MARKET MOVEMENTS

Does a Pre-listing Home Inspection Make Sense?

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By identifying potential issues before it goes on the market, you can list a home with greater confidence about its condition. This can mean cleaner offers, getting to closing faster, and maximizing the selling price for your client.

A pre-listing home inspection can uncover previously unknown problems – major and minor – allowing sellers the opportunity to make repairs, updates or replacements as needed or as they wish. If they choose not to address these issues, making the inspection report available to potential buyers builds buyer trust through transparency. As such, it’s a great marketing tool for homes sold “as-is.”

The Pillar To Post Home Inspection includes our comprehensive report delivered in printed and digital formats and features our newest technological innovations. With this valuable information in hand, sellers can decide on the next steps prior to listing. In the end, having well-informed sellers and buyers works to everyone’s advantage.

Office Safety Action Plan

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Personal safety in the office is important to everyone. Here are some elements to include in your office safety action plan.

Initial meeting with clients
Hold the first in-person client meeting in or just outside your office rather than at properties or at home. It’s also a good idea to introduce them to a colleague on-site.

Client ID
All first-time clients must provide a driver’s license, state ID or other official photo ID. The office will retain a copy of the ID for security purposes. You can download a Client Profile Form at www.beverlycarterfoundation.org.

Distress code
Implement a verbal distress code—a secret word or phrase that can be casually worked into conversation if you feel threatened and the person you are with can overhear your conversation.

Buddy system
If you’re uncomfortable meeting with clients alone or hosting open houses alone request another agent or employee to accompany you.

Privacy first
Keep personal information private. Don’t discuss where you live, after-work, or vacation plans in front of prospective clients, new colleagues, or anyone with whom you’re not comfortable.

Limit access
Make sure all doors other than the main entrance are secured and have a clear exit route from the front desk to the door.

Solo security
If you encounter a stranger while working late or alone, say something like “My supervisor will be right with you.” to give the impression you’re not there alone.

Know your business neighbors
Get to recognize the staff of other nearby businesses and be aware of their schedules. This will benefit everyone.

Sources: Beverly Carter Foundation