Can you tell me how secure a lock boc is vs not having one on . I live in a Condo and the HO does not wnat a lock box  on the door in to my own Condo becaue they beleive they are a security risk

Vanbk-

I wish I had details on this but I do not, hopefully a real estate agent will chime in on the subject and help you.

Good luck.

We use a infra-red Supra lock box by GE. You can put a code in it so realtors have to call first for the lock box code before entry. Our realtor association uses these. You have a e-key which is a small electronic box that is used to enter the homes and input your listing box information. You can get up to the minute entry information and you are notified by email of all realtors entering the property so you can print out the visitors report to give to your sellers. Our association charges $225 a year for the use of the electronic key system which is the size of a cell phone. We are issued 1 lock box per listing. The way of the old dial style boxes are out and know one uses these any more. I always keep a code on my locks and a set time it will only allow people to enter. You can for go the entry code so realtors can come and go when needed like if it's vacant and or new construction with open hours but I still like having the code for entry that way the agent is required to call me first and I can tell them special details about the property they might have missed plus it's just added security.

Good Luck

Lucinda Beebe

Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Lucinda:

 To my knowledge, Supra, the GE company that makes the boxes and the keys, does not have a feature that will allow the box not to work unless an agent calls first. However, there is an added security feature. Whenever an agent uses his/her electronic key, it registers with GE's website, at www.supraekey.com. It will give you the name of the agent, the name of the broker and all contact information. Even if the agent doesn't leave a card in the listing, you can still find out who is showing it. In order for this to work, however, you must register your lockbox (in your case, an iBox) with www.supraekey.com. This can be done directly. It is also a good idea to be a member in good standing with your local board.

Mark Forror, Weichert, Realtors, Fredericksburg, VA.

Dear Vanbk:

GE Supra, the company that makes the lockboxes and the agent's keys, has come out with a new type of lockbox that is nearly impossible to defeat. This new box, called the iBox, works with an electronic infrared eye. To open the box, a special electronic key must be used. Only licensed real estate agents and other state licensees who need access to properties (some home inspectors, for example) are permitted to have these keys. In order for the key to work, the agent must punch in a personal PIN number. Even if somebody steals the ekey, as it is called, it will not work unless the thief knows the PIN number. Also, these boxes are programed to shut themselves off past a certain time each night so that even real estate agents cannot open the box after a certain hour. These types of boxes are far more secure than the earlier combo-type boxes. In the past, many agents posted the old lockbox combos on their listings for the convenience of other agents, but this also allowed non-licensees to get the combination in some cases. This is not an issue at all with the iBox. In fact, every time a licensee uses the ekey to get into the iBox, his/her name, broker and contact information appear on Supra's website at www.supraekey.com. Only licensees registered with Supra can get on this site. I suspect that your HOA may be responding to problems created due to the shortcomings of the old combo lockboxes. I do not recommend that ANY agent use these combo-type boxes for occupied listings. But the newer electronic lockboxes are very safe and very secure. Also, Supra is coming out with an even newer and much more sophisticated lockbox that can be accessed, activated and deactivated remotely for even greater security.  

Yes you can open a lockbox even if you didnt' make an appt.  

I wish our real estate association would switch to these boxes. We are still on the old fashion ones!