It seems we are having a big upswing lately of agents being robbed at home showings and some even being assaulted or killed. Part of the problem is the economy part is the way our country is sliding into a no-mans land at times. As agents we need to be aware of our surroundings and able to protect ourselves but we also need to use common sense and be smart about safety at property showings. The link is NAR pdf on safety.
The number one item all agents should remember is no commission is worth death! The buyer who calls you and just must see the that home right now and who you have never met nor spoke to before should be a red flag for you. Tell that buyer that you would like them to come into your office so you can go over some information,(In NJ we have mandatory disclosures that must be gone over and signed before we can partake in any real estate activity with every client) or even a local restaurant. You need to meet your clients in a controlled ,by you, environment. It is just good safety common sense and it is also good business sense. If they do not want to sit down and go over their pre-approval and exactly what they are looking for then they want you to be either a victim or a tour guide both unpaid.
Some good excuses to get them in your office for that initial buyer consultation are;
- I have to go over paperwork with you first by law
- The owner of that home requires a pre-approval before the home may be shown(this will shut down any objections because even if they say they have one you have to log it into the file before showing)
- I have an appointment right now but i can schedule you for 3:00 at my office
- I do not meet clients at houses only at my office (a good client will understand this)
- Give me your name and number so I can call you back after I inform my manager of where I am going to meet you.
Anyone who will not give his name or number or will not come into your office should make you feel uneasy, you may sell them a house some people are just that way but better to be safe. Keep in mind that many robbery groups/gangs have a woman involved to make the first contact so they seem less threatening.
I will be following up with more safety tips later.
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