Open Houses

State in advertisements that identification will be required, and surveillance will be in use

Identify everyone who attends your open house
- Use a sign in sheet
- Capture ID on camera
- Livestream attendees as they enter

Park at the curb so your car cannot be blocked 

Arrive early and keep the doors locked until you are ready to open them

Walk through the home (Ensure no personal information of client is accessible, Look for mail, envelopes, personal photos, etc, Ensure pets are managed appropriately, Check that valuables are secured, Position webcams, start up surveillance app if applicable)

Control the entry points (Limit access to what you can manage, Beware of back doors, garages, back yards, etc., There is no obligation to let anyone into any open house, Review...plan an escape route)

Check the outside for escape route obstacles such as fences, shrubbery, ponds 

Keep a hand free; carry only non-valuable business items, make sure your car keys and phone are always on your person 

Connect with the neighbours in advance of the open house
- Let them know day/time of open house and ask them to alert you of any potential suspicious activity
- Let them know you'll do your best to ensure attendees park appropriately, respect their property

Do not allow visitors to enter before you have completed your safety checks 

Provide effective staffing
- Ask a friend or colleague to sit the open house or model home with you
- Use the open house as an opportunity for mentoring newer members
- Consider hiring a security officer for the open-house event
- if the value of the home is high-risk
- Beware of couples or groups who split up

Secure the home at the conclusion (Lock the front door to ensure no one comes in while you are checking, Call a safety buddy and keep them on the phone while you are walking through the home and until you are safely in your car)

Have someone available to meet you/walk you to your car if you see anyone loitering outside
- If safe to do so, take their picture and send it to your safety buddy 
- If unsure, stay in the house with locked doors 

Ask the office to call you on a regular schedule if you don’t call in