Safety when Showing Homes 

Showing homes is a core activity in real estate. Protecting yourself, your buyers and your sellers should be top of mind. Before going to a showing, there is a lot you can do to help make your visit as safe as possible, including: 

• Check with your Broker to see if they have a safety checklist for showing homes. These usually outline the best practices your company wants you to follow. 

• Always make sure to vet your clients. Your broker or association may offer tools you can use to look into the background of your clients. Compare IDs with the person you are meeting with to list the property or show the home. Be sure it is the actual seller or buyer. 

• Be very careful about conducting transactions online. Always be sure you know who you are speaking with.  

• Always let someone know where you are, who you are meeting and how long the showing is scheduled.  

• Leave all valuables in your car when at showings. 

• Make sure your phone is fully charged and with you at all times.  

• Never be the first one in the home. Always let the buyer lead the way. Do not get yourself backed into a room or basement where it is difficult to exit the home if needed.  

• Set the safety feature on your showing app, if applicable 

 

Protecting Sellers and Their Property 

Both buyer and seller agents play a role in protecting sellers and their property. Key steps you can take include: 

• Advising sellers to secure valuables and medications prior to showings. 

• Make sure to schedule appointments to show the property so the sellers know who will be in their home.  

• Show up on time for the showing, not early or late. If you are going to be early or late, be sure to get approval before entering.  

• NEVER give out the lockbox code or keys.  

• Always be present during showings. Do not leave the potential buyer alone in the property.  

• Check all doors and windows before leaving the home to ensure they are all locked. 

• Lock all doors and close them tightly, ensuring they do not open.  

 

Practicing Online Safety 

Keep safety in mind when using your computer, especially in public settings. There are several things to think about when you are logging in for the day. Key things to think about include: 

• Always protect your password. Do NOT share passwords or credentials. For more details on password safety, read our blog post, Think Safety and Protect Your Passwords. 

• Use two-factor authentication. This will help ensure your clients’ confidential information is protected in the MLS and in emails.  

• Check to make sure no one is in view when typing your credentials in. 

• Make sure no one can see your screen when you have confidential information displayed. 

• Always send secure emails when there is confidential information involved.  

 

For more safety tips, read our blog post, NAR Safety Month: Seven Tips for Protecting Your Data. Have questions about MLS rules and regulations? We are here to help! Visit our Rules + Regulations Site or for live support, contact us during business hours.