Buying a home is a deeply personal experience that almost always requires an in-person visit, making property tours an essential part of every successful closing. However, meeting strangers in vacant buildings can be anxiety-inducing for real estate professionals working alone. Staying safe during solo showings isn’t just an option—it’s an essential priority for every agent’s peace of mind and professional longevity.
Pre-screen your clients.
Real estate safety begins long before you arrive at a property, starting with a thorough pre-screening process that includes detailed financial questions and verification of official identification. By establishing a firm policy to meet with first-time clients in public spaces such as your office or a café, you can effectively vet potential leads in a controlled environment.
By being proactive, you can identify red flags and confirm a client’s intentions before ever setting foot in a private showing.
Avoid sharing personal info.
To protect your privacy and safety, limit the personal details you share in marketing materials and on social media by using your office address instead of your home address, for example.
Share your schedule.
Maintaining a detailed itinerary and sharing it with a trusted colleague or emergency contact ensures that someone always knows your whereabouts and who you are meeting. You can enhance this security by using technology to share your real-time location or by establishing a system for regular check-ins before and after each appointment.
Have an emergency phrase.
Another good way to prioritize staying safe during solo showings is to establish a unique office emergency phrase to alert colleagues to a dangerous situation discreetly. By requesting a specific, pre-determined document or name over the phone, for instance, you can signal for help and provide your exact location without tipping off the person you are with.
Schedule showings during the day.
Scheduling property tours during daylight hours not only provides clients with a better view of the home but also enhances your personal visibility and security. If an evening appointment is unavoidable, you should mitigate risks by bringing a colleague along or utilizing the 10-second rule to stay aware of your surroundings.
Drive separately.
To minimize risk, establish a policy of meeting clients at the property in your own vehicle rather than driving them yourself. This boundary allows you to maintain your independence and assess a client’s behavior in a controlled way before ever sharing a confined space with them.
Open house safety.
Before hosting an open house, you should identify unobstructed escape routes and store any potential weapons, like kitchen knives or heavy objects, safely out of sight. To maintain control of the environment, use a sign-in sheet to track visitors and perform a final sweep of every room and the backyard to ensure the property is completely vacant before locking up.
Situational awareness.
Situational awareness is a vital skill that involves constantly assessing your environment and maintaining a clear path to the exit. You can practice strategic positioning by allowing clients to enter rooms first and directing them through doorways into confined spaces like basements or attics. Additionally, preparing a few “exit scripts,” such as getting papers from your car, provides a professional way to excuse yourself quickly if a situation suddenly feels unsafe.
Summary
By implementing these simple yet effective strategies for staying safe during solo showings, you can focus on closing deals with confidence, knowing you are well prepared.
For more industry insights and a supportive professional network, we invite local REALTORS to join the Lee County Association of REALTORS®. Be sure to continue reading our blogs for more helpful tips on growing your career and staying secure in the field.
