Safety First

I thought that this might be helpful to the general public. I think that too often consumers believe that agents are uncooperative or lazy when we do not immediately agree to jump in our cars and drive to meet a complete stranger at a house to show them.

Here is a brief explanation of how we work.

First, although the media has done a pretty good job of keeping it "low key" and out of the headlines, thankfully, there are too many real estate professionals who have fallen victim to crimes when they have failed to exercise the proper precautions and safety habits. Agents are attacked, molested, raped and yes, killed, while trying to show a property. It happens with alarming frequency. We are easy targets when we don't listen to our common sense and follow safety precautions.

I would love to show you a house when you call but I don't know you. I like to think that anyone who contacts me is serious about buying a home, and genuinely ready to engage in the process but that is not always the case.

Agents are trained and reminded time and time again by their brokers to refuse to meet strangers or new prospective buyers at a property. If a buyer is unwilling to take a few minutes to meet an agent at the office for a buyer consultation, the agent should be leary and refuse to meet at a property.

I've had people become very angry, argue with me, hang up on me, say ugly things like "you must not want to sell a house today", etc. I am sure other agents have their own stories about similar encounters.

Most buyers begin their search online. The internet is a great place to start. But, ultimately, in order to get into houses you must engage an agent in some capacity. Why not go ahead and establish a working relationship with your own buyer agent if you are ready, willing and able to purchase a home? Calling on 10 different agents and expecting each one of them to drop everything, jump in the car and meet you at a house, usually vacant, is not only unrealistic but will become very frustrating for you.

Buyers, ask yourself this question. Would you be okay if your wife were meeting complete strangers at vacant houses alone? It's not that we are trying to control you. We just would like two very simple things: to know that we are going to be safe while we are trying to make a living and to know that the time we spend is not being wasted by a casual looker.

Contrary to what many believe, 99% of real estate agents work on commission only. The broker is not paying me to show houses to whoever might contact me through one of the websites. I am using my gas and my time, at my own personal risk. I am cancelling plans with my family to show you property on the spur of the moment. The least you could do for me is to relieve me of concerns for my personal safety by selecting an agent who shows you ALL properties that you want to see. Trust me, it's alot easier, I've had many buyers tell me so. You will get better service and FASTER!

On behalf of all agents, this is our simple plea: please be mindful that safety is a big concern. Find a buyer agent, meet her at her office initially and lay out your plan for success. I promise you that she will show you as many homes as you wish and, AFTER she gets to know you, she will likely be VERY flexible about showing property at times that meet your needs.

Good luck!