Virtual Tours and Safety

I have talked to several Realtors and read a few blogs about their concerns for the the homeowners protection doing a Virtual Tour.  I am saddened by the need for these concerns, it speaks poorly of our society.  I am also saddened because I believe that Virtual Tours are a great marketing tool.  In many cases, they help draw interest in a listing.  I wonder if we, as the listing agents, are doing our clients right by not teaching them to protect themselves.

I think that we do our clients a disservice when we don't teach them to put all valuables away in a safe storage facility.  I know that can become inconvenient, but we're not Homeland Security, we only can qualify them to buy the property, not do a criminal background.  It is in the clients interest to protect themselves as best they can.  I think that it is prudent to advise them when a Virtual Tour is being shot, they need to "depersonalize," and part of that, put away your valuables, as well as photographs that someone could use to harm members of their families. 

It is sad that we have to do this, but we are the professional, we need to teach our clients to be safe.  I really do believe that Virtual Tours and lots of photograpsh are essential in the sales process of properties, especially with the use of the Inernet.  I also believe that we get paid to educate and protect our clients.