How can you keep a client’s privacy during a deal?

A: During the course of a transaction, buyers and sellers share personal and financial information with their trusted Realtors and this process of sharing forms the foundation of confidentiality between agent and client. Realtors are required by law to honor that trust by protecting the interests of the client over their own interests.

My policy is never to discuss my clients’ business with anyone, including their friends who first introduced me and my own spouse. The first time that my spouse hears about a client is usually at the celebration dinner, long after the transaction is closed. I’m not trying to shut anyone out; it’s just easier if I say nothing at all than to slip with a comment about a private matter.

We can share private information with another agent, but only if it serves the interests of the client. For example, while negotiating a deal we will not divulge specifically how much our buyer can pay unless the buyer tells us to do so in order to secure a ratified contract.

When representing a seller, we cannot reveal their true bottom line unless they authorize us.

The internet brings a new danger. Cyber criminals can intercept a wire transfer of the buyer's funds going from their account to the title company. We take extra care to educate clients on how to ensure their money arrives in the escrow account where it belongs. John Solaegui, the Haven Group, Compass, 4159990673, john@havengroupsf.com.

A: It can be a very stressful time for our clients getting their homes ready for market, and to start the selling process. There are a few recommendations we make to help protect our clients’ privacy during the transaction period.

The first one is to clear out all personal items in preparation of the photo shoot, as well as for showing the home to potential buyers. Anyone with internet access will potentially be able to view photos of the property.

We also advise removing all prescription medication from medicine cabinets, and to remove most, if not all, family photos.

In the past, and most recently now, with the new COVID19 protocols in place, only showing homes by appointment (no public open houses), and requiring letters of preapproval from buyers that have been vetted by their agent, will assist in maintaining clients privacy.

Other tips for both buyers and sellers is not to relax on cybersecurity, by locking all devices when not in use, always using a secure, password protected WiFi connection, and backing up all files and data regularly.

Kathleen Daly, Coldwell Banker, 4155196074, kdaly@cbnorcal.com; Lisa Lange, Coldwell Banker,

4158477770, lisalange@coldwellbanker.com.

A: Our 15point process covers everything from secure portals and encrypted communications, to vetting the professionalism of escrow companies, loan agents and even couriers.

Other tools include buying property via an entity such as an LLC, and, upon request, removing photos from the multiple listing service (MLS) after a sale is closed.

Much of this boils down to common sense. For example, not using public wireless networks and picking up a phone to communicate sensitive information go a long way to safeguard our clients’ privacy. Discretion is critical in real estate sales, especially with the vulnerability our clients undertake when buying and selling homes.

As our industry becomes more digitized, especially with COVID19 concerns, our clients are relying on us even more for protection and confidence at every step.

Mary Macpherson, Compass, 4158464685, mary@marymapherson.com.