Phoenix REALTORS Getting Ready For New Supra iBox

Soon, REALTORS in the valley will be able to exchange their existing Supra lock boxes for a “new and improved” version. The new lock boxes that will be widely used by local real estate professionals is the Supra iBox BT LE.  These new lock boxes look very similar to our current lock boxes but are a little larger and more technologically advanced. One of the biggest features of the new iBox is the ability to control the boxes from most any smartphone without having to carry a separate fob. The boxes are compatible with Android, Apple and Blackberry. ( yes, their web site still mentions Blackberry. Please tell me YOU aren’t still using one of those. )

Here’s some of the features of the new Supra iBox BT LE that we will soon be using.

1. Smartphones and tablets communicate directly with the iBox BT LE without a fob.
2. iBox BT LE includes a large key container that can hold both gate cards and keys.
3. The shackle removes completely from the keybox for easier placement on properties.
4. It works with existing Supra Keys AND with most phones or tablets via infrared (IR), Bluetooth®
5. Advanced showing reports and communication tools via phone or web.

We have been told that the changes will begin in September of this year. The exchange will be one-for-one (an old box for a new box) at no cost to the owner of the lock box as long as you are an Active Subscriber and the owner of the box, as listed on SupraWEB.

To get your new lock boxes, all Subscribers will need to visit one of the Supra exchange centers, not a Support Center, to exchange boxes. The Support Centers will not be processing lock box exchanges.

Sure, there will be a “fun” transition period. Even if the new boxes are better, there will be a bunch of people who don’t like change. My advice? Just deal with it and have some patience. Fortunately, we have a bunch of boxes and will probably take some to the exchange center, exchange them for new boxes and then take the new ones to our listings to switch them out. We can then make another trip to the exchange center to exchange the rest of the boxes. To me, this seems like the easiest way to make sure our sellers are happy and that they don’t miss any showings.

Around here, we are pretty big fans of using a Supra iBox lock box instead of a combination lock box for access to homes. We think it is much more beneficial for our sellers if we can effectively monitor every showing instead of taking a chance on a lock box code being given out to a non-licensed agent. We also like being able to follow up with agents to see what type of showing feedback we can get from them.

I’m sure there will be a few challenges with people making the switch. Hopefully, we can all communicate and work together to make the transition as painless as possible. Remember the last transition? It wasn’t perfect, but the real estate universe didn’t end.