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We love September for a variety of reasons. Depending on where you live (BBS Notary is a nationwide notary company), the temperature starts to turn colder, football kicks off and there’s a huge cornucopia of local events ready to celebrate the season.
But that’s not all September is known for. It’s also Realtor Safety Month! Whether you’re an agent yourself or a title company that works with lots of Realtors, this piece is for you. Here are four tips to help you take care of yourself and your clients.
Protect your personal information. We’re talking about both in person and online. Be mindful when sharing promotional details both on social media and in casual conversations. Avoid publishing your personal cell phone number or home address in advertisements. Instead, use your office contact information, and don’t share specifics about your home, family or travel plans with clients until you know you can trust them.
Verify who you’re meeting. Gather as much information as possible about prospective clients. (This is both for physical safety and warding off fraud.) Confirm identities with official government IDs and be wary of anyone who avoids providing basic details.
Stay in control of your environment. When meeting clients, drive your own car to appointments whenever possible. Check that your phone has service before entering unfamiliar areas, and schedule showings during daylight hours. Remind sellers never to show their property without you present, too.
Put your plans in writing. Establish a simple check-in system with your office, a fellow agent or a trusted friend, so someone always knows your location and schedule. Having backup isn’t just about safety; it provides reassurance for all involved.
Looking for more advice? Check out these resources from NAR, and remember to trust your instincts. After all, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t hesitate to reschedule, bring a colleague or cut a showing short if a situation feels unsafe.
While these tips are all about making sure the start of your relationship with a new client goes smoothly, the BBS Notary team does our best work at the end of your journey! Keep us in mind whenever you need a mobile notary you – and your clients – can trust.