The Perfect Showing

Chapter 3. Safety for Owners and Agents

Meeting strangers in an empty home calls for a few simple safety habits. None of them need to feel unfriendly.

An everyday example: An owner in Texas used to meet anyone who called at any time, alone. After hearing about a scary incident in another town, she set up a simple routine. She asked visitors to schedule through a short online form, she shared each showing time and address with a friend, she kept her phone charged and in her hand, and she let visitors walk ahead of her through each room. She held showings during daylight when she could. Nothing about the showings felt cold. Visitors still got a warm welcome. She simply felt safer, and her friend always knew where she was.

During the Showing

• Let visitors walk ahead of you through each room.
• Stay near an exit, and keep your car keys and phone with you.
• Leave the front door unlocked from the inside.
• Never carry or display valuables.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, you can end the showing politely and leave.

After the Showing

Lock up, check every room and let your contact know you are done.

Bunkly’s field tipAgree on a simple code phrase with a friend, like “I need the blue folder.” If you ever say it on the phone during a showing, your friend knows to call for help.

This is a short sample from The Perfect Showing. The full book has all 10 chapters, a checklist for every chapter and the worksheets.