WHAT TO KNOW
- Meeting strangers alone at vacant homes is a real risk for agents.
- A buyer consultation before showings builds trust and protects everyone involved.
- Good service never requires unnecessary risk — expect agents to verify before they meet.
Does anyone else see the problem here?
Real estate is a people business. Meeting new clients, showing homes, and hosting open houses are all familiar parts of the job. But just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't mean we shouldn't question it.
And when it comes to personal safety, I believe we should be asking a lot more questions.
Are Open Houses Worth the Risk?
Open houses have been a real estate tradition for decades. They give buyers an opportunity to explore a property without scheduling a private appointment, and they can provide additional exposure for sellers.
But they also present a unique safety concern.
An agent may spend several hours alone in a property while unfamiliar visitors come and go. There's no guarantee that everyone who walks through the door has good intentions.
That doesn't mean every open house is dangerous. It means the potential risks deserve serious consideration.
Personally, I've always questioned whether the benefits of an open house outweigh those risks, especially when there are so many other effective ways to market a home.
Professional photography, virtual tours, online listings, and targeted digital marketing allow buyers to explore properties before ever stepping through the front door.
Technology hasn't eliminated the need for in-person showings, but it has given us more options.
And I believe those options should be part of the conversation.
Meeting a Stranger at a Vacant Home? Let's Think About That.
Imagine someone you've never met calls and asks you to meet them alone at an empty house.
In most professions, that request would raise a few eyebrows.
In real estate? For years, it was practically considered business as usual.
I don't believe agents should feel pressured to drop everything and rush to a vacant property to meet someone they've never spoken with beyond a quick phone call or text.
Taking time to get acquainted with a prospective client isn't unreasonable. It's responsible.
That might mean an initial meeting at the office, a video consultation, or another appropriate first step before scheduling a private showing.
It's an opportunity to establish trust, discuss expectations, and make sure everyone understands the process.
And yes, it's also an opportunity to take reasonable precautions for personal safety.
A Buyer Consultation Benefits Everyone
Here's something I wish more people understood: An initial buyer consultation isn't just about paperwork.
It's about building a relationship.
Before we start touring homes, I want to understand what you're looking for, what matters most to you, and where you are in the buying process.
It's also the right time to discuss financing, agency representation, and the services you can expect from your Realtor.
Today, written buyer representation agreements are generally required for agents working with buyers before touring homes under applicable industry rules. Those agreements provide an opportunity to discuss representation, compensation, and expectations upfront.
Why not use that conversation to get to know each other, too?
A thoughtful consultation helps buyers make informed decisions, allows agents to provide better service, and establishes a more professional working relationship from the beginning.
That's a win for everyone.
Professionalism Should Never Require Taking Unnecessary Risks
There's a difference between providing excellent customer service and putting yourself in a potentially unsafe situation.
Realtors should be responsive, accommodating, and committed to their clients. But that doesn't mean abandoning common sense or ignoring personal boundaries.
Safety procedures, thoughtful scheduling, appropriate screening, and clear communication aren't signs that an agent doesn't want your business.
They're signs that an agent takes their responsibilities seriously.
And I believe the real estate industry should support professionals who make safety a priority rather than treating unnecessary risks as simply part of the job.
Renee's Advice
Whether you're a Realtor, a buyer, or a seller, personal safety should never be an afterthought.
If you're buying a home, don't be surprised if an agent wants to have a conversation before scheduling showings. That first meeting is an opportunity to make sure you're working with someone who understands your needs and can represent your interests effectively.
If you're selling, ask your agent how they plan to market your home and what precautions they'll take when allowing visitors onto your property.
And to my fellow Realtors, remember that it's okay to establish boundaries. You can be dedicated to your clients without putting yourself in unnecessary danger.
No commission, transaction, or potential client is worth risking your personal safety.
That's one real estate principle I'll never compromise on.
A NOTE FROM RENEE
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