This week it’s National Safety week.\u00a0 Here are a few tips from NAR to stay safe at open houses \u2013 Open houses can be a great sales tool \u2013 but hosting one also exposes you to numerous unfamiliar people for the first time.\u00a0 Take these steps to stay safe.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Always try to have at least one other person working with you at the open house.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Check your cell phone\u2019s strength and signal prior to the open house. Have emergency numbers programmed on speed dial.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Upon entering a house for the first time, check all rooms and determine several \u201cescape\u201d routes. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster escape.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Make sure that if you must escape by the back door, you could also escape from the backyard. Frequently, high fences surround yards that contain swimming pools or hot tubs.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Place one of your business cards, with the date and time written on the back, in a kitchen cabinet. Note on it if you were the first to arrive or if clients were waiting.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Have all open house visitors sign in. Ask for full name, address, phone number and e-mail.<\/p>\n
\u2022 When showing the house, always walk behind the prospect. Direct them; don\u2019t lead them. Say, for example, \u201cThe kitchen is on your left,\u201d and gesture for them to go ahead of you.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Avoid attics, basements, and getting trapped in small rooms.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Notify someone in your office, your answering service, a friend, or a relative that you will be calling in every hour on the hour. And if you don\u2019t call, they are to call you.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Inform a neighbor that you will be showing the house and ask if he or she would keep an eye and ear open for anything out of the ordinary.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Don\u2019t assume that everyone has left the premises at the end of an open house. Check all of the rooms and the backyard prior to locking the doors. Be prepared to defend yourself, if necessary.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This week it’s National Safety week.\u00a0 Here are a few tips from NAR to stay safe at open houses \u2013 Open houses can be a great sales tool \u2013 but hosting one also exposes you to numerous unfamiliar people for the first time.\u00a0 Take these steps to stay safe. \u2022\u00a0 Always try to have at<\/p>\n