I use 2 different kinds of combo lockboxes for my REO listings. The Supra Combo lockboxes with the turn dial with letters, and Guardian Combo lockboxes also with the turn dial with letters (I bought these from victorystore.com, good prices).

I have been having problems with some of them jamming up, then not being able to get them open, and having to have them cut off the door with bolt cutters. I have lost one Supra to jamming, and 3 out of 10 of the Guardians to jamming.

Any tips or other product recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

John Ensminger
Dallas, Texas
john@LSRB.net

I use Master lockboxes exclusively now.

They are reliable and easy to set. The door is hinged, so it does not come off. Another benefit is that you don't have to enter the code to close them! Lowes keeps them in stock, so it's easy to purchase when needed.

I've used the Supra in the past and they were "ok". I HATE the letter combo boxes! I bought the Supra numeric pushbutton type
and they have held up well for going on 8-9 years.

Scott

I prefer lockboxes that take a key to change the combination. Nu-Set boxes are my favorites.

http://www.nuset.com/digit-security-lock-p-133.html
[img]http://www.nuset.com/digit-security-lock-p-133.html[/img]

I have some of the Master boxes, but I'm reluctant to use them ever since somebody reset the combination on one and locked me out of my own listing. Of course, I had given the code to several agents who called to show it. In theory, the last person to whom I gave the code must have been the one who changed the combination; but she, of course, said she did not! I had to have the box cut off and lost access to the key inside it forever.

Yes, you have to be INSIDE of the box to change the codes, and you have to flip a little lever. It should not have been able to happen accidentally. Either the culprit was recklessly playing with the mechanism or he/she locked it on purpose to keep others from showing the property for some reason.

In short, I now try to use only boxes that require a key to reset the combination and/or release the shackle.

Both of the pictured lock boxes above are available at our local Home Depot for a reasonable price.

Bob, What do you consider a reasonable price? I Have two of the Supra push-button types, and a few Shorlock with numeric dials. The shur-locks were cheaper and it takes a different code to unlock the shackle than it does to access the keys. That is why I bought those- some agent(s) got careless and gave out the codes to people, and boxes started getting stolen... I am looking for a type that is a bit heavier-duty, though, but that the code cannot get changed or the shackle opened by having the access codes.

I'm liking the Shurlok brand as well. I may order a couple of those to try out. They have a different combo for the shackle and for the key door. I previously said that I now use the Master brand exclusively, but that may change.

Scott

My MlS is trying to get us all to switch to SentriLock boxes. It is already a required of Membership to have the SmartCard. But quite frankly the SentriLock's are $5 cheaper than push buttons from Home Depot and then you have an electronic record of who has access the property. You can even program a contrator's code for tose who dont have the card.

I would also include a pic of the product, but I don't know how.

Here is the link

http://www.sentrilock.com/

Hey lizl...

The last person who opened the box changed the combo. Not necesarily the last person you gave the code to.

What a jackass.

I only have one combo box (Supra pushbutton) and don't use it much. Hmmm, I'm thinking I'll follow your advice next time I'm buying one.

Yep, Gary! I'm sure the lock combination was changed on purpose. Agents from two different companies had notified me that they were bringing contract offers. I'm guessing that one of them locked the other out, but I have no way of knowing who did it for sure.

One other possibility exists. This property is a little outside of the normal range of my MLS, hence, my use of the dialbox rather than my MLS's normal electronic Supra box. One of the local REALTORS may just have been sending me a signal to stay out of their town! It could have been any one of the REALTORS who called for the code or anybody in their offices, for that matter, as I'm sure the code could have been passed around.

At any rate, the code was most likely changed on purpose; because it is a multi-step process and you have to have the box open to change the code.

Thanks all for the suggestions and experience with the other products.

Lizl, I think I will give the NuSet a try. I will go out and buy a few. All the Ocwen/VA REO listings come with NuSet boxes on them from property preservation.

Our board is currently switching us over to the new Supra iBoxes here in Dallas/Fort Worth. These are fine for retail listings, but prefer combo lockboxes for REO listings.....for easier access by contractors, etc.

I hope everyone had a great 4th!

John Ensminger
Dallas, Texas
john@LSRB.net