One sad reality is that as women (and men too!) we have to think about our personal safety all the time. When you show a rental property, you're meeting people you don't know in a private home. Many people have favored open-house style showings in the past (I never really did) but with the COVID-19 pandemic those are more risky than meeting one on one with potential tenants.
But we need to stay safe. Here are my tips for ensuring your personal safety while you build your empire.
Pre-screen your tenants
Even if you don't want to pre-screen your applicants, you need to collect some basic information on everyone who will be coming to view your property. At the very least, you need their name, phone number and email address. If they don't want to give you this, next!
The buddy system
It's unrealistic to bring another person every time you have a showing, I often show on my way home from work so arranging another person to come with me every time would be a PITA. However, I always tell someone (my husband in my case) how many appointments I have and keep a list of their names and numbers. He knows when to expect me back home.
I would suggest making your list and leaving it out on a table or a counter so possible tenants can see it. I add an extra 1-2 fake appointments at the end, so that anyone viewing your unit, even the last person, thinks another person could be arriving at any time.
Setup for safety (and marketing...)
When you arrive to show the unit, I always make sure to come at least 5 minutes early, go through the house and turn on all the lights and open all of the blinds. Not only will this be a safer setting but it helps to show the house in the best light!
I also open the front door and leave it open during the showing. It's inviting but also gives the impression that another person can walk in at any time.
In my smaller unit, I let the prospects look around while I hang out in the living room near the front door (you cannot do this if you show occupied but I always show empty). In the two-level unit, I let them go up the stairs first and I follow. It seems I'm being polite but it's also safer for me. When we're upstairs, I let them go in the bedrooms and hang out by the stairs in the hallway in case they have questions.
Choose where you invest wisely
You also want to invest in areas where you are comfortable going. Everyone's comfort level is going to be different, the important thing is you are comfortable going there and visiting your properties.
I don't want fear to keep me from building my business but I do believe in taking precautions where I can in order to stay safe.What do you do to ensure your safety when you show your rental properties? I would love to read your tips in the comments!
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