Real Property Management East San Gabriel Valley agrees that showing a rental property should be a safe process. Across the nation, there have been several instances where property managers did not exercise safe practices and ended up in compromising situations. To ensure the safety of all property managers in Pasadena, we are sharing our top 10 property showing safety tips for protecting yourself when showing properties.
10 Tips for Safer Showings
- Keep It Light: Show properties before dark. If you must show them during dark, arrive early and turn on all lights.
- Checking-in: Take a copy of an ID for the prospective tenant prior to showing, if they refuse—do not show the property. Before going to the showing, tell someone in the office where you are going, who you are with and your expected return time. If possible, invite a coworker to come with you on the home tour.
- Don’t be too public:Limit the amount of personal information you share. Consider advertising without using your photograph. Giving out too much of the wrong information can make you a target.
- Stranger Danger: Tell your clients not to show their home by themselves. Predators come in all shapes and sizes.
- Wear Identification: Always wear visible company identification such as a badge. It is also best to drive a vehicle clearly marked with your company name.
- Bring up the Rear: When showing a home, always have your prospect walk in front of you. Don’t lead them, but rather, direct them from a position slightly behind them.
- Pick Up Some Self-Defense Skills: Many health clubs, martial arts studios and community colleges offer some type of class. You can also ask your peers, friends and family if they have taken any classes they can recommend.
- You Take The Wheel: Whenever possible, take your own car to a showing. When you leave your car, LOCK IT.
- Got Cell Service Everywhere?: When your showing a property, thick walls and/or remote locations may interfere with mobile phone reception. Check in advance to be sure your phone is serviceable in the area in which you are showing the property. Also, always make sure you charge your phone before you leave.
- Choose Flight Over Fight: While every real estate agent or property manager should take a basic self-defense class, the primary goal in any threatening situation is to escape from immediate danger and call for help.
Safety First
The tenant screening process often involves the showing of the home as one of the first steps. Remember to be confident during showings and ensure your safety by following these safety guidelines. Real Property Management East San Gabriel Valley has the knowledge and background needed to ensure that the tenant screening process goes safely and smoothly. Contact us for all of your property management needs!
To view more tips from Real Property Management East San Gabriel Valley view our Blog.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.