Jamaica Real Estate Safety Tips

Selling a house without using a real estate agent can sometimes be unsafe because you have to allow strangers in to tour all the rooms of your home. The great majority of people looking at homes are honest people but there are still certain safety precautions to keep in mind. Real estate agents are trained with regards to safety precautions to take when showing homes or hosting open houses and generally share this information with their clients.

Know who is coming

Although you will have strangers walking around your property during a house showing, do not open your door just to any stranger because this can be unsafe, ensure that you know who is coming, when and know a little about their background.

Do not show your house alone

If you are selling your property without an agent, do not show your house alone. Ask your spouse, friends or family to be there with you. Also, be careful when there are people who come to your house at unreasonable time (early morning or very late at night). 

Keep records of your visitors identities

If you are doing the showing yourself, keep a guest book with all names and information of your visitors. Ask them to show their photo ID, write down their address, phone number, driver's license number, license plate and if possible, a brief description of them and their vehicle. Let them understand that this is a security measure that you are taking in order to assure the house showing goes smoothly. 

Things to do before and during showings

When you are planning to have an open house, open all shades, curtains, blinds, and turn on the lights before letting anyone in. If outsiders can see inside, the chance of any criminal act happening decreases.  Also Before showing the house, remove any valuable items (artwork, jewelry, electronics, china, collectible items, etc) and important documents from the visitors' sight or out of the house completely.

Let at least one personal contact and your office know where you are at all times.

Don’t agree to a private showing unless you’ve already met a client in your office.

Have clients complete an information form (name, copy of driver’s license, vehicle information) during open houses and prior to scheduling private showings.

Bring a co-worker along.

Don’t leave a client in your blind spot. Let the client proceed in front of you during a private showing.

Drive through the neighborhood prior to a private showing or open house. Be on the lookout for safety concerns.

Identify each of a home’s exits prior to a showing or open house. Keep exit doors unlocked.

Don’t allow a client to ride in your car unless you know them well.

Don’t wear expensive jewelry.

Dress professionally.

Be ready to defend yourself. Travel with pepper-spray.

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. Don’t worry about offending a client. Your safety is paramount.