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How to Manage and Streamline Scheduling Without Compromising Property Security

Written by Posted On Tuesday, 24 September 2019 07:36
How to Manage and Streamline Scheduling Without Compromising Property Security
Scheduling is particularly challenging during peak selling seasons. Setting appointments that are convenient to all pertinent parties is a time-consuming task, not to mention the added stress of managing the security risks involved with multiple agents, contractors and home buyers moving in and out on a daily basis. While receiving high interest in the many properties you manage is a good problem to have, it’s a problem none the less.

Today, there are modern solutions real estate professionals can deploy to better manage property access and scheduling complexities.

KEEPING PROPERTIES SECURE DURING BUSY SHOWING SEASONS

When demand is high, the need to get homes in selling shape means more people accessing the property to clean, fix and show. Agents need to be diligent about securing properties. Once appointments have been set and schedules are nailed down, the logistical dance of accessing the property for the showing comes into play. For example, considerations can include:

Is there a lock box?

Will the keys actually be in there when you arrive?

Are there multiple sets of keys in rotation that other agents can access simultaneously?

Is there a trusted audit trail that tracks who’s accessed a property and when?

Who’s the keeper of the keys, and how do you manage access across multiple listings?

Beyond the various groups you manage to maintain the property, it’s also important to understand the external risks at hand. According to a study from UNC Charlotte, the most common time burglaries occur is between noon and 4 p.m. (when most are at work and showings are typically scheduled), while nighttime burglaries - between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. - account for only about 17 percent of all burglaries. A ‘For Sale’ sign on a property, particularly a vacant one, can be hard to resist and further tempt a would-be burglar. Compound this concern with the fact that the number of burglaries in the U.S. jump up about 10 percent between the months of June and August – a prime selling time.  

While many homes will have a security system in place, there may still be homeowner concern related to the perceived vulnerability of having their house keys locked outside. Enhancing the home’s security with additional access management protection can provide added peace of mind to everyone invested in the real estate transaction, from the property owner, to the real estate personnel, to the prospective buyer.  

LEVERAGING TOOLS THAT OFFER CONVENIENCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

While the security risks involved with managing a property increase as scheduling needs become more complex, the scheduling landscape in and of itself can cause headaches. Today’s fast paced scheduling demands in the competitive real estate marketplace have resulted in complex and time-consuming management strategies using multiple scheduling platforms and apps. To simplify and streamline this process, a single platform to merge schedules can help keep real estate professionals on top of the constant cycle of contractors, inspectors, appraisers, potential buyers and agents.  

In addition, property management tools and technology capable of keeping a detailed log of who has accessed a listed property and when holds all involved – agents, contractors, and potential buyers – accountable. This type of property management solution enhances scheduling, efficiency, and security and would be a welcome addition to any realtor’s toolbox. In fact, these common security and scheduling challenges have resulted in an increased demand for industry tools that enhance property security and increase reliability.  

MASTER LOCK® VAULT ENTERPRISE: A PROPERTY ACCESS MANAGEMENT SOLUTION THAT STREAMLINES SCHEDULING DURING BUSY SELLING SEASONS

To provide a solution for these key partners, The Master Lock Company recently introduced Master Lock Vault Enterprise, a property access management solution. The Master Lock Vault Enterprise platform integrates easy-to-use software, a mobile app and Bluetooth® enabled lock boxes to provide a smart, simple and secure way to manage access to properties.  

With Master Lock Vault Enterprise, real estate professionals, associations and administrators can:

Grant and manage access for as many lock boxes and users as they need. Through the web interface and app, administrators and agents can easily grant access for agents, as well as trusted business partners, such as inspectors, appraisers, contractors and more. A one-stop-shop for everything – from showing to scheduling to unlocking the front door.

Conveniently schedule temporary, permanent or future access with rolling or fixed access codes.

Grant or revoke access in real time, optimizing scheduling and enhancing security.

Integrate the platform with ShowingTime®, the real estate industry's leading showing management technology provider, in one single app, allowing real estate professionals to seamlessly access properties with their smartphone.

Additionally, the cost benefits and convenience of keyless security come complete with the control, flexibility and accountability of Bluetooth® enabled hardware and Master Lock Vault Enterprise integrated software. Associations and agents can benefit from improving the uniformity of listings and enhancing their businesses reputation for service and innovation, all at a lower infrastructure cost.

LOOKING AHEAD

New and innovative technologies will continue to reshape the way people and organizations of all kinds do business. As the next wave of homebuyers enters the market, the real estate industry will continue to advance and benefit from tech-enabled tools such as Master Lock Vault Enterprise that streamline processes, improve efficiencies and enhance security.

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Kevin Anderson

Kevin Anderson, Global Software and EAC Product Manager at The Master Lock Company, has 13 years of experience in the software and electronic hardware industry and played a key role in developing the Master Lock Vault Enterprise access management software platform. As a security software and electronic hardware expert, Kevin has leveraged customer and user feedback within the real estate industry to guide user experience enhancements and software functionality to best meet the needs of real estate professionals. Before coming to The Master Lock Company in 2014, Kevin served as Product Manager for Edstrom Industries, Inc., now part of Avidity Science, developing environmental monitoring and control products that included electronic hardware and software components.

www.masterlock.com/solutions/showingtime

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