As the summer weather and the showing season heats up, members are advised to be on guard and take appropriate safety measures.
The GBRAR office has been notified of two separate instances of unusual behavior.
- An individual driving a dark green Toyota Sienna van with a Seattle phone number has been contacting agents. This individual is currently under investigation for HUD fraud.
- An individual has been attempting to schedule showings in the Kensington estates area. He has then posted on social media posing as the owner of the property.
Keep your sellers safe
- Use an electronic Lockbox. electronic lockboxes require an authorized key to operate and track who accessed the property and when they accessed the property. Additional security can be added by enabling CBS codes.
- Remind your sellers that others will be walking through the property and to keep valuables and documents containing personal information such as bills and credit card information stowed away during showings.
Keep others aware of the situation
- Do not meet a stranger at any property. Ask to meet at your office so others can see the prospect. Have the prospect complete a prospect id form with information such as name, address, and place of employment.
- Set a Showing Itinerary. Use a standard form. Leave a copy with the office or a family member. Let the prospect know that the copy exists.
Be Aware of the environment
- Avoid work after dark. Close an open house well before dark. Show property only during daylight. If not possible, use a partner.
- Take your car. Your environment is safer. Never ride with a stranger.
Be Prepared
- Dress for safety. Dress professionally, yet comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes. Avoid expensive jewelry. Do not carry large amounts of money.
- Establish a Coded Distress Signal. When necessary, be able to call the office or home with a message that would appear harmless to a prospect but would alert others. Safety features such as showing timers and alert buttons are available through association provided services such as your Supra eKey and the HomeSnap app.
Mor information on these services here:
www.supraekey.com/Documents/Agentalerts
At the first suspicious signal
- Stop working immediately. At the first suspicious signal, inconsistent answers, or abnormal or strange behavior, cease working with the prospect and notify your broker. Trust your gut feelings. An embarrassing moment or a lost sale is better than the alternative.
For additional ways to stay safe as a REALTOR®visit www.nar.realtor/safety
