I picked up my Sentrilock boxes earlier this week. Sentrilock personnel gave us a brief orientation to outline the features and teach us how to use the boxes. They look simply like large lockboxes but they are packed with features!
The best feature is that a listing agent can know who accessed the lockbox and when. The lockbox uses passcards which will be available to all agents at the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Those of us who purchased lockboxes received our cards at the same time we picked up our lockboxes.
If an agent or another person (perhaps a contractor or housekeeper) who doesn't have a card needs to access the lockbox, there is a method for programming the box so that it operates like the old fashioned lockboxes (no card required). An access code can be generated that's good for one day only.
Information is transferred via the passcard, which has a small chip on it. Any agent that accesses the lockbox and then updates his card on a card reader (available at the broker's office or purchased separately) will transmit showing statistics for all listings that the agent has accessed with the passcard.
The passcard must be updated at least once a week. If an agent does not update the card for more than a week and tries to open a Sentrilock, it will not work. The update procedure ensures that showing information gets transmitted to Sentrilock and becomes available to listing agents.
What if an agent forgets to update his card and takes customers out to look at homes? There's a toll-free number on the back of the passcard. The agent can call Sentrilock and they'll provide a temporary access code so the agent can still show the property.
Listing agents login to the Sentrilock website and track showings by buyers' agents. The internet software also permits listing agents to assign lockboxes to specific properties by address, MLS number or other methods they come up with.
I installed a Sentrilock at one of my listings today. With my handy pocket card, I was able to open the box, detach the shackle and secure the box, then insert the keys. An agent is showing the listing tomorrow and I can feel more secure about access and showings. I talked with the agent over the phone, letting her know the Sentrilock will be installed. This will be her first experience showing a property with Sentrilock and she wanted to make sure she can open the box. We discussed the procedure and she was comfortable with the process.
Sentrilock looks like the wave of the future. We've adopted fax machines, cell phones, Tempo, laptop computers, PDA's and IPhones. This is the next step. Get on board the technology wagon!
It was a problem, borrowing a truck from a relative or a friend to pickup lumber. Sure, I could fit 8 foot 2 by 4's in my Scion XB - just barely. Oftentimes the lumber is dusty and dirty, so I would cover the seats with towels and plastic. Often times it's better to buy longer boards and then it's no longer possible to fit them into the Scion.
One day it came to me. I needed to get some 12 foot long boards and made the connection that I often carry a 10-foot surfboard on top of the Scion. Pull the surf racks out of the back, go back into the store and load the boards up!
As you can see in the photo, 12 foot boards fit just fine with the surf racks. I even carried a 16 foot board once. Surf racks will allow you to haul several boards but not near as much as a pickup truck or a full sized van will carry.
WARNING: When hauling wood on surf racks, go slow on the freeway (like 45 mph) or avoid the freeway altogether. When the winds gust the boards will start fluttering and they could cause damage or even fly off your vehicle! In addition, a flag should be placed on lumber that's hanging beyond the bumper of the vehicle.
In Hawaii, it's easy to find surf racks. We have surf shops all over the island. Basic soft racks like the set pictured above sell for less than $50. For people that don't live near the ocean, try e-bay or online surf shops.
Call Mike for Hawaii real estate
The Made in Hawaii Festival is an annual event spotlighting products made throughout Hawaii. This year's festival was held last weekend, from Friday, August 15th to Sunday, August 17th at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu.
The island of Maui had a strong showing at the festival. Home Maid Bakery had an interesting bread called "Maui Crunch." This bread is whole grain, made without sugar, eggs, milk or shortening. Guess what, it tastes good too! We purchased two loaves for $5.
Another vendor had some great jams and jellies. The boys below sold us a jar of Mango Butter (similar to Apple Butter) and Maui Onion-Garlic Mustard. Both boys had "Maui Upcountry" written on their foreheads in ink! These products were delicious and will taste great on our Maui Crunch bread.
Another booth had Guava salad dressing - sounds good, tastes even better!
Looking around some more we saw a booth for Kanemitsu's Bakery from Molokai. They must have sold out on their bread and lavosh - the booth was empty that evening.
Morris Nakamura aka "This Abled Artist" paints beautiful pictures with his mouth. Roy Tsumoto displays his works of art made in Koa and other woods. A photograph of Ti leaves in various colors. Fine vases and ornamental dishes by Leroy Taba will be an asset to any island home.
The Made in Hawaii Festival drew 37,000 visitors over three days and brought in around $1.7 million in sales. The economy might be slowing but this event was still a success! If you missed it this year, remember to check it out in 2009.
Mike Bates sells homes on Oahu
Experienced Hawaii real estate agent working full time for his customers. Innovative selling methods and great communication.
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