Safety of buyers, agents is a priority

The National Association of Realtors has released its 2016 Member Safety Report, which surveyed over 3,000 Realtor members about how safe they feel while on the job, their personal safety experiences, and the safety procedures and materials provided by their real estate brokerages. Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported they experienced a situation that made them fear for their personal safety or the safety of their personal information. Realtors understand better than anyone the safety risks associated with real estate transactions, so it is imperative to create and share safety protocols with homebuyers so they can learn about what they may encounter when working with a Realtor. The Santa Fe Association of Realtors is committed to protecting homebuyers and sellers and their personal items by making sure consumers have the resources and education to stay safe and secure.

Here are some safety protocols and guidelines from the association you should expect and keep in mind when working with a Realtor, which can ensure a safe experience for all parties involved.

Meet your agent at his or her office. Instead of meeting for the first time at a property, a Realtor may set up the initial meeting at the office. Most people agree that meeting at a real estate professional’s office is much more comfortable and appropriate for the first meeting. Generally speaking, meeting a stranger at an unknown location can be an uneasy notion, and this is no different for that initial real estate transaction.

Secure your personal information. Your agent may make copies of your driver’s license and mortgage preapproval letter for her or his records. Be sure to have these items on hand for your initial meeting. According to the 2016 Member Safety Report, 69 percent of real estate offices have standard procedures for safeguarding client data and information. Keeping this information safe and secure is a crucial step in maintaining a safe agent and client relationship.

Stay away from carpooling. When viewing a property, your agent may ask you to drive separately. This is a safety precaution for you and your agent, so do not feel offended. Most people don’t pick up hitchhikers, so you can understand the importance of not transporting strangers to a property showing. Driving separately is also important, as many times you or the agent will have an appointment to go to afterward.

Your agent might walk behind you. Agents typically let buyers take the lead when exploring a home. This is a common safety protocol and also allows you to view each room first and make your own impressions.

View a vacant property by day. Your agent may only show vacant properties by day, so you can see what safety hazards exist, such as loose floorboards or any other defects. So, when viewing a vacant — or even an occupied — property, expect to view it during daylight hours.

For more information on Realtor and consumer safety, visit www.realtor.org/safety.

Paco Arguello is chief executive of the Santa Fe Association of Realtors. Contact him at 505-9828385 or paco@sfar.com.