With
the holidays just around the corner, everyone is busy trying to
finish their shopping. Well, we thought this would be a good time
to cover some safety tips related to showing property in a virtual
tour as well as in person.
As we all know,
most sellers don't want lots of strangers tracking through their
homes, but this is something that is unavoidable if they want to
sell their house. So let's review some of the steps you should recommend
to your seller to make sure their property remains safe for them
and for you.
• Never
discuss your personal schedule or habits with potential buyers.
"Every Wednesday John plays golf while I go to the clubhouse
for a swim." This very innocent comment could be an invitation
to a burglar.
• Don't put a message on your answering machine saying that
you are not at home. Instead leave a message that says you can't
take their call because you're busy or unavailable.
• Remember to remove or lock up all extra keys, credit cards,
jewelry, crystal, furs, and other valuables that you don't want
broken or taken. Also remove prescription drugs. Some seemingly
honest people wouldn't mind getting their hands on a bottle of Viagra,
uppers, or downers.
Now that the
property has been secured, here are a few steps the tech savvy real
estate agent with a virtual tour should discuss with sellers. Be
sure to assure them that you are fully aware of their concerns regarding
safety of showing their house on the Internet.
• Remind
the sellers that you will bring only qualified buyers into their
home because you will eliminate others by use of the virtual tour.
This means no mud tracked in during mud season. This also means
you will be able to schedule showings at a time convenient for everyone.
• Showcasing the outstanding aspects that make their home
unique will not require you to show their very unique gun collection
or valuable paintings.
• While showing their home on the Internet, their address
and their personal information will not be revealed.
Now
that you have reassured the sellers that the two of you have made
their home secure, let's list a few safety guidelines for you, the
agent.
•
Carry a cell phone, which has been preprogrammed for one touch call
to 911, with you at all times.
• Don't park your car in such a way that your exit can be
blocked in case you need to leave in a hurry.
• And most important of all. Always let someone (friends or
colleagues) know when you're conducting an open house. Don't forget
to inform them of the times as well as the address, and then call
them when it has ended to let them know everything is ok.
Remember
these are only suggestions. We want you, your sellers, and your
buyers to be as safe as possible while creating virtual tours and
conducting routine business.
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