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Allende Hernandez
  • Miami, FL
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WiFi Lockbox?

Allende Hernandez
  • Miami, FL
Posted Nov 8 2016, 07:14

Hi guys,

I've researched the internet up and down several times looking for a lockbox that I can change the code remotely and had come null. I am not looking for a door lock, which I know exist, I am looking for a "traditional" lock box.

I'm ok with it being WiFi and contracting internet service just for it.

Does anyone knows if this even exists?

Thanks!

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Jeff B.
  • Buy & Hold Owner
  • Redlands, CA
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Jeff B.
  • Buy & Hold Owner
  • Redlands, CA
Replied Nov 8 2016, 07:27

NO, but be advised these are easily HACKED so unless you're skilled and configuring WiFi,  caveat emptor.

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Andrew Ware
  • Gardiner, ME
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Andrew Ware
  • Gardiner, ME
Replied Nov 8 2016, 07:40

I'd say that most people stealing copper and tools probably don't have the skills or tools. Most do have access to a crowbar or brick though.

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Jim Adrian
  • Architect
  • Papillion, NE
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Jim Adrian
  • Architect
  • Papillion, NE
Replied Nov 8 2016, 08:39

@Allende Hernandez

 I would reach out to a door hardware consultant to help you and pick there brians.  They have all kinds of locks that are electronic and Bluetooth functions now days.   I know they have electronic cabinet looks for use in hospitals.  Maybe I don't understand your question too.    Here are some links with contact info as well. Good Luck!

http://www.sargentlock.com/products/

http://www.corbinrusswin.com/en/site/corbin-russwin/

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Jeff B.
  • Buy & Hold Owner
  • Redlands, CA
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Jeff B.
  • Buy & Hold Owner
  • Redlands, CA
Replied Nov 8 2016, 09:07
Originally posted by @Andrew Ware:

I'd say that most people stealing copper and tools probably don't have the skills or tools. Most do have access to a crowbar or brick though.

 It's public knowledge and anyone capable of configuring a router will know how.

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Andrew Ware
  • Gardiner, ME
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Andrew Ware
  • Gardiner, ME
Replied Nov 8 2016, 10:12

Jeff B.
In my area security isn't a huge concern. There are break ins of course. But we don't have security doors, bars on the windows, etc. If the thief is going to get all fancy why wouldn't they just get a glass cutter and go through a back window.

The truth is that the reason there is a higher rate of break ins on construction projects is the thieves are confident a) there is no one there b) unlikely to have a big dog c) there are rarely active security systems, and d) noise isn't suspicious at a construction site. It's a low risk proposition.

I'm not saying that you are wrong. I'm just saying the old fashioned way works great if no one is home regardless of the lock.

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Percy N.
  • Developer
  • Philadelphia, PA
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Percy N.
  • Developer
  • Philadelphia, PA
Replied Nov 8 2016, 12:22

@Allende Hernandez most RE professionals (realtors, home inspectors, etc) in our area use SUPRA (http://www.supraekey.com) which allows you to  authorize anyone who has a Supra FOB or their smartphone to authenticate. They have a couple different product offerings.

Pluses:

        - No special internet connection needed for the device ((I think it uses GPRS built-in).

        - Can use your smartphone to authenticate

        - Can have different PINS for different people

        - Online reports (and I believe alerts as well)

Con - Can be a bit expensive

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Allende Hernandez
  • Miami, FL
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Allende Hernandez
  • Miami, FL
Replied Nov 8 2016, 12:38

Thank you @Percy N.

I am a rehabbing a property remotely. What I'm looking for is a way to control the code in the lockbox so I can change it frequently as there are many people going in and out for quotes or to do work on it.

There are many options out there that require a smart phone(bluetooth) but not everyone that will be getting in will be able or willing to handle that. I just checked and Supra always requires a phone as well.

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Percy N.
  • Developer
  • Philadelphia, PA
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Percy N.
  • Developer
  • Philadelphia, PA
Replied Nov 8 2016, 13:12

@Allende Hernandez, you have the classic problem of needing a "smart key" to open a "smart lockbox".

  • One option is to put a traditional lockbox (large size) which has the smart keypad type device where the user enters a pin you have remotely configured and assign to them. This way you can assign multiple pins while solving the issue of people not having smartphones. I think you will be surprised as to how many do have smartphones. 
  • Another option is to look for a lockbox which responds to SMS messages.
  • Another option is to look for smart locks which pair with remote door bells so that it calls you when the contractor is there and you can provide access as you wish. User does not need any digits expect for the ones used to push the door bell (pun intended).
  • Low tech option - put a standard lockbox on the door. Setup Call Showing service. The users would call an 800 number for access. The call center captured who accessed the property and when. If desired, get a realtor or trusted agent to change the code as needed (usually not an issue for vacant properties without much to steal).

Hope this helps. If it does not, what can I say except stick to your local market ;-)

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Allende Hernandez
  • Miami, FL
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Allende Hernandez
  • Miami, FL
Replied Nov 8 2016, 13:41

@Percy N.

Do you have a reference for the lockboxes you mentioned in bullet one or two?

I'm almost considering option 3, just put a regular door lock that I then replace it before closing (leaving it clear to buyers that the lock is NOT included). Is not the most elegant option but I haven't find any others.

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Bryan O.
  • Specialist
  • Lakewood, CO
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Bryan O.
  • Specialist
  • Lakewood, CO
Replied Nov 9 2016, 07:38

There is a lock out there that uses rotating passwords and does not require any WiFi, BlueTooth, or cellular connectivity. http://www.erentallock.com/ An investor I know here uses them for his remote vacation rental. You can get on the company's site and pull up whatever code is going to be for that time period. For example, if you have someone coming out tomorrow you can tell them the code will be XYZ on the 10th of November. It doesn't require wifi, Internet, or any of that. The logic is built into the device at the factory. As I replace locks I will probably go with this type of unit.

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Allende Hernandez
  • Miami, FL
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Allende Hernandez
  • Miami, FL
Replied Nov 9 2016, 07:45

@Bryan O. I'll definitely check that out. I was looking at the entire door lock as an alternative because those are more advanced but this may cut it!!!

Thanks  lot!

Note: LOL I jumped the gun, these are door locks too. Will definitely compare them with the normal smart locks and see how they do. Thanks!!!

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Replied Jun 18 2018, 11:34

Take a look at eyeconlock.com.  Their lockbox can link to an existing WiFi and codes can be changed remotely.

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Trevor Fulkerson
  • Investor
  • Wichita Falls, TX
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Trevor Fulkerson
  • Investor
  • Wichita Falls, TX
Replied Jul 16 2018, 11:32

@Allende Hernandez not sure if you're still looking for remote access solutions, but if so check out InvictusManagement.net 

Great resources for allowing limited access to specific people, as well as capturing a photo of who is entering the property each time. 

Hope your project is going great!

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Doug B.
  • Investor
  • Roswell, GA
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Doug B.
  • Investor
  • Roswell, GA
Replied Aug 9 2018, 18:08
@Allende Hernandez Take a look at codebox. A code can be generated and is only good for two hours after it is entered. No wifi required. https://codeboxinc.com

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Keith Weigand
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Cleveland, TN
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Keith Weigand
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Cleveland, TN
Replied Aug 14 2018, 11:42

@Allende Hernandez I was looking for this same item last year. I gave up. I talked with many companies at conferences and over the phone. We wanted to integrate with our property management software so that we could schedule self-showings. Have it lock and unlock certain times etc. 

@Doug B. Codebox looks promising. I did a cursory review. Thanks for sharing that.

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Jeff Cantrell
Pro Member
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Jackson, TN
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Jeff Cantrell
Pro Member
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Jackson, TN
Replied Mar 6 2020, 15:06

Allende, did you find anything?

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Milan Mehta
  • Developer
  • Cary, NC
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Milan Mehta
  • Developer
  • Cary, NC
Replied Mar 7 2020, 03:36

@Allende Hernandez

Check out codebox