Our local association of REALTORS(R) in Chester County and Delaware County, Suburban West Realtors Association is making the move from the "old" electronic lockboxes
to the new i-beam electronic lockboxes!
I'm one of the unusual Chester County Realtors, I'm excited and looking forward to the change. One of the big reasons is that I will be decreasing the amount of gadgets/stuff that I'll have to carry around with me - the software is compatible with my Verizon XV6700 Mobile PC !!! It's happening in a couple of weeks, I can't wait!
Here are my Plus-Points:
- Less Gadgets - it works with my cell phone!
- Trade one-for-one the old for the new
- Every agent has to make the switch in a two-day period
- Listing agent receives an email when the home is shown (I won't be selling security monitoring to my sellers though)
- Listing agent can monitor lockbox activity online (as with the old ones)
- They're blue... I'll be able to find them easier when not on the door!
- Agents without compatible phones will have a new display key - with built in flashlight! Great idea!
- Wireless automatic updates
Here are my Minus-Points:
- We have to make the switch in two days. Run! Grab lockboxes off of listings - take to trade in - run! Put them back on so the home can get shown!
- They're blue.... eyesore?
- Agents will be complaining and whining for a while
Here are my Questions:
- Will the i-beam device still work if there isn't cell service (I'm guessing yes)
- Can other agents still release shackle and bring you lockbox on settlement day (Apparently, when you release the shackle, the lockbox will automatically be added to your inventory list)
Why do people still use combination lockboxes? I really feel they are not as secure as electronic....
We have had the I-Beams for some time and they are great, go to the website and see who hit your key.
Take care!
RJH
Kim,
Many people in my MLS still won't use electronic lock boxes. Some of them won't even spend the $100 for a key. I'm finding more and more that lots of people don't take being a real estate agent seriously.
Good for you for embracing the new technology!
Robert, Yeah, we are usually a bit behind the times :) It sounds great to view the hits!
Linda, I don't see how you can't get a key. I did hear a story about that today, not having one. Nutso! How do you represent your buyer if you can't show them 50% of the homes?
Rosemary, I don't get it. But that's just me. Especially when you think about the seller. Anyone could get a hold of a combination. It would be a lot harder to get a hold of and know how to operate a keypad.
I think it's great that it works with some phones. If you have a phone it works with it's the way to go because the other device doesn't hold it's charge for anything. It'll be 96% at 9am and 32% at 1pm and I didn't even use it!
Hi Kim,
thanks for posting this...I will be out showing some properties in Chester County this weekend and I was stressing since our Lancaster key boxes also switched over to the I-Beam! Great to know I can do business as usual...great "blogging" on here! Jennifer