Boy, technology is moving fast, isn’t it?  It feels like just yesterday when everyone had to write down or remember combos to open lock boxes. Now we have our cell phones configured to open them. Recently, the makers of the Supra Key (GE), came out with the eKey for smart phones. I think that sooner or later, most agents will use this, so let’s quickly go over some basic information about it.

What is the eKey?

The eKey is a software you install on your smartphone that allows you to use your phone as a lockbox key.

eKey Professional vs eKey Basic

There are 2 versions of the eKey, the basic and the professional version, the professional version costs more; before purchasing either, determine your needs and don’t bother paying extra for “bells and whistles” you don’t need.

ekey Basic

• Opens Lockboxes – Uses your phone to open the lockbox to get the keys to a listing.
• Manages Key Boxes – Keeps track of all your key boxes from your phone
• Manages iBox Shackle Functions – Places and removes iBoxes from listings using your phone. You can also change your own shackle codes.

eKey Professional

eKEY Professional is a very powerful tool which helps streamline some of the mundane and tedious tasks you perform on a daily basis.  It features all the lock box key functions found in eKEY Basic, and adds the following features:

MLS Listings

Allows you to search your entire MLS from your phone, and unlike online MLS solutions, you can save the specific listings you want directly to your phone.

Agent Roster

It Grabs a list from your Board or MLS and saves it to your phone, making it easy for you to obtain an agent’s phone number or email address. Once you find the  information you need, you can place a call or send and email with a single click.

Google Maps

eKEY Professional is fully integrated with Google Maps.  From a Listing, you simply click on the address and obtain the property’s address plotted on a map.  From there, you can use Google Maps for turn by turn directions.

Showing Activity

You will receive an alert within the application which tells you that a showing has taken place.  By clicking on the alert, you will see which listing was shown, and the showing agent’s contact information.

Is My phone compatible?

The iPhone, Blackberry, and Palm are all compatible with this system. To see the complete list, download this pdf document.

How much is the cost and how do I get one?

The adapters cost around $50 and monthly fees vary with each board. The Citrus Valley Association in the San Gabriel Valley charges $15/month. If you’d like to get the eKey for your iPhone, Blackberry, or other smartphone, simply contact your local board today and tell them you’d like to make the switch.

So, these look like great tools, if you try them, please let us know what you think.