SentriLock Summer Newsletter
2008-07-29
In This Issue
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Message from the President
There's nothing like the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® MIDYEAR MEETING & TRADE EXPO to catch up with clients, friends and colleagues. It was especially nice meeting the dozens of people at our booth who were interested in learning more about our new products and services. Immediately following the show, the WAV Group, an independent research firm, published its 2008 Mid Year Technology review that provided a comprehensive and insightful overview of our new product, REALTOR® Lockbox NXT. The report can be accessed here This report details how "REALTOR® Lockbox NXT takes real estate lockboxes to a new level through a next-generation platform of technology and other features that can be customized to meet the needs of any association, board or real estate professional. Enhancements include: Smaller size yet more storage capability, enhanced security, wireless technology, and one-day access codes." The report goes on to point out that with the upcoming launch of our wireless product, REALTOR® Lockbox NXT Wireless, there is "no requirement to recharge or renew your lockbox access device. Using the SentriLink™ wireless card reader with Bluetooth® technology, it automatically renews the SentriCard® . No overnight cradling. No devices to charge." We're quite proud of the fact that we are the industry's official lockbox partner and the only lockbox offered in the REALTOR Benefits® program. Because of you, we've grown tremendously and today have a client roster of more than 200 REALTOR® associations and boards using our REALTOR® Lockbox system representing more than 200,000 agents. I hope to hear from you soon -- if you get a chance drop me an e-mail to let me know how we're doing or where we can improve. You can reach me at sfisher@sentrilock.com. To your success, Scott Fisher President and CEO |
When Converting to SentriLock, it was 'A Well Oiled Production,' According to One of America's Largest Real Estate AssociationsWhen the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® made the decision to convert its 13,500 members to the SentriLock lockbox system, executives knew the task would be big. Really big. As in 33,000 lockboxes big. What Margery Shinners, Deputy CEO of this suburban Chicagoland association - one of the largest in the nation - didn't know, was how streamlined the conversion could be and how her members would take to the new system. "I'd give SentriLock an 'A' for sure," Shinners said when asked to rate how well the conversion went last month. The conversion was a well-oiled production and all along we felt like SentriLock was our partner," she added. "We have received many, many compliments from our members on the ease of the conversion." She pointed out that the conversion took a lot of planning and that communication was key: "the undertaking took four weeks at four different locations and was a lot of work, but it all paid off," said Shinners. "During that time, we had more than 10,000 members go through the conversion." In 2005, Shinners' group began looking at alternatives to its lockbox vendor. "At that time, the current vendor was introducing some new products and we thought it was a good time to evaluate all the lockbox solutions on the market." Shinners' group created a task force to determine the best products and then even took the extra step of "visiting the Indianapolis board (MIBOR) and talking to them about their transition to SentriLock," she said. Shinners is matter of fact when she rattles off the various reasons why the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® converted to SentriLock. "Why did we change? We reduced our costs, increased the number of features and received a higher level of support and service from SentriLock." What advice would she offer to a board considering changing their lockbox vendor? "Compare apples to apple as much as possible," said Shinners. "Weed out the features that sound cool and look at the real functionalities of the system. Get a really good cross section of membership - agents, brokers, big firms and little firms. This will ensure good representation is secured. And, communicate early and often with your members." Sound advice that certainly is working out well for the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® . |
New Website, New Navigation, New LookAs part of its companywide re-branding, SentriLock has not only changed its look, company logo and tagline, but we've also streamlined and re-launched www.SentriLock.com. "As part of the re-branding, we've improved the user interface and streamlined SentriLock.com so it's much easier for agents and association executives to navigate," said Scott Fisher, president and CEO of SentriLock. The recently revamped site now includes five easy-to-navigate buttons that help users quickly find precisely what they're looking for. The navigation bar is organized around five key search areas: "Company," "Products & Services," "Client Support," "Sales," and a secure "Login" area for agents, boards and associations. We'll be adding new content soon, so feel free to check back in from time to time. |
Around the Industry. . .We'll be exhibiting at the following industry events. See you there!
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New Customers & ContractsSentriLock is proud to announce that a number of Associations and Boards have recently become clients. These include:
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Advisory Panel AnnouncedSentriLock is proud to announce its 10-member Advisory Panel, a group of industry leaders who represent the interests of the real estate community that will help steer the company's future product development initiatives and service offerings. The panel will take recommendations from the general User Group to determine the overall needs of the entire customer base and help prioritize these initiatives. The group will also preview new products and product enhancements prior to their general release. The 2008 Advisory Panel includes:
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Tech TipsAmong the many features of the SentriLock system is the ability to create Agent Teams to better manage the use of lockboxes by multiple agents. When two or more agents form an Agent Team, they (more times than not) share their lockboxes and listings with each other. This allows them to place each others' lockboxes onto their own listings, while also managing their team members' listings. An Agent Team is also a one-way street. Simply being on someone else's Agent Team does not mean they are on your team. This allows you to control the flow of information and lockboxes. Placing another agent on your team is simple. Just log onto www.SentriLock.com or through the Card Utility Program. Then click the "Agent Team" button on the left side of the screen. You will then be brought to the "Agent Team" page which will show you everyone currently on your team. Above and below is an "Add Team Member" button. It will take you to the "Add Team Member" page. Here, you will see your name listed at the top next to "Agent," and "Unassigned" next to "Team Member." Click on "Select" next to the "Unassigned" button and a new window will open. Here, you can select the person you wish to add to your Agent Team. At the top is a search bar, so you can easily look up your fellow agent(s). After selecting the correct agent and clicking the "OK" button, you will now see the agent's name where it once said "Unassigned." The next option is the "Nominate for Card Team" check box. If you place a check mark in this box, the person will be able to access your lockboxes as though they are you. If you leave it blank, they will only be able to view your listings online. Finally, click "Save Changes." After that, have the agent renew their SentriCard and they will now be on your Agent Team. |
Integrated Partner Program LaunchesAs we continually strive to develop cutting-edge technology solutions aimed at increasing the productivity of real estate professionals, SentriLock recently announced its Integrated Partner Program. Already, six leading firms from throughout the country are participating in the ever-expanding program, including:
For additional information on the program, contact Brent Borel at 513-618-5813. |
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SentriLock, LLC. 2710 East Kemper Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45241Sales: 1-866-736-2322 or 513-618-5800
Support: 1-877-SENTRILOCK (736-8745)