Safety Resources For 2024: IDFPR, SentriConnect and MRED

Mainstreet HQ, Downers Grove – Verifying the identity of anyone with access to properties using lockboxes protects you and your clients. With a rise in “scams” via phone call, text message, email, direct message and voicemails REALTORS® need to exercise more caution than ever before to avoid allowing any unauthorized entries.

Safety is a big word. It reaches beyond physical protection of ourselves. Intellectual safety is just as important, thinking clearly and acting safely. Your best option to ensure protection of listed property is understanding those options.

Mainstreet REALTOR® members are provided with Sentrilock access as part of their membership. If you are concerned that someone looking to show your listing might not be a REALTOR® member or are just looking to verify an active real estate license, the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) should be your resource for verifying licensure. The IDFPR cites their mission statement as, “protecting the residents of Illinois, enhancing commerce in the state for the benefit of all residents and to ensure competent professionals are licensed to provide services to the public.” Click here to visit the IDFPR homepage for more information and the portal page for license look-up.

An auxiliary resource for agent and license vetting is Midwest Real Estate Data’s (MRED) Multiple Listing Service (MLS). You will need a username and password for this log-in portal. Once you have access, the “Quick Search” widget on the homepage will offer you options to look up the following: listings, agents, offices, clients and service partners. Click here to visit MRED MLS.

Options are important. A One Day Code can certainly assist with providing access to your listing. We recommend using these steps to ensure compliance with issuing One Day Codes. However, the use of the SentriConnect app as the best option to confront possible scams and ensure access is monitored through the app. A non-SentriLock user will be able to download the SentriConnect app to be granted access to lockboxes for showings or other approved purposes, like repairs to the property – this app can be useful with contractors too! We highly recommend this as your default actionable strategy to ensure secure access to any property. Click here to learn more about how to use SentriConnect.

Mainstreet is a proud provider of SentriLock lockboxes, which enables your listing to be securely accessed and shown by anyone, at any time, with your clients’ permission. SentriLock lockboxes are durable, reliable and versatile. They have Bluetooth connectivity available, which means that even without an internet connection you can still use your phone to open the box. To review the list of products and services visit succeedwithmore.com. Stop by any one of the Mainstreet offices. No appointment necessary.

Click here to see SentriLock products at Mainstreet.
Click here to be redirected to SentriLock’s homepage.
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