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by RMLS Communication Department | Jul 15, 2016 | SentriLock
Ask Technical Terry is a series RMLS™ aims to offer once a month. RMLS™ subscribers will drive the content—submit any question about RMLS™ to Technical Terry in the comments or by emailing communications@rmls.com. Don’t be shy—we won’t identify you by name.
Dear Technical Terry:
Today I received an email about my SentriLock lockbox battery being low. What do I do?
Vanessa Volta
Well Vanessa, one of the many advantages of the SentriLock system is that you have the ability to change lockbox batteries yourself. Changing the batteries is as simple as opening the lockbox, removing the battery cover with a Phillips screwdriver, and switching out the two CR123A lithium batteries with a fresh pair.
TIP: One RMLS™ staff member suggests inserting a card in the lockbox before replacing the battery cover. If the box lights up, the batteries are in correctly and you may proceed with confidence.
Not enough power to open the lockbox? If the batteries have completely died, RMLS™ can loan you a “power paddle,” which will provide just enough power to open the lockbox for the purpose of changing the batteries.
Dear Technical Terry…
The person who sold me a lockbox last week suggested replacing the battery every two years to avoid extra work when my lockbox is on a listing and the battery gets low. But I have five lockboxes! How am I supposed to remember when to replace the battery in each one?
June Bugg
It so happens, June, there’s a great tool on the SentriLock website that can help you keep tabs on your lockbox batteries.
Insert your SentriCard® into your card reader and log in to the SentriLock website. Then click on the “My Lockboxes” tab (above).
Locate the lockbox you replaced your batteries in, clicking on the serial number link (above). [Take note of the column that says “Last Battery Replacement.” That’s the information we’re going to update!] Clicking the serial number of the lockbox in question will open the management screen for that particular lockbox.
Locate the battery replacement section of this screen (above). Use the calendar to change the date you replaced the batteries. If you changed the battery on that same day, click “Battery Changed Today” and the field will fill in today’s date. Don’t forget to click the save button at the bottom!
Back on the main screen, view your preferences to confirm you have the SentriLock system set to send low battery notifications.
Click the box if it isn’t already checked, then click the save button.
There you have it! A central location to keep track of when you last changed your SentriLock batteries.
Technical Terry-
In January I visited one of my Pendleton listings and the MESSAGE light came on when I was opening the lockbox. I swear I had just changed the batteries! Does the lockbox go through batteries faster in cold weather or something?
Harry in Hermiston
Your instincts were close, HH. When you’ve inserted your card into a lockbox and the MESSAGE light flashes at you, it usually means the battery is low.
If the battery is less than two years old and you’re in freezing temperatures (say, in Pendleton in January), you might see the MESSAGE light flash then too. Just keep your SentriCard® in the lockbox until the CODE light appears. Then enter your PIN and press ENT. (If you’ve used your SentriCard® to access the lockbox, don’t forget to update it in the card reader as soon as possible afterward!)
If you’re concerned about lengthening the life of your lockbox battery, SentriLock recommends the following:
• Store your lockboxes away from heat sources. Leaving your lockbox on your car’s dashboard in July is not a great idea.
• Remove your SentriCard® from the card slot. Use the SentriCard® to program and potentially access your lockboxes. The SentriCard® should not be stored in a lockbox slot.
• Lock the keypad when the lockbox is not on a listing. Let’s say your lockbox is inside your car and something heavy lands on it—power will be used to activate the keypad. When the lockbox is not in use, why deplete the battery this way? You can lock the keypad manually by inserting your SentriCard®, entering your PIN, then when the READY light displays, press FUNC+6+7+ENT.
• Tweak your default lockbox settings on the SentriLock website. When programming your lockboxes using the SentriLock website, check the box marked Auto Lock Keypad on Shackle Release which appears on the Agent Default Lockbox Settings or Custom Lockbox Settings windows.
Just remember on this last tip, users will need to unlock the keypad before trying to open the box! This can be done by inserting any sort of card—SentriCard®, business card, or driver’s license—into the slot.
I don’t envy you, Harry, doing those January showings in Eastern Oregon. Now you have the knowledge to make sure those batteries can go as far as you’re going for your clients!
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by RMLS Communication Department | Jun 10, 2016 | RMLSweb
Ask Technical Terry is a series RMLS™ aims to offer once a month. RMLS™ subscribers will drive the content—submit any question about RMLS™ to Technical Terry in the comments or by emailing communications@rmls.com. Don’t be shy—we won’t identify you by name.
Dear Technical Terry-
Is there an easy way to get a listing report to fit on one page? Currently I click on PDF and then Print, but then the margins cut off the top of the page and leave lots of white space at the bottom. Sometimes the second page only has one or two lines of text, which is just a waste of paper.
Sincerely,
Marginalized
Dear Marginalized:
First things first—whenever you’re printing from RMLSweb, use the Print button that appears on the site for best results. Here’s where to find it:
When you do not see a Print button within RMLSweb, use the browser’s File and Print command. You can get the same thing done by right-clicking and selecting Print.
Adjusting Print Margins
In the past there were specific margin settings to set in your browser to allow an Agent Full report to print on a single page. As browsers have evolved in number and versions, there are no longer “one size fits all” settings. Printing setup has become more complicated! Margin settings may vary between browsers and between printers, so you may need to set and adjust the margins on the machine you’re using to achieve your desired result.
If you’re embarking on a big print job, my colleagues at the RMLS™ Help Desk suggest that you test the print settings with a single listing first. If you need to alter the settings, you can do so before sending the whole kit and caboodle to print.
Here are some web links that provide instructions on accessing the print setup in a few major browsers:
• Firefox
• Chrome
• Safari
• Internet Explorer print adjustment can be tricky. We recommend reading Printing from RMLSweb (Document #1769) in RMLSweb Forms and Documents.
In some rare instances, no matter how much margin adjusting you do, there will always be an additional page printed out instead of just printing to a single page. If that happens, turn the document into a PDF first, then delete the extra page or just print the one(s) you need.
Good luck! If you have further questions, contact the RMLS™ Help Desk at (503) 872-8002 or toll free at (877) 256-2169.
Sincerely,
Technical Terry
Hello Technical Terry:
RMLS™ has certainly been making a hullaballoo about this new billing system that’s coming to RMLSweb. What’s the big deal? Can you talk a little more about it?
Will Billerston
Hello Will:
Ever force yourself to squeeze into a pair of pants that were two sizes too small? That’s essentially what RMLS™ has been doing the last several years with its existing accounting software. A core team of RMLS™ staff has been working with vendors for over a year on this project!
Here’s what it means for RMLS™ subscribers:
• RMLS™ will be able to accept more forms of payment
• A friendlier user interface than subscribers saw in Internet Member Services (IMS)
• Increased credit card security
• RMLS™ staff will be able to assist you with multiple types of issues in one call or visit
• Dual licensees will have just one set of login credentials, switching back and forth between licenses easily.
Want to read more about the improved RMLSweb billing system?
Changing a system that is such an integral part of RMLSweb is no easy task, but we’ve been trying to roll out the change slowly in order to avoid disruptions to YOUR access of RMLSweb. RMLS™ staff are really excited about the new system and hope subscribers enjoy it just as much as we do.
Best—T.
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by RMLS Communication Department | Mar 15, 2016 | RMLSweb
Ask Technical Terry is a series RMLS™ aims to offer once a month. RMLS™ subscribers will drive the content—submit any question about RMLS™ to Technical Terry in the comments or by emailing communications@rmls.com. Don’t be shy—we won’t identify you by name.
Hello Technical Terry:
A RMLS™ trainer recently advised me to confirm the tax data on my listing before publishing the listing on RMLSweb. It’s a good thing I did…the tax data that came up on RMLSweb was out of date compared to what I found on the county website! Why is that?
Elizabeth P. Unum
Great question, Elizabeth. Of course the county is going to have the most up-to-date data—they’re the source!
Tax data on RMLSweb covers the entire state of Oregon as well as part of southern Washington—a one-stop shop. In order to provide that much data, we work with four intermediate data providers, and in a few cases the county itself. In nearly all those cases, the data still comes initially from the county.
RMLS™ will always have less up-to-date data than the county assessor.
When you enter in a listing on RMLSweb with a Tax ID, the system fills in some values for you. Confirm these values and if they’re not 100% accurate, you may edit them before the listing goes live. After the listing is live, you’ll need to contact RMLS™ to make changes.
One last note: RMLS™ updates different counties on a schedule. Tax data for some counties is updated once a year (like those in southeastern Oregon), and some (like Multnomah and Clark County) are done weekly.
Technical Terry—
I’m not finding my client’s property in the tax system on RMLSweb. How can I enter the listing?
Penny Gerettet
Through the front door?
But seriously. A property tax ID (APN) is required to enter a listing into RMLSweb.
If you’re not finding the correct Tax ID, skip it. The system will enter Not Found into the Tax ID field. Every week, the RMLSweb servers find listings without Tax IDs and tries to match them up with tax data using several components of the property address.
If the property has been subdivided, added, or reassessed within the past year, RMLS™ will likely not have updates until the next yearly update—late fall for Oregon and early spring for Washington.
Dear Technical Terry,
The tax information on my client’s property is just flat wrong. How did this happen?
Sincerely,
Ron R. Ronger
When you enter in a listing on RMLSweb with a Tax ID, the system fills in some values for you. Confirm these values and if they’re not 100% accurate, you may edit them before the listing goes live.
If tax information is incorrect on your published listing on RMLSweb, the first thing to do is note the incorrect data in the private remarks so that other agents will know there’s a potential issue. Next, email RMLS™ tax staff and describe the problem, making sure to identify the county, Tax ID, and MLS number (if appropriate). Attach any relevant documents.
When RMLS™ receives this information, tax guru Kim Hutchinson will attempt to verify the data with the county. (If the county’s data is incorrect, contact them directly to resolve the issue.) If the county verifies RMLS™ data is incorrect, Kim will update the data on RMLSweb and work with the data provider for a long-term solution, emailing you about the outcome.
After all, we wouldn’t want you to be taxed by the details.
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by RMLS Communication Department | Jan 20, 2016 | SentriLock
Ask Technical Terry is a series RMLS™ aims to offer once a month. RMLS™ subscribers will drive the content—submit any question about RMLS™ to Technical Terry in the comments or by emailing communications@rmls.com. Don’t be shy—we won’t identify you by name.
Technical Terry,
I’ve heard my fellow REALTORS® talking about access codes for the SentriLock system that they can give to contractors or fellow REALTORS®. I have no idea what they’re saying! Can you explain what they’re talking about?
Sincerely Yours,
Lost in Lockbox Land
Thanks for reaching out to us, Lost. Of course I can explain what they’re talking about!
The SentriLock lockbox system provides a few ways to open a lockbox using codes that you can generate yourself. I’ll explain the codes and who can use each.
First are codes that can be generated by RMLS™ subscribers using the SentriSmart™ app. SentriSmart™ Mobile Access Codes (SMACs) are generated by using the SentriSmart™ app on a smartphone instead of using your SentriCard®. Never give a SMAC to anyone—this is like giving out your SentriCard® and is subject to the same rules and sanctions.
The other type of codes are generated by the owner of a lockbox.
One of these codes is the one day code. These can only be generated by the lockbox owner. The one day code will only work for a limited period of time—one hour from the time the code is initially used to open the lockbox.
A contractor code is used to allow access to someone with whom you and the homeowner have agreed can gain access to the property. This code can also be generated using SentriSmart™, by using the SentriLock website, or by calling SentriLock.
The big difference between using a one day code and a contractor code is that a contractor code can be used any day, over and over, as long as it falls within the access times programmed into the lockbox.
Now you’ve got the concept…how do you generate codes?
One Day Codes
One day codes can be created the following ways:
• using the SentriCard® Utility or the SentriLock website.
• using the SentriLock Card Authorization Renewal System (CARS) by calling (513) 618-5800.
• using SentriSmart™.
• by contacting SentriLock technical support.
Contractor Codes
First, contractor mode must be enabled on your lockbox for contractor codes to work. Lockbox owners are assigned three contractor codes for use, and these codes will work indefinitely as long as contractor mode is active on the lockbox.
When you turn on contractor mode, anyone with the lockbox’s contractor codes can use them to open the key compartment without a SentriCard®.
How to Turn on Contractor Mode
1. Insert your SentriCard® into the lockbox. Wait until the CODE light displays, then press your PIN and Enter.
2. After the READY light comes on, press FUNC + 6 + 1 and Enter. If you would like to turn contractor mode off, enter FUNC + 6 + 0 and Enter.
3. Remove your SentriCard® from the lockbox.
You can use the SentriCard® Utility or SentriLock website to find a lockbox’s contractor codes.
How to Find Your Contractor Codes using the SentriLock Website
1. Use the SentriCard® utility to log in to the SentriLock website. Insert your SentriCard® into the reader attached to your computer. The SentriCard® Utility should display the login window with your SentriLock ID appearing automatically. Type your password in and log in to access the main menu.
2. Click My Lockboxes. On the Lockboxes window, click the serial number of the lockbox.
3. On the Edit Lockbox window, click Default Lockbox Settings or Custom Lockbox Settings.
4. The Contractor Code fields on the Default Lockbox Settings or Custom Lockbox Settings windows will display the contractor codes for the lockbox you selected from the Lockboxes window.
One more (important) thing—your brokerage may have policies about the use of one day and contractor codes. Before you start using either, be aware of your company’s policies!
Have we helped you find your way, Lost in Lockbox Land? If you have trouble with SentriLock lockbox codes or have other questions, SentriLock technical support is the best resource for SentriLock issues. The RMLS™ Help Desk is happy to answer lockbox questions as well.
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by RMLS Communication Department | Nov 13, 2015 | RMLS News, RMLSweb
Ask Technical Terry is a series RMLS™ aims to offer once a month. RMLS™ subscribers will drive the content—submit any question about RMLS™ to Technical Terry in the comments or by emailing communications@rmls.com. Don’t be shy—we won’t identify you by name.
Hey, Technical Terry.
What can I do about all these emails I keep getting from RMLS™ about my pending listing? It’s got a lease option right now and I don’t need more emails in my inbox!
William Wesley Wiewel
Hey WWW-
Did you know about the Pending Lease Option status we introduced on RMLSweb last month? This status is for listings which have offers accepted with lease option terms.
Just mark your listing as POP and enter in the anticipated lease end date. This will change when you receive status change reminders from RMLSweb. You’ll see fewer unnecessary emails.
When searching for listings on RMLSweb, you can also include or exclude the POP status from your search.
Good luck on taming that email inbox!
Dear Technical Terry:
I’m sure the RMLS™ office move to the Portland airport area made perfect sense for many reasons—but those of us on the west side of Portland really feel left out! It’s such a long way to drive for a training. What do you suggest?
Alan of Allen Boulevard
I feel your pain, Alan! The Portland metro area is slowly becoming Bay Area North as far as traffic is concerned. I’m pleased to report we have been working on a sustainable solution for this very issue for some time.
Starting this month, we’ve begun offering training classes in Beaverton at The Round (the Beaverton City Hall building). We chose this location for several reasons: it’s close to Highway 217, it has free parking, and they offer a variety of classroom sizes and configurations.
Our very first day of classes was met with great success! We heard many positive comments about the facilities, location, and so on.
Tell all your west side REALTOR® friends of this exciting new training location! We’ve reserved space at The Round for the next three months and expect the location to be very successful (which would result in us reserving space going forward) but the decision to keep training at this location will be somewhat influenced by REALTOR® attendance.
Take a look at the Beaverton training calendar for November and December on RMLSweb (login required).
Remember—the RMLS™ trainers love doing office trainings/presentations as well. If you want a trainer to come to an office meeting, just let us know! Email training@rmls.com or call us at (503) 236-7657 to set up an appointment.
