Realtors must use caution meeting cold call buyers 1st time at homes

I think the most important of all of these is to trust your instincts. Also, beware of the false sense of security that the Internet sometimes provides. There are times when we may feel safer or feel as if we know someone just because we have had several conversations with them. I sometimes talk to people online for a few months before ever meeting them.  It's easy to think you know this person and let your guard down. 

In addition to the safety factor, I've found the "drop everything and show" prospects rarely result in a check. Always bring prospects to the office first. If they will not commit to that, what are the odds of them committing to you?

Andrew provides some great reminders:

"Realtors should never get in their car and head out with a buyer or to meet a buyer without having them speak with a mortgage lender and receive a prequalification form...this is not only a best practice and helps you be in control of the process, but should ensure a level of safety as well."

"Ask any stranger to meet first at your brokers office so you can make a copy of driver license for your safety ad that this request is a matter of broker practice to ensure the safety of all Realtors."

Re-Blog!

It wont be long now before all contact will be recorded when meeting up for records sake. A short video introducing the prospect, date & time reveals much

In these days and times, I still can't understand why a real estate "professional" would meet with a prospect and take them around in their car using up your valuable time without having them pre-qualified or pre-approved or a previous client/referral.  It may not happen often but the possibility of an attack by a cold call prospect is scary.  Be safe,my friends.

I so agree with you - safety first and go with your gut!

All great ideas.  To bad many realtors dont follow this saftey guidelines   AT least until someone they know gets attacked...   

Come on Realtors, protect yourself everyday.

Oh! You're sitting right in front of the property an want to see it now! Sorry! How's it feel to want? Well that's what some of us would like to say but not our office policy. We have instructions for you to get prequalified or have proof of funds ready to send me by email and so Ican contact the lender or bank officer. It is our brokerage policy to require certain information; photo ID and auto information for record for showing. We have to also set up an appointment, some foreclosures require certain information before viewing. Your information must be current. I'm too old for jumping and running; I'll tell you when we are ready to jump and run, if we do.

It's an easy thing to overlook--taking those extra steps to protect yourself as you never know what can happen.  Some (potential) customers act insulted if you start asking a few questions or to have them meet you at the office first...when you explain the reason they just don't seem to get it.

I rely on my gut instinct. I just have to. The first thing I do in this case is to let them know that my partner and I will be meeting them...a man's name. So they believe that there will be a man there as well. Sexist? Yep....but only had one no-show that way, hmmm.

Very wise precautions - and some wise comments as well. Back when I was an agent no one was ever pre-approved, which was a shame. We all wasted a lot of time on dreamers. 

I recall a few times when a customer or a contact made me nervous - then I would take along another agent, or one of my sons. An acquaintance once said to me: "I'd never mess with you - I've seen your boys." It made me feel a little like Ma Barker in the Old West. 

Very good subject and even better comments. I agree that it not best to meet a stranger before they come to your office or other means of confirming who they are...

Andrew, all excellent points and great reminders.    No potential paycheck is worth risking our safety.     I recently tromped around a few 50 acre parcels with one of my office mates because I didn't feel comfortable about her going "out there" alone with someone she hadn't met previously.     I actually got a bit of a work-out hiking, bonded with my colleage, and saw property I hadn't seen before,  as well as teaming up for safety.    Time well spent.

Soulutions Real Estate - isn't it that at times, the agents themselves jump the gun and make it unsafe for themselves by agreeing to meet a stranger buyer at the listings?

Lots of good points in your post - and yes,

" Ask any stranger to meet first at your brokers office "

These are great safety precautions.  Sometimes we find ourselves being to readily available and not cautious.

I agree with you 100 percent. Safety and Real Estate go hand in hand.

Thanks for reminding us.

Great post and wonderful feedback.  I follow my gut and will never meet a stranger at a property.  If the have to see it immediately, they can ask another Realtor.  That makes me nervous.  Plus, it may be someone using me to enter a house that they have been checking out for other reasons.  Nope, I'm not going to be the one showing that house.

most brokerages I know actually have an office policy regarding this practice which is focused upon increased agent safety.

This is a great list- I have  them text me a picture of the driver's license- which gives me the real name and I can check it against tax records, Facebook, Missouri has a criminal website we can check people on for free also.  Good luck and great list!

This year, not for safety, I've started the practice of the buyer consultation. This requires that we meet first and if the buyer doesn't want to meet, I don't have to commit any more time to them. Yes I work with less buyers, but I am working with more quality buyers!