We are well aware that the nature of showing real estate makes Realtors vulnerable to attack. But what about the safety and security of your clients? Both buyers and sellers have their own set of risks. Clients are sometimes robbed, assaulted and sometimes worse. Sellers make themselves vulnerable by alerting the world to come inside and take a peek. Eager buyers make the mistake of trespassing and putting themselves in vulnerable situations (a sign in the yard is not an invitation to hop the fence or knock on the door.)

How does a seller respond to a stranger knocking on their door unannounced? Who’s to say the person on the other side of the door is a legitimate buyer? Does the seller have a preprogrammed response to this occurrence? Or are they simply making themselves vulnerable to whoever rings the bell?

Many Americans are simply too trusting. We don’t think or want to think crime can happen to us, so we go on trusting everyone and leave it up to fate. A little preplanning can keep you and your clients safe.

Alert clients that not all agents, buyers and sellers are who they say they are. Predators come in all shapes and sizes. We tell our children not to talk to strangers. Tell your sellers not to talk to other agents or buyers, and to refer all inquiries to you.

Educate sellers on risks due to unexpected drive-bys. The stresses of selling a home can amount to bad judgment at times. Scammers generally prey upon people who are in a state of distress, desperation or simply are eager to sell or maybe to move to the next chapter of their lives. Public obituaries, divorces, bankruptcy notices, foreclosures, marriages and birth notices can send signals to scammers. Make it known to clients that they are never to show a home without the presence of an agent. Instruct them to proceed with caution every time the phone or doorbell rings during this time.

Promote free-flowing communication between agent and client. Create a method of communication with buyer, seller and office-make known where you’ll be, when, and with whom. Agent and seller should be somewhat aware of each others schedule. Scammers can easily show up at a property unbeknownst to the seller and tell the seller the agent is on the way. The seller lets them inside, and....

Make sure your client knows that you will not give instructions to a third-party as to when you are coming. If you are on your way, you'll let the seller know yourself.

Hold a safe open house. Educate homeowners on securing valuables, money, jewelry and prescription medications during an open house. Suggest to clients to hide valuables or lock them up. Alert them to scammers stealing prescription medication and other mind-altering substances such as alcohol. Secure doors and windows before and after a showing. Both agent and seller need to be aware of the status of alarms, window and door locks before and after a showing. When the seller is present during a showing, if either the agent or client is perceived to be acting in a “suggestive” manor, this can bring upon unwanted attention. While being friendly and cordial is appropriate it can sometimes by some people be perceived to be suggestive. If ever this happens, instruct clients to communicate “stoically” so as not to feed into the predator’s misconceptions.

Instruct clients to be fully responsible for their pets. It is, of course, best to remove them. Make them aware that buyers and agents wanting to take a look around are sometimes attacked, and it is no fault of the animal. You want to protect your client from any possible liability.

A little communication on safety and security issues facing buyers and sellers on risks associated with certain behaviors can keep the agent/client relationship from any foreseeable disasters.

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Published: June 16, 2003

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Robert L. Siciliano is the author of The Safety Minute, Safety Zone Press, and a professional speaker on the topic of self defense and personal and property protection. He has been featured on CNN, Montel Williams, Sally Jesse, and the Howard Stern radio show. Robert is available to speak to brokers, associations, and to conduct seminars and workshops for industry events. Visit his Web site at www.realtysecurity.com or contact him at robert@realtysecurity.com