Message from the President
by Dawn Brown
Safety Protocols Home Buyers and Sellers Should Expect When Working with a Realtor®
The National Association of Realtors® released the 2016 Member Safety Report, which surveyed over 3,000 Realtor® members about how safe they feel while on the job, their personal safety experiences, and the safety procedures and materials provided by their real estate brokerage.
Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported they experienced a situation that made them fear for their personal safety or the safety of their personal information. Realtors® understand better than anyone the safety risks associated with real estate transactions, so it is imperative to create and share safety protocols with home buyers so they can learn about what they may encounter when working with a Realtor® .The BNAR is committed to protecting home buyers and sellers and their personal items by making sure they have the resources and education to stay safe and secure.
Here are some safety protocols and guidelines you should expect and keep in mind when working with a Realtor®, which ensure a safe experience for all parties involved.
Meet your agent at their office. Instead of meeting for the first time at a property, a Realtor® may set-up the initial meeting at their office. Most people agree that meeting at a real estate professional’s office is much more comfortable and appropriate for the first meeting. Generally speaking, meeting a stranger at an unknown location can be an uneasy notion, and this is no different for that initial real estate transaction.
Secure your personal information. Your agent may make copies of your driver’s license and mortgage preapproval letter for their records. This allows the agent to keep a record of your information at their office to be stored in a secure place. So be sure to have these items on hand for your initial meeting. Keeping this information safe and secure is a crucial step in maintaining a safe agent and client relationship.
Stay away from carpooling. When viewing a property, your agent may ask you to drive separately. This is a safety precaution for you and your agent – so do not feel offended. Driving separately is also important, as many times, you or the agent will have an appointment to go to afterward.
Your agent might walk behind you. Agents typically let potential buyers take the lead when exploring a home. This is a common safety protocol and also allows you to view each room on the property first and make your own impressions.
View a vacant property by day. Your agent may only show vacant properties by day, so you can see what safety hazards exist, such as loose floorboards or any other defects. So when viewing a vacant or even an occupied property, expect to view it during daylight hours.
For more information on Realtor® and consumer safety, visit www.realtor.org/safety.
Agents’ Day & Trade Show – Oktoberfest
Tuesday, October 3 – Registration opens at 7:30 am – Adams Mark Hotel, with plenty of free parking. Gather up your lederhosen and yodel over to this years’ Agents’ Day & Trade Show. Yes, you guessed it – our theme this year is Oktoberfest. New this year is we are offering 4 - One-hour CE Credit Sessions for FREE. You must sign up for Agents Day and for each CE Session on IMS(Internet Member Services).
Join us at the RPAC Lounge, you will get an RPAC Pin, Hot Breakfast, a massage, and more!!! Donations must be a new contribution of $99!
Keynote Speaker is Robert Priest, “The Theatre of the Mind” an act alive with action, laughs and mental challenges. Special thanks to our sponsors – Diamond Sponsor - Real Estate Signs, 2FindYourHome, Bank of America, Clareity Security LLC, Showing Time and Zillow. Enjoy complimentary Beer & Wine tasting from 12 Gates Brewing Company Bully Hill. So register today – it’s only $10.00.
Events of the Day, Click here!!
Here is the list of this years Exhibitors!
If you are interested in becoming an Exhibitor, Click Here!
Become a Sponsor of the Event, Click Here!!
NAR Annual Conference in Chicago
Join thousands of top real estate professionals at the 2017 National Association of REALTORS Conference & Expo for four days of education, networking, motivation and fun! Swimmer Michael Phelps, recipient of 23 Olympic Gold Medals, will talk about inspiration and giving back. The Celebrity Concert will be given by John Fogerty. Education, Networking, Motivation and Fun is all waiting for you. And you can do it in one long weekend! Full details including speakers, the events, the expo and special hotel and air discounts can be found using this link.
