Method and apparatus for communicating access to a lockbox

A real estate security and communications system, comprising:

• a lockbox positionable at a property having a secured storage area capable of holding a key to the property;
• an electronic key configured to open the lockbox and access the secured storage area;
• and
• a base station positionable at the property to receive communications from the lockbox or the electronic key in order to determine when the secured storage area of the lockbox has been accessed and to communicate the access of the lockbox to a party associated with the property.

A method for communicating to a party associated with the property that a lockbox located at a property has been accessed, comprising:

• detecting access to a lockbox storage area capable of holding a key to the property;
• communicating the detected access to a base station located at the property;
• and
• communicating from the base station to a party associated with the property that the lockbox storage area has been accessed.