If you are in real estate, you have likely heard of the Supra eKey. It is one of those small tools that have a lot of power and make life just a little bit easier for agents, photographers, and other licensed professionals needing access to listed homes.
As a real estate photographer, I use the Supra eKey for every shoot. It saves me (and the clients) time and hassle. If you don’t know how it works, here is a brief overview about the Supra eKey and why it is so powerful.
What is a Supra eKey?
The Supra eKey is basically a digital version of a house key. Instead of a combo key or code, the Supra eKey gives real estate agents—and authorized vendors like photographers—access to lockboxes by phone.
Every time someone has access to a property, the system records that someone opened it and when they opened it, every time. The Supra eKey is linked to a secure app, which keeps homeowners more secure because the home is tracked when accessed. It is also more convenient for us professionals, like photographers, when we visit 5 or 6 homes in a day to photograph.
How Supra eKey Works
It’s really easy. Most homes that are currently for sale will have a Supra lockbox on the door or gate. When I arrive to conduct a photoshoot, I open the Supra eKey app on my smartphone and connect it through Bluetooth. Once the system confirms I have access, the lockbox will unlock.
This process takes only a few seconds and allows me to enter the property without waiting for someone to arrive with a key or having to rely on or coordinate with a third party such as the homeowner. The app also logs the access, so the listing agent knows for sure that an supra access has taken place at the agreed time.
Why Supra Access Is Important for Real Estate Photographers ?
Honestly, for me, the Supra eKey was a huge time-saving advance. Prior to the Supra, photographers like me would have to set up and retrieve keys from agents, meet with them, or simply rely on codes to get through doors. Now, it’s all secure with the app.
Here is what I like and why using the Supra is a great option for us real estate photographers:
- Saves time: No more waiting for residential access or access codes.
- Keeps it professional: Shows clients that I follow secure industry standards for accessing/entering properties.
- Offers more flexibility: I can access homes early in the morning or later at night with an agent’s approval.
- Provides peace of mind: Every access is recorded, so a homeowner feels secure knowing who has accessed their home.
It’s honestly one of those tools that makes my job smoother and more efficient.
Why Agents and Sellers Appreciate It Too
Agents value the Supra eKey for its organization, security, and convenience. Agents can grant and revoke access to a property with the click of a button, which is critical when multiple professionals are scheduled at different times—photographers, stagers, and cleaners.
Sellers appreciate the Supra eKey, as everything is logged. They now know specifically when their property was accessed and by whom. It’s a bit more trust that is added into the mix.
A Few Quick Tips
If you are an agent scheduling a shoot, here are a few suggestions to make your shoot as easy as possible.
- Confirm access ahead of time. Make sure your photographer has eKey permissions granted.
- Check the lockbox to ensure the Supra box is connected and ready via Bluetooth.
- Inform the homeowner when to expect someone, even if you are still going to use the eKey.
A little coordination goes a long way in having things be seamless and professional.
Summary: The Supra eKey has made a tremendous difference in how I work as a real estate photographer. It’s safe, secure, and simple, and it saves everybody lots of time.
If you are an agent or a homeowner with stunning real estate photos in mind, I can help. With devices like the Supra eKey, scheduling and shooting become quick, easy, and worry-free!
