Case Study: MCBR® Uses Bluetooth Lock Boxes to Reduce Cost & Simplify Property Access

Real Estate Case Study

The Manitowoc County Board of REALTORS (MCBR), a non-profit corporation and one of Wisconsin’s leading real estate associations, helps its real estate members enhance their businesses by providing industry information, products and services. 

One of the benefits MCBR provides to its members is reviewing and recommending products that make real estate agents’ jobs easier. MCBR implemented electronic lock boxes several years ago to facilitate home access as well as keeping an audit trail of who accessed the property and when. MCBR recently decided to evaluate its current lock box system and found opportunities to reduce costs and administrative complexity. 

After a rigorous vetting process, MCBR selected Master Lock Bluetooth Lock Boxes because they are compatible with the new Master Lock Vault Enterprise solution, which integrates Bluetooth Lock Boxes with easy-to-use software and a mobile app. Together, this solution provides a simple and convenient way to grant access and improve security – without requiring ongoing fees or long-term contracts. The Master Lock Vault Enterprise web platform also integrates with ShowingTime, the market leading real estate showing service, providing MCBR agents the convenience of using one app to manage the entire showing process, from scheduling to walking through the front door. The convenience and simplicity of one integrated solution was an important feature in MCBR’s decision to deploy 600+ lock boxes among its members.

Goals & Analysis

Reduce Costs for Members and Streamline Operations 

In exploring new lock box providers, MCBR wanted to provide its members with the best capabilities and value. MCBR sought a solution to share access, record audit history, and provide property security while reducing overall program costs - both financial and administrative. 

Solution 

As a global leader in security for nearly 100 years, The Master Lock Company introduced Master Lock Vault Enterprise to meet the objectives of reducing costs and simplifying property access. 

The access management solution integrates Master Lock’s Bluetooth enabled lock boxes, a mobile app and web platform to create a seamless process for managing access to properties for both administrators and agents. In addition to satisfying the MCBR objective of improving value, the Master Lock solution also delivers an intuitive user experience. 

The following are solutions and procedures put in place to address MCBR’s safety challenges: 

Reduced Costs

Unlike competing products on the market, the Master Lock Vault Enterprise system does not require recurring monthly service fees for data packages, use of the web platform or contacting customer service. 

Efficient Access Management 

Through the web interface, administrators can easily grant agents access to as many lock boxes as needed in real-time. Agents can then access the designated lock boxes via the mobile app on their smartphones. Additionally, administrators can grant or revoke access as needed to affiliates, such as inspectors, appraisers, contractors and more. With access to robust data and audit trails, members were able to increase accountability by knowing who accessed which property and when, ensuring the security of the property.

Showing Time Integration 

Master Lock Vault Enterprise integrates with ShowingTime, the leading real estate showing and scheduling management provider. The fully integrated system offers users the convenience of using one app to manage the entire showing process, from scheduling to walking through the front door.

Out-of-the Box Simplicity 

The onboarding process is straightforward because the system is designed based on end-user feedback. Master Lock provides detailed training on how the system is used and ensures all members understand the hardware and software. MCBR can transition to the new system without disrupting their members business operations. process, from scheduling to walking through the front door.

Results 

After implementing Master Lock Bluetooth Lock Boxes with the Master Lock Vault Enterprise system, members of the Manitowoc County Board of REALTORS simplified operations and saved money: 

• The easy-to-use web platform enables members to efficiently manage access to properties, improving day-to-day operations and ensuring agents can reliably show properties they are selling. 
• Members save money over the course of a year with the elimination of ongoing fees. 
• Members are satisfied with Master Lock Bluetooth Lock Boxes, the Master Lock Enterprise app and its integration with ShowingTime. 

Testimonial 

“The Manitowoc County Board of REALTORS exists to enhance the businesses of our members. With the introduction of Master Lock Bluetooth Lock Boxes and the Master Lock Vault Enterprise system, we are achieving this goal. Now, members can easily manage access to as many lock boxes for as many agents as they need – all while saving money because it doesn’t require ongoing fees. I’d recommend it to any real estate professional looking for a smart, simple and secure way to manage access to properties.” 

– Keith Krepline, Director, Manitowoc County Board of REALTORS

For more information on Master Lock Vault Enterprise, visit: https://www.masterlock.com/solutions/vault/

For more information on bluetooth lock boxes, visit: https://www.masterlock.com/products/bluetooth-electronic-locks/lock-boxes?business