One major challenge real estate associations and their agents face when ensuring property security is the likelihood of unauthorized property access – whether through sharing lock box combinations, punch codes or duplicate keys.
Especially as agents frequently grant property access to authorized sales reps, contractors and inspectors for showings and property maintenance, it’s important for real estate professionals to ensure only authorized users are able to access the property.
As the No. 1 brokerage in the Greater Toronto Area, Right at Home Realty recognized this challenge and decided to implement an integrated lock box system to better serve its agents.
Goal: Eliminate Unauthorized Code-Sharing and Streamline Operations
In exploring new lock box providers, Right at Home Realty wanted to provide its members with a solution that enhances security and meets compliance requirements for limiting unauthorized code-sharing. Right at Home sought a solution that allows its agents to share temporary lock box access, record access history and provide property security while reducing overall costs.
“As the largest independent brokerage in Canada, Right at Home is always looking for ways to better serve our agents and their businesses,” said John Lusink, president at Right at Home Realty. “Master Lock’s advanced solution came at an opportune time as complaints of unauthorized access to properties increased.”
Finding the Right Solution
Right at Home chose to implement Master Lock’s Bluetooth® Lock Boxes and Master Lock® Vault Enterprise because of its seamless integration with ShowingTime®, the leading real estate showing and scheduling management provider. The integrated lockbox system allows Right at Home to enhance property security, improve access compliance, all while providing agents the convenience of one app to manage the entire scheduling and showing process
“What’s great about Master Lock’s integrated solution is that the smartphone is your key,” said Christopher Kinasz, Sales Representative at Right at Home Realty. “In real estate especially, it’s important to show clients that you’re utilizing the latest technology and keeping up with trends. This solution brings realtors to a new age of technology, delivering on advanced tracking capabilities, ease of use and secure Bluetooth access.”
After implementing a large quantity of lock boxes across its network and utilizing the Master Lock Vault Enterprise and ShowingTime integration, Right at Home Realty experienced the following benefits:
- Increased Compliance – Right at Home sought an advanced solution as complaints of unauthorized property access increased to the Real Estate Council of Ontario, resulting in substantial fines for realtors. In implementing Master Lock Vault Enterprise, Right at Home is able to eliminate unauthorized code-sharing by providing codes that expire based on date and time. Access to robust data and audit trails has also allowed Right at Home to increase accountability by knowing who accessed which property and when, ensuring security of the property.
- Efficient Access Management – Through the solution’s web interface, Right at Home Realty is easily able to grant agents access to as many lock boxes as needed. Agents can then access the designated lock boxes via the mobile app on their smartphones. Additionally, administrators can grant or revoke access to authorized affiliates, such as inspectors, appraisers, contractors and more.
- Seamless ShowingTime Integration –Master Lock Vault Enterprise integrates with ShowingTime to offer Right at Home the convenience of using one app to manage the entire showing process, from scheduling to walking through the front door. With the integration, agents are now able focus their attention on what matters most – the client – rather than searching for and putting in dial combinations.
- Reduced Costs – Unlike other products on the market, the Master Lock Vault Enterprise system does not require a long-term contract or additional fees for data packages, use of the web platform or contacting customer service. The elimination of ongoing fees has allowed Right at Home Realty to save money over time.
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Convenient Home Security – As an added benefit, Right at Home Realty is able to offer homeowners an alternative way to access their home. Whether it be the homeowner themselves, or authorized family members and maintenance workers, homeowners can use the Bluetooth lock boxes and Master Lock Vault Enterprise to store extra house keys, as well as grant and monitor access to their property.
Results of Implementing Integrated Lock Box Solution
After implementing the Master Lock Vault Enterprise system with Bluetooth Lock Boxes, Right at Home Realty simplified operations, enhanced security and increased compliance.
“As an experienced real estate sales agent with over nine years of experience at Right at Home, I’ve preferred using the Master Lock’s solution over traditional lockboxes due to its convenience and ability to track who is coming in and out of the property,” said Milli Pajpani, Sales Representative at Right at Home Realty. “Its integration with ShowingTime offers even more convenience and security as I’m now able to manage my showings through one app, while gaining peace of mind knowing that lock box codes are set up based on appointment date and time, eliminating unauthorized access after the showing is over.”
