Lockboxes offer more Security

Our local association of REALTORS(R) in Chester County and Delaware County, Suburban West Realtors Association is making the move from the "old" electronic lockboxes

to the new i-beam electronic lockboxes!

I'm one of the unusual Chester County Realtors, I'm excited and looking forward to the change. One of the big reasons is that I will be decreasing the amount of gadgets/stuff that I'll have to carry around with me - the software is compatible with my Verizon XV6700 Mobile PC !!! It's happening in a couple of weeks, I can't wait!

Here are my Plus-Points:

• Less Gadgets - it works with my cell phone!
• Trade one-for-one the old for the new
• Every agent has to make the switch in a two-day period
• Listing agent receives an email when the home is shown (I won't be selling security monitoring to my sellers though)
• Listing agent can monitor lockbox activity online (as with the old ones)
• They're blue... I'll be able to find them easier when not on the door!
• Agents without compatible phones will have a new display key - with built in flashlight! Great idea!
• Wireless automatic updates

Here are my Minus-Points:

• We have to make the switch in two days. Run! Grab lockboxes off of listings - take to trade in - run! Put them back on so the home can get shown!
• They're blue.... eyesore?
• Agents will be complaining and whining for a while

Here are my Questions:

• Will the i-beam device still work if there isn't cell service (I'm guessing yes)
• Can other agents still release shackle and bring you lockbox on settlement day (Apparently, when you release the shackle, the lockbox will automatically be added to your inventory list)

Why do people still use combination lockboxes? I really feel they are not as secure as electronic....