Spring brings the flowers...& other things not Smelling as Sweet...

Whatever the house that is being sold...practice Safe Showings:

Andrew Wooten--Florida-based--spoke at a NAR sponsored webinar on safety points for Realtors[R] and Sellers concerning showings.

These never grow old, nor should the points be disregarded;
rather each Realtor[R] needs to know their area and be prepared for as many contingencies possible;
Mr Wooten directs that all Realtors[R] should also pass along these points to all their seller clients.

Before I list his points, it needs to be stated that:
...we here in the Metro Detroit areas HAVE seen an increase in 'daylight' break-ins with some use of violence
to homeowners. Hopefully this is not the "new" economy in which we live as that would be 'a hard row to hoe'.
...whenever a 'for sale' sign is placed upon the front lawn of a home, it can attract those not interested in getting the
home through an agent of Real Estate, and / or are intersested in robbing the owner or agent;
...we personally have decided that due to the above mentioned items, at any showing, we will remain in the driveway
or IF after dark or near dark, within the Home being shown by another Realtor[R];

Each one of you has your own 'steps' from which you will not deviate, Good for you. We have met some who have a "call schedule" from an spouse or friend by which the agent is called during the 'showing' and checked upon. Great concept.

Below I will place Mr Wooten's points--mainly aimed at the 'sellers', but can be adapted on a 'needs' basis for Agent:

...1st--trust your instincts--or the "check up from the neck up"; is someone or something makes you uneasy--be on
your guard, be alert, & be careful;
...if a prospect or unknown [or unscheduled] agent shows up at your door--don't let them in instead advise them to
call your agent / Broker office and make an appointment with your agent. [ if you are listing your own home-do this
as a practice];
...if you do not follow the 'call the office for an appointment' NEVER let any stranger into your home if you are alone;
remember "there is safety in numbers" [[more so if you have a very large, fit male in the home]];
...at Open Houses the agent should have a visitor's log that requires they sign in; require photo ID to check
what is signed. At the same time get a license plate number & jot down a physical description of the visitor.
...Identify any unknown agent that sows up at your home; anyone can print up business cards; If there is a lock
box on the home, direct them to open it--a valid agent working through your agent's Brokerage will be able to do so;
...Don't make an appointment with potential Buyer without getting names, addresses & phone numbers that you can
verify;
...beware of anyone who knocks on door in late or early hour. do not let them in & advise them to make an
appointment with your Brokerage [Agent's] at a time of your choice;
...Prior to any showing, turn on all the lights, & open all window coverings;
...in advance of all showings or Open House, remove all valuables from the Home; some take valuable paintings &
accessories. [I suggest that you remove all hand-held remotes or operators, too];
...never leave money, mail, bank statements, credit cards, keys in a drawer or lying around. Lock up all your
prescription meds, If you have guns, take extra precautions to lock up & pocket the keys;
...pay attention to those 'viewing' your home--couples up to no good often split up; if you are alone, you can
only monitor one person at a time;
...Be mindful of the questions asked, any personal information is off the "answer-chart:
agents KNOW not to give the reason for the Sellers move, leaving such questions unanswered
and so should YOU as the seller.
...some agents allow visitors to tour unattended; other prefer to tour the home with the visitor; at all times of
the tour you should have the visitor enter rooms first; it is advised that if you are alone, do not go into
the basement or any storage area. Basically " Direct the visitor as opposed to letting him/her follow you around";
...if a visitor attempts to draw you into a lengthy conversation, steer them to the front door;
...should something go wrong, have a plan ready for your escape.

Mr. Wooten states "Figure out in advance how you are going to get out of trouble if trouble presents itself"
It is better to be safe than sorry.

These warnings are, as stated earlier, basically tuned to the client-seller or the FSBO seller, but most can be adapted to the Realtor[R] as at an Open House or at a Listing.

In this day and age, it seems strange to have to list the things we Agents should advise our seller-clients. But stranger things are happening in many towns & cities in most every State across the nation..
Staying safe should be your first priority as Seller, buyer, And Realtor[R]

My personal observations: when a large group-family arrives [usually at Open Houses]:
...corral them at the very beginning. Politely explain that they must stay together as a family as this is not their home;
...place all food & drinks outside the home [you can have a small table provided;
...if rainy or muddy [some new construction is not landscaped] request that their shoes are removed.

Over the years in New Home Sales. these items were employed; should you meet with resistance--and you may--firmly, but politely --state that " If this was your personal home that I was showing to strangers, you would be happy to know that I was keeping your property clean & safe for YOU"
Should they scoff or worse at you, then it is within you rights & obligation to the Seller, to refuse entrance at that time.
Some times that we did employ those words were met with rolled-eyes and sputters, but when one of us did accompany them around the home, they eased up in attitude OR they left and didn't return NOR did any Fair Housing representative either.

Another Open House situation you may meet is the "visiting children -up to teens" from the neighborhood--those you can outright refuse entrance with a fun statement "You show me your personal check book amount and birth certificate, then you can come inside as a bonifide buyer client" works every time--so far.

Remember many 'visitors' do watch those shows on TV that let buyers wander the home unaccompanied; or who allow the 'visitors' to direct their children to "go and find your bedrooms"
Wrong and Wrong.
It is one thing when the 'visitors' are on camera...and quite another when they are alone there with you who have no production crew with you.
Hey, maybe this will become a necessity sooner rather than later.

As the one TV police shows pitch line went--" and hey, stay safe out there folks..."

These points of Mr Wooten's were printed in : www.macombdaily.com / Thursday April 14, 2011 / Homes Section /
page 1 C / "author Lew Sichelman " Practice these safe-sowing habits"