Before you put up the open house signs, ask the owners about the neighbors
and, assuming there are not any negative comments by the owners, meet the
neighbors and let them know about your open house.
Park your car in the street and not the driveway. That way you cannot be
blocked in.
If the property is isolated or secluded, don’t advertise this fact. Avoid
using terms in ads such as “No neighbors” or “Just You and Nature.” Do not
advertise that the house is vacant.
When a prospect arrives, heighten your observation. Note the car, make and
year. Mentally size the person(s) up. Compare them in your mind to someone
you know.
When the prospect arrives, meet him at the door. Once the door is closed,
verify the unlocked position.
Insist that everyone visiting the open house sign the registry. Has your
local association adopted a policy that driver’s licenses must be shown and
recorded at open houses?
Always keep the prospect in front of you. The ideal situation is that
prospects go through the house alone.
If you accompany the prospect, always direct the prospect. Do not lead.
Always have the door behind you. Never go into a basement or storage area
alone with a prospect.
If you enter into a lengthy discussion, make sure it is near the front door
and make sure the discussion is about the property, not about how successful
you are.
If someone asks about traffic at the house, let him know it has been very
steady.
Buy, rent or borrow a cellular phone or flip phone.
Although these safety tips may not be enough to stop someone who is
determined to do harm, they may deter someone.
Use common sense
at all times and follow your personal instincts.
Walk confidently.
Carry a whistle,
mace or shriek alarm.
Exercise so your
mind and body are more alert. Becoming too relaxed with clients can be
dangerous.
Always meet
first-time clients in your office.
Park in well-lit
areas.
Use the buddy
system when showing a property, especially vacant property.
Be smart when
advertising open houses. Do not list your home phone number.
Leave word with
someone at the office of where and with whom your appointments will be.
Never carry a key
ring/case with your name or address on it. If your keys are ever lost or
stolen, this information could be used to burglarize your home or car.
Consider buying a
portable phone if you do not have one.
When using the
phone, stay alert, keep the call short and simple. The less attentive
you are to your surroundings, the more thieves view you as a target.
Place wallets,
purses or any other valuables on the side of your car seat, never on the
seat next to you. Do not set yourself up for a “smash and grab” or car
jacking.
Keep your car
well-maintained to avoid breaking down in remote areas.
Though it had been
the practice for years to ask your seller to vacate the home when you
are showing it, maybe this should not be the practice today.
When receiving an
inquiry by phone at your office or at home, get the name and number of
the person calling and ask if you can call that person back in a few
minutes. (Confirm the inquiry.)
By making a couple
of phone calls or checking the city directory or phone book, you may
feel more comfortable about meeting a prospect.
When receiving an
inquiry by phone at your office or at home, get the name and number of
the person calling and ask if you can call that person back in a few
minutes. (Confirm the inquiry.)
By making a couple
of phone calls or checking the city directory or phone book, you may
feel more comfortable about meeting a prospect.
Explain to buyers
that the above is necessary for your protection as well as the seller. If
you feel uncomfortable, let your instincts rule—reschedule or cancel the
appointment.
