The Suburban West REALTORS^® Association makes available to its members the option of leasing Supra Electronic Keypads and purchasing IBOX Lockboxes for use on listings. It is the Association's opinion that this system is currently the most secure way of preventing illicit entry into properties. Furthermore, this system will remain in place through 2015.

Please note that members are NOT REQUIRED to use electronic keypads or lockboxes in their business, but for security purposes, members should also not borrow or lend their keypads or lockboxes to others.

If any question you have about the keypad is not answered below, please access our Frequently Asked Questions or contact Jim Lotkowski at 610-560-4800 or jlotkowski@suburbanwestrealtors.com.

For Electronic Keypad and Lockbox FAQS click here.

ActiveKEY battery tip click here.

Electronic keypads

The Supra Electronic keypads (ActiveKEY & eKEY) are used to access listings that utilize Supra Electronic Lockboxes iBOX. The basic function of the electronic keypad is to drop the key container from the lockbox so that an individual can access the key for the house. The keypad will also allow an individual to release the shackle of the iBOX lockbox which attaches it to the property.

There are two versions of Supra Electronic keypads (ActiveKEY & eKEY) that you may choose to lease. The lease schedule for keypad s is from May to May and they can ONLY be leased in person at the Association's office. PLEASE NOTE that only REALTORS^® or Affiliate members of the organization are eligible to lease keypads and that only one keypads can be leased per individual.

ActiveKEY

COST: The current pro-rate fee to lease a ActiveKEY is from today to May 2009 is $125.82 includes tax* A one time activation fee of $50.00 for a total of $175.82. (includes service to May 2009).

*Members have the option of purchasing loss/theft insurance for $25.00 per lease year.

*ActiveKeys are "only" leased as a package that includes; wall battery charger, carrying case and Mini USB computer cable, with a value of $249.00 if lost or stolen without insurance.

Click here for additional information on the ActiveKEY.

eKEY

Supra eKEY gives agents, accurate, timely access and management for leads, listing and property access. The eKEY is part Smart Phone/PDA that not only opens lockboxes, but can access an integrated network of vital real estate information.

When connected to a computer or by internet access through eKEY device the eKEY will automatically updated each night, the eKEY shows who has been to your listing, including date, time, name, office name and phone number. The professional version eKEY can also receive MLS downloads by the market area you've selected. Brokers can easily communicate with their agents through the eKEY to change the date or time of a meeting, getting the word out quickly. Users can program their own PIN codes, shackle codes and KeyBox access hours specifically tailored to a client's needs without having to visit the Association.

Click here for information on SmartPhone, PDA's and mobile phone carrier service available to use the eKEY.

COST: The eKEY has two types of services available:

Professional: The fee to lease an eKEY is $22.62 a month PLUS a one time activation fee of $50.

Basic: The fee to lease an eKEY is $15.62 a month PLUS a one time activation fee of $50.

Click here for information on eKEY Basic vs. Professional.

Click here for additional information on the iBOX.

ELECTRONIC KEYPAD AND LOCKBOX FAQS

KEYPAD QUESTIONS:  

1. Why am I limited to only one keypad?

For security and liability reasons, Suburban West REALTORS ® Association only allows one Electronic Keypad per agent.

2. What happens when I go into an area where there’s no cell service?

Your ActiveKEY won’t be able to communicate with the Supra network when it’s out of cell range so it won’t receive showing notifications. However, as long as it’s been within cell range in the last 24 hours it will remain active and you can open lockboxes. Your keypad can also be manually updated if it expires while out of cell service.

3. Does the ActiveKEY need to be within cell service to open Lockboxes?

The ActiveKEY does not need to be within cell service to open a Lockbox. It does need be updated, meaning it needs to have been in cell service for 10 continuous minutes within the last 24 hours or it will need to be manually updated.

4. When does an ActiveKEY expire?

An ActiveKEY expires only if it has not been in contact with the Supra system for more than 24 hours. The key disables itself until it can return to cell coverage and contact the Supra system for at least 10 continuous minutes. The ActiveKEY can also be updated by an Internet connection through a computer, or by manually entering temporary update codes. Update codes can be obtained through KIMvoice, KIM web, or Supra Support (866) 699-6787.

5. Why does my ActiveKEY keep turning off?

Your ActiveKEY turns off after 30 seconds of inactivity to conserve the battery.

6. Can I leave my ActiveKEY plugged in?

You cannot overcharge the battery in your ActiveKEY, so leaving it connected to its charger when not in use is a good idea. You may want to consider a car charger so you can leave it in your car.

7. Can I use my cell phone charger to charge my ActiveKEY instead of having two car chargers?

Use only the GE car or wall charger with your ActiveKEY to avoid potential damage. Using an unapproved charger may result in damage to your ActiveKEY and will void the ActiveKEY warranty.

8. What is the USB cable for?

If your ActiveKEY is out of cell service range for more than 24 hours you can connect it to your computer with the USB cable to manually activate it. The ActiveKEY software needs to be installed from KIMweb onto your computer before you connect the keypad and the computer must have an open Internet connection to activate the key.

9. Why would I ever turn the radio off?

When you press the on/off button on the ActiveKEY to turn it off, the radio stays on the stay in touch with the cellular network. You can turn the radio off completely by pressing and holding the on/off button when the key is on. You may want to turn the radio off completely if you happen to take your ActiveKEY on an airplane. You could also turn it off to conserve the battery or to prevent receiving notifications of showings. Click here for information on battery saving tips.

10. Why does my keypad say “RADIO IS OFF, 1-TURN ON RADIO” when I turn it on?

If you turned the radio off, the next time you turn on your keypad you will see “RADIO IS OFF, 1-TURN ON RADIO” in the window. Press 1 to turn the radio back on.

11. How do I turn on the flashlight?

All operations start with the on/off button. Press the on/off button, then the flashlight button. The flashlight will turn itself off after 30 seconds.

12. What does the light bulb button do?

Press the on/off button, then the light bulb button to light up the entire keypad and display window. The backlight turns off after 30 seconds.

13. Does the ActiveKEY alert me when someone opens my Lockbox?

You can set your ActiveKEY to notify you instantly when another ActiveKEY opens one of your Lockboxes, or you can choose to be notified overnight. Showing activity is delivered to your ActiveKEY the next morning regardless of your ActiveKEY preference setting.

14. When I see the message on my ActiveKEY that I’ve had a showing, how do I find out who was in my listing?

To find out who showed your listing, log on to KIMweb and click the View button after Showing Activity on your Dashboard. You could also visit the Lockbox to read it with your ActiveKEY. An iBox stores the last 100 showings.

15. My ActiveKEY says “Assign KeyBox” after I put in a shackle code. What does that mean?

After you enter a shackle code and press ENTER, your ActiveKEY gives a YES/NO choice for “Assign KeyBox.” If you select YES, the system will send you an email reminding you to assign the lockbox to a listing on KIMweb. The email contains a link taking you directly to KIMweb.

LOCKBOX QUESTIONS:

1. I have forgotten my shackle code, who do I contact?

If you forget a Lockbox shackle code, you can contact the Association Staff. Once they verify that the box belongs to you, they can provide you the shackle code. Important! DO NOT call Supra Support to assist you with lost codes as they cannot provide you with this information. Also please remember never to share your PIN code or shackle code with anyone.

2. Why does the key container not release?

If you do not press up on the key container within 30 seconds, it relocks and you will need to try again. Also note, you may have tried to access the Lockbox before or after timed access hours. Contact the Lockbox owner for access hours.

3. Why does the shackle not release?

If the shackle does not release, verify that you have entered the correct shackle code and try again. Lift up on the Lockbox to relieve pressure on the shackle.

4. The key container will not close. What should I do?

Check to see if the listing keys are blocking movement of the key container. If nothing seems to be preventing the container from closing, do not force it. Take the Lockbox to the Association's office for service.

PRICING INFORMATION:

1. How much does the keypad cost? Does Supra offer a payment plan?

The annual lease for the ActiveKEY is approximately $149.04 plus tax and runs from May 21 through May 20. The keypad lease rate is prorated daily and it is recommended you call the Association’s office for the exact cost at (610) 560-4800. Additionally, new key holders are required to pay a one-time activation fee of $50. Supra nor Suburban West REALTORS ® Association will accept partial payment for the keypad or Lockboxes.

2. What is the cost to purchase a Lockbox?

The cost for owning a Lockbox is currently $84 plus tax.

LOST KEYS:

1. What do I do if my ActiveKEY is lost or stolen?

Because of the cellular technology, if your ActiveKEY is lost or stolen, it can quickly be deactivated. Please report lost or stolen key immediately by calling the Association office (610) 560-4800 or Supra Support (866) 699-6787, so we can turn it off.

2. If my ActiveKEY is lost or stolen, anyone finding it would still need to know my PIN code to use it, right?

Correct. If your ActiveKEY is stolen, the key will remain active as long as it’s been in cell service range for the past 24 hours. As soon as you report it missing, it will be deactivated. In the meantime, anyone finding it would need to know the PIN code to open Lockboxes. Never write your PIN code on your ActiveKEY or store it in your ActiveKEY pouch.