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As active-duty law enforcement officers and NAR Putting Realtor Safety First instructors, we recognize the unique safety challenges that Realtors face when showing homes and conducting open houses. While these activities are essential parts of the job, they also present opportunities for risk. In this blog post, we will provide practical advice on how to conduct home showings and open houses safely, ensuring that you can carry out your duties with confidence and peace of mind.

 

Understanding the Risks

Before diving into safety strategies, it’s important to understand the risks involved in home showings and open houses. Realtors often find themselves alone in unfamiliar environments with strangers, which can make them vulnerable to various threats, including:

 

Personal Safety: Being alone in a property with a client you don’t know well can expose you to the risk of assault, robbery, or other forms of harm.

 

Property Theft: Open houses, in particular, are an invitation for potential thieves to walk through a home, casing it for valuables or even stealing items during the event.

 

Vandalism: Unattended open houses can attract individuals with malicious intent, leading to property damage or vandalism.

 

Cybersecurity: With the increasing use of digital tools and social media for marketing open houses, there’s also a risk of disclosing too much information online, making you or the property a target for criminal activities.

 

Preparation: The Foundation of Safety

Safety begins long before you meet a client at a property. Proper preparation can significantly reduce risks and help you respond effectively if something does go wrong.

 

Client Screening: Before scheduling a showing or open house, conduct a thorough screening of potential clients. Verify their identity through a photo ID, check references, and, if possible, conduct a brief interview over the phone or via video call. This helps you gauge whether the person has legitimate intentions.

 

Pre-Showing Preparations: Visit the property beforehand to familiarize yourself with the layout. Identify all exits, and make sure you know how to unlock and open them quickly. Assess the neighborhood and be aware of any areas that might be isolated or poorly lit.

 

Communicate Your Schedule: Always inform someone—whether it’s a colleague, friend, or family member—of your schedule. Share the address, client details, and expected duration of the showing or open house. Set up a check-in time after the event to confirm your safety.

 

Emergency Preparedness: Have a personal safety plan in place. This includes carrying a charged cell phone with emergency contacts pre-dialed, knowing the location of the nearest police station or safe place, and having a predetermined code word or phrase to alert a trusted contact if you’re in danger.

 

During the Showing: Staying Vigilant

When showing a property, your primary focus should be on the safety of both yourself and your client. This requires constant vigilance and situational awareness.

 

Arrive Early: Arriving at the property early gives you time to secure the environment. Check for any signs of forced entry or unusual activity. If anything seems amiss, do not enter the property—contact law enforcement immediately.

 

Control the Environment: Keep the property’s doors locked until your client arrives. Greet them outside and walk in together. This allows you to observe their behavior and ensures you’re not caught off guard inside.

 

Positioning: Always position yourself near an exit when inside the property. If you need to show a room, allow the client to enter first while you remain closer to the door. Avoid getting trapped in tight spaces, such as basements, attics, or closets.

 

Limit the Number of Clients: If possible, limit showings to one client at a time. If a client insists on bringing additional people, make sure you’re comfortable with the situation and have communicated this change to your trusted contact.

 

Trust Your Instincts: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or sense something is off, trust your instincts. It’s better to be overly cautious than to ignore potential red flags. Politely excuse yourself and leave the property if necessary.

 

Conducting an Open House: Maximizing Safety

Open houses can be particularly challenging from a safety perspective due to the number of unknown individuals walking through the property. Here’s how to manage these events safely:

 

Promote the Event Wisely: When advertising an open house, avoid sharing too many personal details about yourself or the homeowner. Stick to the essentials—property address, time, and features. Refrain from sharing your personal phone number or posting real-time updates on social media.

 

Team Up: Whenever possible, conduct open houses with a colleague. Having two people present not only deters potential criminals but also provides support in case of an emergency. If you must conduct the open house alone, consider hiring a security professional or enlisting the help of a trusted friend.

 

Set Up a Welcome Area: Create a central location near the entrance where you can greet visitors as they arrive. Ask each person to sign in with their name, contact information, and, if appropriate, a photo ID. This not only helps you keep track of who’s entering the property but also serves as a deterrent for those with ill intentions.

 

Secure Valuables: Before the open house, advise the homeowner to remove or lock away any valuables, including jewelry, electronics, and sensitive documents. You should also secure any personal items that could be used to steal someone’s identity.

 

Monitor the Flow of Traffic: As people move through the property, remain aware of where they are at all times. Politely guide visitors through the house in a way that allows you to maintain visibility of all areas. If someone seems to linger in one spot or acts suspiciously, address it immediately and consider asking them to leave.

 

Have an Exit Strategy: Make sure you know how to quickly and safely exit the property if needed. Keep your keys and phone on you at all times, and park your car in a location that is easy to access and not blocked in.

 

Close Securely: After the open house, do a thorough walk-through of the property to ensure everyone has left and nothing has been tampered with. Lock all doors and windows before you leave, and notify the homeowner or your office that the property is secure.

 

Post-Event: Reflect and Report

Once a showing or open house is over, take a few moments to reflect on the event and report any suspicious activity or concerns.

 

Debrief: If you worked with a colleague, take a few minutes to discuss how the event went. Did anything unusual happen? Were there any individuals who stood out as potential threats? Sharing this information can help you both improve your safety protocols for future events.

 

Report Suspicious Activity: If you noticed anything suspicious or if an incident occurred, report it to your broker and law enforcement immediately. This not only protects you but also alerts others in the real estate community to potential risks.

 

Update Your Safety Plan: Use your experience to refine and improve your safety plan. What worked well? What could be improved? Regularly updating your safety strategies ensures that you are always prepared for the unexpected.

 

The Role of the Real Estate Community

Safety in real estate is not just an individual responsibility; it’s a collective one. As a community, Realtors can work together to promote best practices and share information about potential threats. Brokerages should prioritize safety training and encourage open communication about safety concerns.

 

Moreover, utilizing available technology—such as safety apps, secure communication tools, and surveillance systems—can provide an added layer of security for both you and your clients.

 

Conclusion: Safety First in Every Showing and Open House

As law enforcement officers and Realtor safety instructors, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of prioritizing your safety during home showings and open houses. By being proactive, staying vigilant, and working together as a community, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with these activities.

 

Remember, the goal is not to instill fear but to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to conduct your work safely. Every client interaction is an opportunity to not only provide excellent service but to do so in a way that ensures your well-being.

 

Stay safe, stay alert, and always put your safety first. Your health and security are invaluable, and with the right precautions, you can continue to thrive in your real estate career with confidence and peace of mind.