How To Unlock A Realtor Lock Box With Code (7 Types Of Boxes)

A lock box is a helpful tool for real estate agents. It allows all agents with prospective buyers to access the key to the home, housing it in a secure box closed with a combination lock or electronic key. But you might wonder how to unlock a Realtor lock box if you’ve never encountered one.

Yet you don’t have to be a real estate agent long to know that many kinds of lockbox options exist. Learning how to unlock Realtor lock box designs is challenging, but with the proper instruction, you can get it right and open the door to any home in your target market.

This guide will take a look at the different types of Realtor lock box options out there and give a basic explanation of how to open them. The next time you go to a showing as a showing agent, you will know what to do to open the lockbox.

Keyed Lockbox

One of the first types of lockbox real estate agents used was a key lock box. This standard in the 1970s required a master lock key to open. The only way to show the house was to get the key from the agent who was selling the house, so the selling agent and the buyer’s agent often would meet at the home together.

Obviously, this has some disadvantages. While you may still find some agents using a key lock box, this style significantly restricts access, so you will likely find them migrating to a different type.

Smart Home Electronic Lock

To open most smart home keypad lock systems, locate the keypad, usually installed near the door handle or deadbolt. Enter the correct access code, typically a numeric sequence or a combination of numbers and letters, depending on the specific lock model.

Some systems may require pressing a designated “Enter” or “Unlock” button after inputting the code. Once the correct code is entered, the lock mechanism should disengage audibly or visually (e.g., through an LED indicator).

At this point, you can turn the door handle or thumb turn to open the door. After gaining entry, close the door securely and ensure the lock re-engages automatically or manually, depending on the system’s settings.

Remember that smart home keypad lock systems may have additional features, such as temporary access codes or remote locking and unlocking capabilities, which can be managed through a smartphone app or web portal.

Combination Lockbox

A combination lock box works similarly to a safe. It has a keypad where the agent enters the combination code to grant themselves lockbox access.

To unlock a Master Lock (or similar) combination lockbox, begin by positioning the lockbox so that the combination dials are easily visible and accessible. Rotate the dials to align the correct combination numbers with the designated reference point or line, typically found on the lockbox’s body.

Be sure to rotate the dials one at a time and carefully set each number, as slight misalignments can prevent the lockbox from opening. Once the correct combination is set, press the release button or slide the latch (depending on the lockbox model) to open the key compartment.

Retrieve the keys and close the compartment securely after use. Change the combination to its original setting or scramble the dials to secure the lockbox.

Supra iBox Lockbox

Since most agents today have a mobile device with them at all times, lock boxes are evolving to include digital access codes instead of combination locks. This eliminates needing to remember a code when opening a locked box to enter a home for a showing.

The Supra lockbox system includes several models; the iBox is the first. This large, dark blue lock box detects the agent’s smartphone using infrared technology. This allows agents to enter their information and the unique CBS code (call before showing) using an eKEY application without carrying physical access cards.

Step 1: Obtain Your Supra eKEY and ActiveKEY To access a Supra iBox lockbox, you will need either an eKEY or an ActiveKEY. Your local real estate association or board can provide the necessary credentials and device. If you’re using an eKEY, download the Supra eKEY app on your smartphone. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. After installing the app, log in using your provided credentials.

Step 2: Enable Bluetooth and Location Services For successful communication between your smartphone or ActiveKEY and the Supra iBox lockbox, ensure your device’s Bluetooth and location services are enabled. These features are required for the app or ActiveKEY to interact with the lockbox and verify your access permissions.

Step 3: Locate the Lockbox in the App (eKEY users only) If you’re using the Supra eKEY app, open it and tap the “Obtain Key” button. The app will automatically search for nearby iBox lockboxes within range. If the lockbox is not listed, move closer to the lockbox and refresh the search.

Step 4: Verify Your Access Permissions Before attempting to unlock the lockbox, check your access permissions. The eKEY app or ActiveKEY should display your access level and any restrictions or time windows for access. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to unlock the lockbox.

Step 5: Unlock the Lockbox For eKEY users, select the lockbox from the list and tap the “Open” button. ActiveKEY users should press the “ON” button on the ActiveKEY device. Both methods will initiate communication with the lockbox via Bluetooth. Once connected, the lockbox will release its key container, allowing you to retrieve the keys.

Step 6: Return the Keys and Secure the Lockbox After completing the property showing, ensure you return the keys to the lockbox and close the key container securely. The Supra eKEY app and ActiveKEY will automatically record your lockbox access, providing an audit trail for security purposes.

SentriLock Realtor Lockbox

SentriLock lockboxes are widely used in the real estate industry, providing secure key storage and controlled property access. As a real estate agent, knowing how to unlock a SentriLock Realtor lockbox is essential for smooth property showings and transactions.

Step 1: Download and Install the SentriKey Real Estate App Before you can access a SentriLock lockbox, you’ll need to download the SentriKey Real Estate app on your smartphone. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. After installing the app, log in using your provided credentials.

Step 2: Enable Bluetooth and Location Services. To successfully unlock a SentriLock lockbox, ensure your smartphone’s Bluetooth and location services are enabled. The app uses these features to communicate with the lockbox and verify your access permissions.

Step 3: Locate the Lockbox in the App Open the SentriKey Real Estate app and tap on the “My Lockboxes” tab. Find the lockbox you need to access and tap on it to view its details. If the lockbox is not listed, you may need to enter the serial number or scan its QR code manually.

Step 4: Verify Your Access Permissions Before attempting to unlock the lockbox, check your access permissions in the app. The lockbox details page should display your access level and any restrictions or time windows for access. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to unlock the lockbox.

Step 5: Unlock the Lockbox Approach the lockbox and ensure your smartphone is within close range (approximately 5-10 feet). Tap the “Unlock” button in the app, and wait for the app to connect with the lockbox via Bluetooth. Once connected, the lockbox will release its key compartment, allowing you to retrieve the keys.

Step 6: Return the Keys and Secure the Lockbox. After showing the property, return the keys to the lockbox and close the key compartment securely. The SentriKey Real Estate app will automatically record your lockbox access, providing an audit trail for security purposes.

Push Button Lockbox

To open a Master Lock (or similar) push button lockbox, first, locate the push buttons corresponding to the correct access code. This code is usually a sequence of numbers, letters, or a combination of both and should be provided by the property owner or manager.

Press and hold the designated buttons simultaneously, ensuring each button is fully depressed. While pressing the buttons, slide the release lever or latch, typically located on the side or bottom of the lockbox. This action should disengage the lock mechanism and allow the key compartment to open.

Retrieve the keys and, after use, return them to the compartment. Close it securely and ensure the lock re-engages by releasing the buttons and moving the lever or latch back to its original position.

Dial Lockbox

To open a dial lockbox, first locate the combination dial, which is typically situated on the front or side of the lockbox. Reset the dial by rotating it a few times clockwise, then align the first number of the combination with the designated reference point or line on the lockbox.

Rotate the dial clockwise until the first number is aligned, then switch direction and turn the dial counterclockwise past the first number to the second number in the combination. Continue rotating the dial, alternating directions for each subsequent number in the combination sequence.

After aligning the final number, press the release button or slide the latch (depending on the lockbox model) to disengage the lock mechanism and open the key compartment.

Retrieve the keys and, after use, return them to the compartment, closing it securely and ensuring the lock re-engages by resetting the dial to a scrambled position.

Final Thoughts on How to Unlock a Realtor Lockbox

In conclusion, understanding how to unlock various realtor lockboxes with codes is essential for real estate professionals to facilitate seamless property showings and transactions.

From combination and dial lockboxes to electronic, smart home keypads, and push-button systems, each lockbox type offers different levels of security and accessibility.

By following the appropriate steps and guidelines for each type, agents can ensure secure access to properties while maintaining the trust and confidence of their clients.

As the real estate industry continues to evolve and adopt new technologies, agents must stay up-to-date with the latest lockbox systems and best practices to stay competitive and provide exceptional service in the ever-changing market.