What consumers should expect when working with a Realtor
Beverly’s kidnapping and murder] was a game changer. It will help us decide how we do business in the future.” — Karen Crowson Crye-Leike Realtors
This week’s column was written by Emily Morgan, director of public relations and communications for the Arkansas Realtors Association.
On behalf of the Arkansas Realtors Association, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Beverly Carter’s family.
Words cannot express how truly sorry we are that this tragedy has happened. Though not every Realtor in Arkansas may have known her, we all feel a deep connection with her as a part of our Realtor family.
The ARA feels an obligation to re-educate Arkansas’ Realtors on best safety practices, and we plan to implement a statewide — if not nationwide — safety plan. It is our goal to make sure that all Realtors have the information and means to keep themselves safe during showings and open houses, as well as in their day-to-day business.
We also feel an obligation to educate consumers on what they should expect when working with a Realtor.
I recently spoke with Karen Crowson, principal broker of Crye-Leike Realtors in Benton, about the things Realtors will ask of consumers before a real estate transaction occurs. Crowson said that Realtors are here to help consumers, but that these agents can no longer put themselves at risk as they have in the past.
It cannot be stressed enough how important first meetings at the agent’s office are, not only to the agent, but also to the prospective client.
“Realtors are not just people who open the door to a house. The knowledge and information we bring to each transaction is a true benefit,” Crowson said.
First meetings at the office are beneficial to consumers because these meetings give the Realtor a chance to talk to the clients and find out exactly what they want.
During this initial meeting, the Realtor will also explain the process of buying or selling a home and will let prospective clients know that they should expect during the buying or selling process. This knowledge makes for a more successful transaction in the long run.
Holding these first meetings at the office is beneficial to Realtors because it allows them to obtain more information about a prospective buyer and to reduce personal risk.
One thing Crowson, as well as many other Arkansas Realtors, has expressed over the last few days, is that at the very least, Realtors will ask for a prospective client’s driver’s license or photo ID, and will keep a copy of that identification on file at the office.
“This is a minimum level of protection for Realtors, and legitimate buyers shouldn’t hesitate to do it” Crowson said.
“The days of calling a number on a sign and having somebody show up and meet you when you’re a perfect stranger are over, but consumers shouldn’t be offended. It’s just good, safe business practice,” said Miki Bass, CEO of the ARA.
It is our hope that consumers understand why Realtors are cautious and that they don’t think being asked to provide identification is an inconvenience.
Some Realtors will ask to take a picture of prospective buyers’ automobiles and license plates and send those photos to their base offices, while others have a safety plan in place and will ask clients to fill out an informational application that will remain on file at their office.
“[Beverly’s kidnapping and murder] was a game changer that I hope we all remember and remain a level above in regards to safety. It will help us decide how we do business in the future,” Crowson said.
In short, the ARA wants consumers to be aware that Realtors will be acting more cautiously in their business dealings, and we hope that consumers understand this reasoning.
It is not our goal to offend or inconvenience anyone. However, it is our goal to ensure the safety of Realtors — and the safety of the consumers they encounter.
House to House is distributed by the Arkansas Realtors Association. For more information about homeownership in Arkansas, visit www.ArkansasRealtors.com.