Would you open the door to a stranger? Or show property?

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Would you open the door to a stranger? Or show property?

Would you show property to someone you've never met before?

If the prospective buyer whom you've never met refuses to give critical information or to meet with you, would you consider this a serious inquiry? Would you show them property by meeting them there?I've had some prospects who try to make me feel guilty by telling me "Well...if you don't want to show me this property, then I'll find someone else...." Or some think they're getting the third degree...

It's a risky business!

We get all kinds of leads...by phone, by email from people who want us to show them our listings. If they are not referred by anyone we know, and if we've never met them, we ask the usual questions....

Are you represented by an agent?
Are you already preapproved for a loan?
Then we recommend that they come to our office to meet with us first before we see the property --- we justify this by telling them that based on what we find out that they're looking for, we could upload other properties they may be interested in and we can schedule more showings
Before they come, we ask for their full name, email address, best number to call them.
And...or...we ask them to fax a copy of their drivers license to us.

It seems that the best explanation I can give them, and one that most legitimate prospects would respect is that it's a safety issue and precautionary measure....

...that the sellers requested that the home is shown only to preapproved buyers

...that realtors are committed to caring for our clients' property (and ourselves!)

...it's company policy

What works for you?

Posted by Pacita Dimacali - ePRO, SRES, CDPE, MBA Alain Pinel in Alameda County CA on 08/29/2010 02:24 AM

Comments (71)

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71 Comments on Would you open the door to a stranger? Or show property?

AUG

2010

Most do not think of the problems in showing the property to strangers.

I make it a point to tell all of my agents (especially the women) to use caution when dealing with a new contact. I think confidence keeps unscrupulous characters at bay.

Absolutely not!!! I don't show anyone houses unless they show me their pre-qual letter and meet me at my office first! My time and my life are much more important than a bad apple! :-)

I don't show properties to someone until/unless they've been approved for a mortgage. That means ALL information has been verified. Then, I'm ok meeting with them because if something happens to me, we know the preson's contact information, where they work, social, the works...

Hello, all

Seems like we have to keep reminding ourselves and our co-workers about the risks we encounter everyday and how we can minimize those risks.

If prospects aren't willing to become preapproved or give pertinent information about themselves, then I won't give them any more information about the property other than what they can find on the MLS.

Pacita,

Great advice. One can never be too careful. Plus you can always say it's my brokers policy.

Good Morning Pacita, good input for agents at any experience level!

Hi Pacita. It is a risky business. Especially for women. An agent in my office once told me about a time that she was almost kidnapped by two men at an open house. Personally, I think women with risky jobs should consider carrying a small firearm, nothing outrageous, maybe a small revolver. This is my opinion and how I feel.

Scott Miller, Realty Associates, Boca Raton, FL

if there is no pre-approval...there is no showing...why waste time on someone especially these days who cannot afford for whatever reason...credit, down payment, debt to income...to buy...

There are too many unsavory criminals who are posing as buyers to take the risk. Everyone is a stranger until a relationship has been established and a pre approval letter presented. Personal safety is very important in this industry.

Pre-approval and basic info is a must. I always let someone in my office or family know where and who I am showing.

Pacita, you should have a policy to meet prospective buyers first in your office, interview them and make a copy of their drivers license before you go alone with them.

Thank you for sharing and posting your informative article.

Pacita...

If the use the "if you don't show it to me I'll call someone else" I politely say goodbye and wish them well.

An ounce of prevention...

Maybe you can just level with them about being a safety concern as well, instead of throwing up the lesser reasons first. You'd be surprised how understanding folks are if you're vulnerable (i.e. tell that your safety comes first).

I have been lax about this in the past - it depends on the property location and vibe I get from the people. But you are right, we should get ID and/or a prequal of some kind before letting anyone in a house.

Safety is first and foremost, you can always find another buyer.

This has been a nightmare for many years, and agents are often so excited about the possibility of a new client, that they are afraid if they question and shore up exactly who the prospect is, they'll offend him and he'll leave.

Twice agents in my Galveston office came close to working with a robber/killer. And they probably would have had I not told our sales staff that if I ever caught them violating our company policy on this subject, the Wrath Of God that would come from me would be far worse than anything a prospect could do to them.

Our agents were never allowed to meet a new client anywhere but our office. They were to ask for a copy the new prospect's driver's license, and they were to give the receptonist their showing intenary. They were to call the office when they arrived at the first showing, and each subsequent showing.

After hours showings worked similarly appointments worked similarly, however, if it was when our office was closed, we insisted someone else come to the office with the salesperson, to be with him/her when the agent and the prospect met for the first time.

GOOD MORNING PACITA! Once someone says, "If you don't want to ..." I politely wish them well and move on. Safety is huge with me and I have hung up my phone a couple times when someone doesn't agree or understand. --Gabrielle

I always make sure I have their contact information, and the few times I still wasn't comfortable, I brought another agent with me.

Pacita:

As a buyer agent I only show properties to people I have met at my office for an initial consultation and, after they have signed my agreement. They also must have a pre-approval letter.

For safety's sake, your insistance on their information, driver's license and bank letter are good screeners. Anyone who is serious about looking for a home should not have a problem with those items.

Great post! If you ever feel there is risk in the situation, just don't do it or ask another agent to accompany you. It is never worth putting you, your clients or anyone else at risk. People think that we have no risk - we are the only profession that meets strangers at vacant homes.

We always warn our sellers to NEVER open the door for someone who knocks. The agents have lockbox keys and everyone else can call us if they need to see the property.

We all need to follow these suggestions. It's a dangerous world today and a little caution goes a long way toward safety. Use good judgement and live to sell property for a lot more years. If someone refuses to do business your way just say no and let them move on to someone else. There is always another client out there.

Pacita, safety is important in our business. If a buyer doesn't agree with your request for information, you probably didn't want to work with them anyway.

Pacita, no matter how bad the economy gets, don't change your routine. We have a tendency to act more desperate and cut corners. This could be a severe safety issue. Way too much craziness out there to take chances.

Always exercise caution! If it doesn't feel right, don't go. If my spouse gets an odd vibe about a showing, I'll go with her or go in her place.

I tell people in our office working late at night to get a hot cup of water from the coffee maker. If they encounter an attacker, splash the scalding hot water in their face and run.

I spent 21 years in the service and while licensed to carry a firearm, escape is always the better course of action.

Tom

Now for a voice from rural america. I thnik it depends!

Those are all good suggestions, but...

Just as home safety means something different depending on whether you live, say, in downtown Chicago or in a gated community or in rural America - I think rules for realtor safety also have to reflect the area you work in.

I will show property once I have either an approval or a bank statement showing funds, by meeting them at the door but I know those that will not. I had a lead yesterday who refused to get the approval, and then proceeded to tell me I was running my business wrong and how it would hurt me! Trying to get a word in edge ways because he was on a rill I told him to go and find another Realtor. I had to hang up on him he was very obnoxious.

Nope, not unless they are referred from a co-agent. Then I still meet them at my office, more professional.

They must have a pre-approval letter too.

Pacita,

I too am too slack about this at times. Thank for the reminder. I live in a smaller community so things are a bit different in our area. I have them meet at the office first. My biggest concern is when they want to see rural property....then I usually refer or have another agent go with...

I need proof of funds from their lender or mine. I have also called my husband and read their license plate number to him in front of the buyer.

A couple of months ago an agent in my office got an up. Her attitude was a little pushy and for some reason the guy would not give her any information, so of course she would not meet him at the empty apartment.

He called back and asked for someone else. I got the call and I guess he preferred my attitude. Gave me his info. I met him that day, And we closed on the sale of the co-op 2 months later.

Guess you can catch more flies with honey :)

With real full motion video with live from the property audio, show strangers hundreds of thousands of times property, the community. Rural areas where doors are not locked, there are no keys and no one carries mace, wears a holster with a pair of fully charged tasers. Well, personal safety is not a situation where this property showing can go one of two ways. It is not a risk in the 4th lowest crime state where folks know each other, don't get lost in the shuffle, traffic, hub bub. I'm sitting at Jeanne's table on this one.

I always meet people at my office first. If they won't meet me there, then I don't show them houses

The "days and times we live in" dictate these measures as outlined in your post.....everyone knows that. it may be inconvenient, but has to be done for now. those that refuse should be looked at twice. Perhaps a plan "B" for them as this is a people business and we have to rise to occasions......My last thoughts.....common sense can never be shelved or negotiated and exists for one reason...to be obeyed.......Most delightful post point and thank you Pacita.....the sweeta

I took a safety course last year which was presented by our board. I highly recommend this to everyone and every board of Realtors. This was an eye-opening experience. A driver's liscense is not enough and an open house will take on a new meaning after attending a safety seminar.

The preapproval letter does not raise your safety level. Anyone can get an approval letter.

For anyone interested in the name of the speaker please feel free to contact me for the information. His credentials are of the highest caliber.

Pacita, your post is very valuable so I reblogged it to give it more visibility

Rental prospects who contact me through my website leave their names and phone numbers so there is at least an electronic trail as to who I am meeting at properties.

You can never be too careful in this business. Safety should definitely be first. Having the first meeting in your office is the best idea. That is also the most professional way to start the relationship. If a new client doesn't understand this, then they are probably someone that you don't want to work with anyway.

I work primarily with relocation buyers and sellers, and usually talk with them quite a few times over the phone prior to the initial meeting. There are many times I feel very comfortable, and just start showing, but need that comfortable feeling first!

Pacita - Good Post! My wife does not do first contact with an unknown individual, I do. I have no fear of meeting someone at a listing during business hours. I guess it must be the Texan in me. I think that it is completely different for a woman. I personally think you should meet them at the office and photo their drivers license...

part of the hoops system

if they don't jump through hoop x .... they don't get x from me...

you run your business the way you like

Walter Sanford came back from South Africa and was impressing upon people in the States that real estate agents were getting killed often by showing property to people they met at the house...

hoops

I won't meet anyone at a property if they are unknown to me, it is far too risky and I think we've all seen the horror stories of what can happen. Our first meeting must be at one of my companies offices in an environment I am comfortable with. If the buyer does not want to do that after explaining it is a personal safety policy I have with my business, then I let them move on to someone else.

I also make a point to leave a schedule of showings with the client name/license plate # at my home and office...even if I know the client. This ensures that someone knows my schedule and where I should be. It is not uncommon to be showing many vacant properties and you never know if someone has gained access and is hiding out. I've come across it twice so far and the announcement I make when entering the property has scared them off...luckily.

Safety first. I love my life and would like to keep living it :)

I've had some prospects who try to make me feel guilty by telling me "Well...if you don't want to show me this property, then I'll find someone else...."

Never let them lay a guilt trip on you. Your policy is a very good one. Unfortunately, there are some dangerous people out there. Don't let a big potential commission, or a pushy potential buyer, make you forget about your safety.

Pacita, I agree with Bruce. It isn't worth the possible outcome by worrying about a missed commission.

We get requests all the time to show properties from our website. They don't understand why we must actually talk to them and meet them at a neutral location before showings.

There are hundreds of cautionary tales about agents who let their guard down, and bad things happened to them. ALWAYS err on the side of caution! A commission is not worth your life.

In my home furnishing business, if I am to meet new clients either my assistant goes with me, or my tazer does.

Sharon Lord
Argent Decor
Phoenix Vacation Home Furnishing Company

Hi Pacita~ I have to say, thanks for the reminder. I think Real Estate Agents tend to be too trusting and let their guard down easily. No amount of money in the world is worth taking a risk!

I try to meet with the people first,but if I have any kind of feeling that something is not right, I take someone with me. Better safe than sorry!

It is difficult to balance the desire to acquire a new client with the need to avoid putting oneself into a dangerous situation. We need to temper our eagerness with common sense. Asking the right questions during initial phone conversations, getting preapproval letters, and meeting at the office are all good steps to insure personal safety. So is listening to the little voice in your head that says something does not feel right.

Well said and a Southern Md Reblog immediately. I am a stickler for loan preapprovals first for safety and identity and time management all combined.

Pacita, I think Bill Cherry's (#18) policy is probably the best laid out that I have see. I am not meaning to frighten anyone, but sseveral years back there were a sseveral attacks on female agents and one was killed (I honestly don't remember if I was in Washington or California at the time). Please take precaution...I would avoid being a lone with anyone I did not know...and in the current market of so many vacant homes it is even scarier. Safety first!

When I sold my home several years ago, I did. I lived in a fairly busy path, and once a day someone knocked on the door. I let them in.

In general, though, I agree that it's a risk, and it's possibly a waste of time since you're showing the property to someone who isn't verified as having the means to purchase it even if he wants it.

Stick to your principles -- its best to be safe --- if someone does not want to get pre-qualified there usually is a reason they won't qualify.

Hi Pacita - before I take them out, I make sure they are pre-approved.

I walked into a new home sales center recently and there was an 8 month pregnant female agent there all by herself. I couldn't believe it. She said she works there all the time by herself. They get about 10 walk-ins a week. Trouble waiting to happen.

Hi Pacita,

Thank you for this very important post, I will reblog this post, it is that important.

In Victoria BC, we had one of our Realtors killed, as a result of the Agent meeting an unknown prospect at a vacant and new home. It has changed everything for everybody in and around Victoria BC and Vancouver Island in how we do our business.

Thank you again.

Thank you all for the reinforcement that we should stick to our principles.

When I was a new realtor, a fellow realtor who was more seasoned and experienced, taught me this lesson.

Someone had walked in our office while I was on floor time, and asked to see some properties. My friend came to me ---- and in full view and hearing of this prospect ----- she offered to make a copy of this gentleman's drivers license. She also offered to get a list of the properties we were going to see so that our receptionist will have it handy in case our broker wants to check our activities for the day.

In recent weeks, I've had prospects call to see my listings. Three of those folks who produced the information I requested, came to my office, and became preapproved, are now in contract. And one of them I double-ended!

I have always had my buyers pre-approved when I was in NJ. Here in Naples, a lot of folks have cash. They are either a referral or people I have met at Open Houses in Gated communities. I always leave info with my partner of where I will be and who I will be with.

Pacita - some great advise, especially for female agents. It should be a mandatory policy for everyone working in real estate these days....thanks for sharing with us.

I am fortunate in that my current office screens all incoming queries and takes down information about prospective clients before the requests are paged out to us. It makes me feel a lot more secure about taking prospects out or meeting them at a property.

Pacita! Great post! Safety first! Nevermind time wasting for us or the sellers if they aren't pre-qualified!

Like anything else its a matter of using your head...be smart! Listen to your gut.

Pacita, strangers meet us at the office before we show them property unless I'm going with Frank on the rare occasion when it makes sense to meet them at the property. Definitely listen to your gut, like Linda said #68.

Some feel better coming to the office so that they are not strangers. In reading this, we really got some great responses!

AUG

2010

I was a "pop-tart" agent when I began my career. I've long since learned that sensible and genuine buyer prospects will approach the buying process in a more practical manner. It's easy to blurt "No, I'm not represented by an Agent (which usually translates to "He is currently occupied, unavailable or out of town").

An important topic - equally important during open houses. Imagine a Million Dollar property with an open house and every Joe and Jane can and does walk through. But not only are you potentially exposed. You are also responsible for the property. I have been considering to take a quick photo of attendees licenses for ID verification. It's quick, gives full disclosure and some security. An other idea was a quick picture of the person during sign in. An unusual approach, but perhaps not so much when you have to reimburse the homeowner for an expensive camera - as it happened in our office. THOUGHTS?

AUG

2010

Pacita, Safety is an issue. We need to know who we are dealing with. Secondly, I will not show property to anyone without first meeting me at my office, providing loan approval & proof of funds OR at least their lenders name and contact so that I can verify they are approved. Congrats on the Feature.

Pacita,

I have been slack about this at times. Thank for the reminder. Safty first...I live in a community near Beaver lake things are a bit different in our area. I have them meet at the office first. My biggest concern is when they want to see rural property....then I usually refer or have another agent go with...

SEP

2010

In life you must always be careful and always have a contingency or exit plan. I'm sure all of remember our moms telling us to always be aware of our surroundings and they were right.

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Pacita Dimacali - ePRO, SRES, CDPE, MBA Alain Pinel in Alameda County CA

Oakland, CA

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Alain Pinel

Address: 6211 La Salle Ave, Oakland, CA, 94611

Cell Phone: (510) 205-2992

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