As the busy real estate industry continues to grow and evolve, property managers compete for tenants looking for top-quality spaces. To attract and retain tenants, many managers offer concessions and incentives to help offset rising costs and remain an attractive option.
However, there is another strategy that many property managers are focusing on: providing added value to potential tenants and differentiating themselves from other properties with technology-based amenities and smart living innovations. Salto’s new Homelok smart access solution is one such example: an all-in-one platform that offers keyless entry and advanced security features, combined with the convenience and simplicity of modern smart living.
What is Homelok?
Homelok provides flexible, convenient smart access solutions for multi-unit homes, connecting smart door hardware to a cloud-based access control interface to manage every access point in all types of buildings.
Designed to work in a variety of environments, from large multi-building complexes to smaller properties, and ranging from brand new developments to older buildings, Homelok can be customized to meet the specific needs of each property.
This system provides property managers and tenants with key features to improve the user experience, including:
Cloud-based control: Managers can remotely monitor building access from any device, allowing them to issue or revoke digital keys, monitor security, and manage multiple properties, all from one system.
Digital keys: Residents can use their smartphones or smartwatches to unlock doors, eliminating the need for traditional keys. Homelok integrates with Apple Wallet, JustIN Mobile and third-party apps, making it easy for residents to open doors with a tap on their phone.
Smart home integration: The system’s flexibility and unlimited integration make it the ultimate all-in-one smart access experience for residents and property managers.
The resident experience
Homelok offers a modern, convenient, keyless way of life, with a simple, streamlined experience. In addition to being able to unlock doors with a smart device, the system also provides easy remote access for guests, repairs, deliveries and more, allowing residents to manage access to their home without having to be physically present.
“It’s about making residents’ lives easier,” explains Preston Grutzmacher, Residential Business Leader, Salto North America. “Keyless living is convenient, fast and safe. It’s the kind of modern technology that people are looking for in their homes.”
Management of multi-family properties
Managing multi-family properties can be a complex, time-consuming task, but Homelok can help simplify daily operations with just a few clicks. The system’s remote building access control allows managers to quickly grant temporary access to contractors, maintenance staff or delivery personnel without having to be on site.
“Being able to control access remotely is a major benefit for property managers,” says Grutzmacher. “It saves time, reduces safety risks and makes the entire process much more efficient.”
Homelok combines cloud-based technology with wireless, battery-powered hardware to create a system that is easy to install and maintain. These locks require no hardwiring, making them an excellent option for renovations or older buildings where installing new wiring is expensive or impractical. The wireless system is easy to maintain, the battery powered locks last for years and are easy to replace, meaning less disruption for residents and less maintenance work for facility teams.
“Homelok simplifies the work for property managers,” says Grutzmacher. “It reduces the time and effort required to manage keys and access points. That means less hassle for managers and a safer, more efficient real estate overall.”
Stay competitive
By streamlining operations and providing a superior living experience, Homelok helps multifamily property owners attract and retain tenants. Homes that offer smart, secure and keyless entry are more attractive to today’s renters, leading to faster leasing, higher occupancy rates and lower turnover.
“With Homelok, property owners can provide modern conveniences that today’s residents expect,” notes Grutzmacher. “It makes properties more competitive in the marketplace, which is a win for owners and managers.”
Safety and security
Homelok provides protection and peace of mind with features such as real-time monitoring and security alerts to keep the property safe. The system tracks everyone who comes and goes, allowing managers to quickly respond to potential security issues. This level of visibility and control significantly improves building security, limiting access to authorized individuals.
Likewise, the system’s advanced encryption protects residents’ digital keys, ensuring only authorized individuals have access to their home. And because access can be monitored in real time, residents can always see who entered their home and when.
“With Homelok, residents get a secure, keyless experience that gives them complete control over access to their home,” Grutzmacher explains. “It is a modern solution that meets today’s security needs.”
The future of property management technology
Homelok makes multi-family homes future-proof with flexible technology. The platform uses Salto’s SVN (Salto Virtual Network) technology, which allows the system to work both online and offline, ensuring reliable access even in the event of network outages.
As new access control technologies emerge, the system can easily be updated to support them, ensuring properties equipped with this system stay ahead of the curve, making it a smart investment for property owners looking to provide advanced amenities.
In addition to providing keyless entry, Homelok plays a crucial role in the broader smart living ecosystem, meeting residents’ expectations for homes that integrate seamlessly with their smart devices. The platform connects with other smart home technologies, allowing residents to control not only their doors, but also their lights, thermostats and more, all in one place.
“Smart living is the future, and Homelok is at the heart of that experience,” says Grutzmacher. “It’s not just about locks, it’s about creating connected, convenient living environments that work with the technology residents already use.”