Danger Zone Number Four: Conducting an Open House

Predators also can target an individual agent through open houses. If you notice that a prospective client has been at several of your open houses but hasn’t made any offers, it could be a red flag.

Safety Tips:

• Let prospects lead the way into individual rooms. You can stay by the door.

• Establish escape routes from every level of the house.
• Have a bell attached to the front door so you can hear when someone enters.

• Call a buddy or the office on a regular, timed basis.

The end of an open house is potentially the most dangerous time of the event. “People can hide in drapes, closets, showers,” Judd says. “Be sure to talk to someone on the phone while you are checking the house.” (Note: A GRAR member recently reported an alarming incident at an open house and was fortunately utilizing the buddy system – read more in our Archive of Safety & Scam Alerts)

Above all, every real estate professional should listen to their gut.

“When you have goose bumps, when your heart is racing, that’s your instincts kicking in. I think of it as my guardian angel. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened, and I’ve always been right.”