Safety Tips for Showing a Home

Safety_Series_(web-graphic)This post is part of our REALTOR® Safety Series which kicked off last month with the first of several videos featuring AAR Vice President, Paula Monthofer. Today we’re going to share safety tips for when you’re showing a home, hat tip to NAR’s 56 Safety Tips for REALTORS®.

When planning to show a home to a potential buyer, especially in an open house situation, with just a few simple steps, actions and a little preparation you can keep yourself and your clients safe.

1. Let your guest lead

As you start the home tour, let your prospect lead the way by encouraging them to walk in front of you. Direct them through the house from slightly behind them and encourage them to go ahead of you by giving verbal queues of where to go, for example, “Down the hallway, you’ll find the den to your right.”

2. Protect your personal information

Make sure your clients protect bills, important documents and their computers with passwords and locks. If yourself or other REALTORS® will be showing the property you want to make sure no one can access any confidential or personal data. It’s also a good idea to lock up any personal electronics which are easily grabbed and slipped into a purse or pocket.

3. Pack light

If you normally carry a purse or briefcase, lock them in your trunk or glovebox while showing homes. Only keep inexpensive items with you and your cell phone. It’s also advised that you skip wearing any lavish jewelry or watches. It seems silly, but any way you can make yourself less of a target keeps you safer.

4. Check your surroundings

Before you enter the home, look around. Does anything seem out of place? Is there anything that would cause you to be weary? Listen to your instincts and make sure to look for red flags.

5. Check everything, and then check again

You checked the home before you opened the house, but do you check again before you lock up? Make sure to give the home an additional check, walking through each room and looking for anything out of place or concerning. Be prepared to defend yourself. Just because you’re ready to head out doesn’t mean you can get complacent.

 

Always remember, no sale is worth losing your life for. Keep safe and encourage your colleagues to do the same.

 

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