Takeaways:
- Selling agents should maintain steady communication with buying agents to know who is entering the home when.
- Home security systems, electronic lockboxes and timed lights can all add an extra level of security.
- Keep tabs on all the doors in a home and make all parties involved well aware of how to properly secure them.
Safety is always a huge concern in the real estate industry, from both the agent and client perspective. The ultimate job of the listing agent is to find a buyer willing to pay the best price, but it’s also their responsibility to keep the home secure and safe from intrusion, theft and damage.
Here are a few best-practice reminders for real estate agents working on both sides of the transaction:
Install a secure lockbox: A lockbox has long been used as an easy way for buyer’s agents to get into a home when the seller or seller’s agent isn’t around, and they are typically viewed as very safe. Electronic lockboxes are even more secure and can help to maintain logs of who enters and exits a home.
Encourage use of timed lights: In the case of an unlocked door or window, timed lights can deter any passersby from thinking the home is vacant. A home with no lights on and a for-sale sign in the front yard is a red flag for potential burglars.
Work closely with buying agents: As the selling agent, it’s important to know who is coming into the home and when. Consider adding any scheduled showing appointments into your own calendar. Also, be sure to check in with buyers’ agents to make sure everything was properly secured.
Have a checklist: Especially helpful for larger homes, a checklist of all the doors, windows and gates that need to be secured before leaving can be a friendly reminder.
Use a home security platform: Home sellers don’t have to spend a fortune on a high-quality home security system to keep their house safe. Free applications like HomeMonitor or iScentry may seem invasive, but they can offer that added boost of security that home sellers need.
Ask the seller to communicate with neighbors: If the home seller has their neighbors’ eyes and ears open to any potential strange behavior, it adds a whole other layer of comfort that the home is secure. If you feel comfortable with it, have your home seller give your number to a couple of nearby neighbors, too.