A successful real estate business depends on great relationships between agents and their clients. For most people, a home purchase is the largest investment they will make and there is something deeply personal about selecting the property where you plan to raise kids, relax on the back porch, and cook Thanksgiving dinner. This means potential homebuyers want to work with an agent they trust and with whom they feel a connection.
This makes many real estate professionals feel awkward taking safety measures with new clients. “Meet me at the office and bring a photo ID” seems like a cold beginning to what is hoped to be a warm relationship. Some agents are tempted to risk their safety and skip the recommended best practices.
A safety training video – for your clients
To help with this, the National Association of REALTORS® has produced a high quality, informative, and winsome video for real estate pros to communicate the importance of safety practices with customers.
This video is perfect for the company website or an agent’s page. “Meet me at the office and bring a photo ID” seems like a cold beginning to what is hoped to be a warm relationship. Some agents are tempted to risk their safety and skip the recommended best practices.
It can also be sent in an introductory email for potential clients to prep them before that first meeting at the office.
Simple and informative
The video above explains standard practices for real estate safety such as asking clients to come for an initial office visit, driving separate vehicles, and avoiding empty houses after dark. It also explains the rationale behind these practices, which ought to help clients embrace and feel at ease about the ideas. The video is not too heavy or too silly and the excellent graphic production is something agents will be proud to share.
Safety practices aren’t a wet blanket
Regarding the concern that safety practices pour cold water on the warmth of agent/client relationships, experience shows agents have nothing to worry about. In fact, good communication about professional practices reminds customers why they want an agent in the first place. Potential homebuyers will like knowing agents are looking out for them and that they are considering so many details.
Rather than hurting business, informing customers that safety is a priority will increase confidence and ultimately boost the possibility of successful sales. Even more important though, is the way appropriate safety practices mean agents will make it back to their own homes each night. Safe practices today ensure that business continues tomorrow.
#RealtorSafety
Stephen St. John is a writer and speaker with a background in business, education, and non-profit ministry. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management and Master's Degree in Theological and Ministerial Studies. Alongside his wife and seven kids, Stephen has lived and worked in North America, Africa, and Asia.
