Safety is a huge priority in our real estate industry. DMAAR (Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®) and several other associations in Iowa have encouraged real estate agents to take the following Safety Pledge:
“Because I owe it to myself, my family, my colleagues, and my clients to implement
safe showing practices,
I pledge not to show any home to a stranger without first meeting them at the office or a public place and asking them to submit identification.”
In addition to this pledge, sellers are offered the opportunity to request that their home not be shown to unidentified buyers.
But, what does this mean?
For sellers, this means that everyone who enters your property has been identified by their real estate agent. No strangers allowed!
For buyers, this means that you will need to meet your REALTOR® before you look at properties. Getting your financing in order (pre-approval) will also be an important step in the process.
For agents, this means taking the time to meet potential clients before showing properties and to check every listing for the “Safe Showing Request”. Not following the seller’s instructions regarding showings could result in disciplinary action.
If any of this feels intrusive or a hassle, think about teaching your children about “stranger danger” and then expecting them to meet someone that just called them at a vacant property. Just being an adult doesn’t make you safe from strangers.
For more information on DMAAR REALTOR® safety initiatives, including videos, click here https://www.dmaar.com/members/realtor-safety
“Because I owe it to myself, my family, my colleagues, and my clients..."