Safety Protocols to Expect With a REALTOR®
September is National REALTOR® Safety Month. This encompasses safety for REALTORS® and also for consumers.
REALTORS® understand better than anyone the safety risks associated with real estate transactions, so it isn't unusual for them to create and share safety protocols with home buyers. Members of the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® are committed to protecting home buyers, home sellers and their personal items by making sure they have the resources and education to stay safe and secure.
Here are some safety protocols and guidelines from Greater Lansing Association of REALTOR® you should expect and keep in mind when working with a REALTOR®, which ensure a safe experience for all parties involved.
Office Meeting
Instead of meeting for the first time at a property, a REALTOR® may set-up the initial meeting at their office. Meeting at a real estate professional’s office is much more comfortable and appropriate for the first meeting. Generally speaking, meeting a stranger at an unknown location can be an uneasy notion, and this is no different for that initial real estate transaction.
Securing Information
Your agent may make copies of your driver’s license and mortgage preapproval letter for their records. This allows the agent to keep a record of your information at their office to be stored in a secure place. So be sure to have these items on hand for your initial meeting. Keeping this information safe and secure is a crucial step in maintaining a safe agent and client relationship.
Not Carpooling
When viewing a property, your agent may ask you to drive separately. This is a safety precaution for you and your agent – so do not feel offended. Most people don’t pick up hitchhikers so you can understand the importance of not transporting strangers to a property showing. Driving separately is also important, as many times, you or the agent will have an appointment to go to afterward.
REALTORS® and consumers alike should avoid parking in the driveway if possible. Cars parked in the driveway have the potential of being blocked in by someone with bad intentions.
Walking Behind You
Agents typically let potential buyers take the lead when exploring a home. This is a common safety protocol and also allows you to view each room on the property first and make your own impressions.
Viewing Vacant Property in Daylight
Your agent may only show vacant properties by day, so you can see what safety hazards exist, such as loose floorboards or any other defects. So, when viewing a vacant − or even an occupied − property, expect to view it during daylight hours.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home and would like to contact a local expert, visit the Greater Lansing Association of REALTOR®’s website at www.lansing-realestate.com for a listing of experienced area REALTORS®.