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Showing Houses and Staying Safe

Staying safe in today’s world is something that is increasingly becoming a priority for everyone in both their personal and business lives. As a realtor, your exposure can lead to some interesting interactions with prospective clients but can also expose you to some dangers associated with those interactions. It’s important to stay wary and take some extra precautions when dealing with clients for the first time.

Once you’ve established that a specific client can be trusted, then you can proceed with a functional relationship. Here are a few ways to stay safe.

Meet at a Neutral Location

Meeting at a neutral location such as your office or a public place may initially seem a little off-putting, but has great value for both your safety and your business. Neutral locations offer both a safe place to feel out a prospective client and make sure that a client will be a right fit for you as an agent. Of course, neutral locations give you the ability to make abrupt changes if you feel that your safety is in danger.

Communicate

Communicate your whereabouts to friends, family members and colleagues any time you leave to meet with a client or show a home and give them a window for when to expect you back. This way, if you’re ever gone beyond that timeframe, your fellow realtors and family will know where they can find you.

Safe Scheduling

If at all possible, schedule your showings during the daytime in full view of your surroundings and drive through the neighborhood. Open all of the blinds to the home and turn on lights if you feel that your appointment may run into the early evening hours. Be especially cautious of this time during the shorter winter months when daylight runs at a premium.

Prep for Evening Showings

Obviously, potential clients and house hunters can’t always meet during normal business hours, but you can take some measures to protect yourself well before an evening showing. During the day, turn on exterior lights and turn on lighting in entry ways. This way, when you arrive at night to meet your client, the home will already be well lit.

Separate Yourself from Clients

While some clients will insist on riding with you to the showing or giving you a lift, always keep your wits about you and deny their request to be with you in a one-on-one situation. Drive your own vehicle, be sure to lock your car doors, and keep valuables out of sight while you’re occupied in a showing.

Use Your Good Judgement

As with any situation involving personal safety, use your good judgment. If you feel even the slightest inclination that something is amiss, immediately contact a colleague, family member, or even the local authorities. In most cases, your instincts are sensing exactly what they’re supposed to. Stay aware and remove yourself from any uncomfortable situation.

Safety in Finances

While unrelated to your personal safety, one thing that can keep your business safe is helping your clients find the right financing and the right way to finance their new purchase. Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc. is an experienced mortgage lender with over 20 years in the business. Keep your sales safe and contact Tidewater Mortgage to get information for or on behalf of your clients. One call can get you client pre-qualified for the funding they need for their new home.

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