I have talked to several Realtors and read a few blogs about their concerns for the the homeowners protection doing a Virtual Tour. I am saddened by the need for these concerns, it speaks poorly of our society. I am also saddened because I believe that Virtual Tours are a great marketing tool. In many cases, they help draw interest in a listing. I wonder if we, as the listing agents, are doing our clients right by not teaching them to protect themselves.
I think that we do our clients a disservice when we don't teach them to put all valuables away in a safe storage facility. I know that can become inconvenient, but we're not Homeland Security, we only can qualify them to buy the property, not do a criminal background. It is in the clients interest to protect themselves as best they can. I think that it is prudent to advise them when a Virtual Tour is being shot, they need to "depersonalize," and part of that, put away your valuables, as well as photographs that someone could use to harm members of their families.
It is sad that we have to do this, but we are the professional, we need to teach our clients to be safe. I really do believe that Virtual Tours and lots of photograpsh are essential in the sales process of properties, especially with the use of the Inernet. I also believe that we get paid to educate and protect our clients.
If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Cedar City, Utah; please give us a call. We would love to earn your business!
I have heard stories of criminals using virtual tours as a way to identify the best entry points to a home. I'm not sure how well that works, but it is what it is.
As for open houses, the safety risk is not just to the sellers... the agent holding the open house also puts their safety on the line! Remember folks, lets be careful out there!
Visual Tours are a great tool as are taking great pictures of a home. There is always going to be a bad apple in the bussel. We can not do our job because of a bad apple. I have clients ask for the visual tour on their homes. I just make sure that if something needs put away that they do so.
Great Post. Always something to think about.