September is Realtor Safety Month
September is Realtor Safety Month. Here is a timely Q&A with Shelly Cooper, president of the Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors and an agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties, 908 SW 107.
Q. What safety risks do homeowners need to know about when selling a property, and what can they do to protect themselves?
A. Selling property, whether using a Realtor or not, involves interacting with strangers. While the majority of people touring a home are legitimate potential buyers, there is always the risk they could be a thief or violent criminal.
Realtors take precautions such as meeting at an office first, asking for identification and ensuring they are seen by as many people as possible. Homeowners should take similar actions.
Always notify someone else when meeting potential buyers. In addition, the Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors recommends staying by the door and never going into a room before a buyer . ...
When looking at homes, it’s best to park on the street or facing out of a driveway.
Q. How does hiring a real estate professional limit risk and preserve safety?
A. A reputable Realtor will help ensure proper precautions are taken at a property for sale, including using electronic lockboxes and scheduled showings. Sellers should check with the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission to make sure their agent is properly licensed, and they should research reviews and complaints at the Better Business Bureau.
Q. What is the Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors doing to promote safety?
A. We have developed a partnership with the National Association of Realtors’ Realtor Safety program to educate real estate professionals about potential threats and resources to protect their clients and themselves. For example, our “Real Estate Safety Matters” workshop on Sept. 19 teaches Realtors how to assess risk and create safety systems . ...
To register for the workshop, Realtors should visit http://www.okcmar. org/calendar-event/hottopic-real-estate-safetymatters-nar/.