Tips on Holding a Safe Open House

 

NAR has designated September as Realtor Safety Month. There’s no time like the present for some safety tips.

Most of us will hold an open house at one time or another, so it’s a good idea to follow some safety guidelines so we don’t become a victim of crime.

Open houses are a great way to meet new buyers and expose your listing to the public, but they can be a target for criminals.

Here are 10 Tips for Holding a Safe Open house:

1. If possible, have at lease one other person working with you at the open house.

2. Check the strength, signal and the battery life of your cell phone before the open house.

3. Upon entering the house, check all rooms and select several “escape ” routes.

4. Make sure that escape routes through the back door do not prohibit your escape from the back yard. Make sure there are no high fences or locked gates.

5. Have all open house visitors sign in. Ask for full name, address, phone number and email.

6. When showing a house, try to walk behind them or along side of them.

7. Avoid getting cornered or trapped in small rooms, etc. Do not let a visitor distract you while someone else is in the house.

8. Inform a neighbor of the open house and make sure your office, family or friend are aware of your open house and check in with them frequently.

9. Tell the owners not to leave any drugs, jewelry or valuables out.

10. At the end of an open house, check all the rooms and yard before leaving. Close all windows and lock all doors. Be aware of your surroundings and be careful getting into your car.

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Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker Associate ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Surterre Properties

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 495-8600

Think Big, Shop Small ~ Spread the Word…

 

 Let’s start a movement…

SHOP SMALL STORES

As a local independent broker, I know how hard it is to compete with larger companies, but you can make it with good customer skills, marketing and word of mouth. Repeat customers and referrals is what keeps me in business. So let’s raise awareness of the importance of patronizing small businesses. 

Shop Small Stores is a buy-local campaign which promotes strengthening local economies through the support of local independent retailers. Buy gifts in small stores, eat meals at small restaurants.

As we do the rest of our holiday shopping and entertaining, let’s think first of small independent companies. Shop at your local toy or book store (if one still exists). Stop at your local home grown coffee shop or café and pick up a gift certificate. This will bring back business to the small business at a later time.

Small Business Saturday was a success to many towns and retailers that participated. However, we need to keep the movement going. Let’s all continue the movement by shopping in our local independent stores every weekend.  Let’s get the local economy rolling… 

Think Big, Shop Small.  Spread the word…

 Don’t forget to reduce, reuse and recycle!

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Motivational Monday Quote ~ Attitude of Gratitude

 A reminder to all…

As Meister Eckhart said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, it will be enough.” 

 

Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing.”
~ Zig Ziglar 

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

     

      

 

Timely Tuesday Photo ~ Mellow Yellow

Time to reflect…

An artist painting on the beach with an unexpected color combination stirs up mixed feelings. To me it brings back warm thoughts of people and places I miss…

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Pablo Picasso 

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

     

 

 

 

Speechless Sunday ~ Never Forget

   

 USE THIS PIC FOR YOUR PROFILE THRU THE WEEKEND…IN MEMORY of 9/11. 

 NEVER FORGET 

 TAG IT, LIKE IT, USE IT, PRINT IT, KEEP IT, OR SHARE IT WITH ALL YOUR FRIENDS….

Photo courtesy of Amy Fordyce

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900