing a feedback system is simple when you work with a trusted industry expert. Our automated showing feedback software is easy to set-up and use.
Contact Pro Agent Solutions to create the ideal showing experience
The best way to experience the benefits our software is to sign up for a free 14 day trial of Showing Pro . As you experience the benefits, a member of our support team will show you how to boost your rate of successful showings by using a lock box together with our software. We look forward to helping your real estate business thrive with automated showing scheduling and homefeedback requests!