Lockbox swap exasperates some Realtors
REAL ESTATE EDITOR
The new lockboxes deployed this week by the Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors kicked up something of a kerfuffle among the rank and file.
The devices are placed on the doors of houses for sale to hold the keys, allowing for secure but communal access by Realtors showing properties.
Some Realtors wanted things left the same, some wanted something different, and some were happy with the upgraded boxes.
Surely, though, none was happy about the $120 per box it cost to exchange old for the new. Some Realtors have lots of boxes.
It was pretty much inside baseball — even the grumbling — until the association invited the outside world a peek into practice with a news release. Interestingly, it didn’t mention the $120-times-however-many-boxes-were-exchanged.
MLSOK Inc., a subsidiary of the association, made the change, saying: “Home sellers should request that their real estate agents upgrade to the next-generation devices, which improve on older options by adding technology and tracking that improve safety and security of their homes.”
Rodney Burgamy, president of the association, said: “The current lockboxes are outdated and are designed to last approximately seven years. It is important to upgrade the devices to ensure reliable and secure entry into properties. This critical update ensures our Realtors stay at the forefront of the industry.”
The press release continued: “The new electronic lockboxes are only accessible via a smartphone or tablet e-key or an ‘active key’ device. The enhanced technology allows licensed real estate agents to program the box to only open during selected hours. For example, homeowners can choose to make a home inaccessible at night as an anti-burglary measure.
“The boxes also allow Realtors to track who visited the house and when by providing specific, real-time data. The large metal casing is sealed from the environment so it can withstand Oklahoma’s weather. It cannot be easily removed or damaged.”
The $120 price tag/exchange fee irked Scott A. Martin with Keller Williams Realty Platinum. On a Facebook post, he said he was going with a combination of a combination padlock and a Zmodo Wi-Fi surveillance device that would provide the same security at half the cost.
Others commenting on Facebook quibbled with the association’s claim that the new boxes have enhanced technology.
Josh Barnett, managing broker at Oklahoma Real Estate Crew, said it’s not new, it’s “catching up” to competitors. “There’s a difference.”
Susan Liner with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties said the old boxes have the same technology as the new ones.
“The current boxes notify a