As real estate agents, we aim to help clients buy and sell homes confidently. A large part of that confidence comes from our commitment to safety—for ourselves, our clients, and our community.

This is why we take a series of precautionary steps before embarking on your real estate journey. From vetting clients before bringing them into your home to fulfilling our legal obligations with RECO, these practices not only protect you but also ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

Before we dive in, you can get to know the Lisa Hartsink Team right here.

Why We “Vet” Clients Before Showings

When you first reach out to a REALTOR® to view a property or receive a home evaluation, one of the first things they will do is ask for identification and other basic information. This may feel a bit uncomfortable, and you should always be wary when someone asks for personal details, but this vetting process is essential. Here’s why:

  • Stanger Danger: Real estate agents get most of their leads online and over the phone, often meeting new clients alone and sometimes in empty homes or secluded locations, such as the vast country properties dotting rural Halton Hills and Erin. By verifying a new lead’s identity beforehand, we help ensure that both the agent and the property seller are interacting with legitimate individuals. Having a record of the appointment time, its location, and the details of the people in attendance reduces the potential risks.
  • Protecting Sellers: If you’ve ever sold a home before, you’ll know how nerve-wracking it can be to let multiple groups of strangers into your home each day. Sellers entrust their biggest asset to not just their listing agent, but also every buyer’s agent who walks through their front door. Part of that trust is ensuring that prospective buyers have been properly vetted. Asking for ID and other details before showing properties to new clients assures sellers and those in the neighbourhood that only serious and pre-screened individuals are entering, and we significantly reduce the risk of theft, fraud, or other security issues.

Do you have more questions about buying or selling a home in Halton Hills and Erin? Read these posts next:

Why We Want to Meet Before Showings

It’s common practice for real estate agents to ask first-time clients to meet in a public space, such as a local coffee shop or their brokerage office, before going on a showing. While this may seem like an unnecessary meet and greet or a scheme to lock you into a commitment, it’s about much more than that.

Meeting in a public setting helps establish a relationship without pressure, creating a comfortable environment for discussion. At this time, we will learn about your needs, budget, and preferences to ensure we show you the right types of homes for your family.

Meeting before attending showings allows the opportunity to ensure that all parties feel secure, as you will likely spend a significant amount of time together during the process. It’s essential that both the REALTOR® and the client feel safe when entering empty and unoccupied homes together, as well as homes in remote locations.

Regardless of who you are viewing homes with, always keep a record of the appointment details and ensure someone knows where you are.

Why We Need a Buyer Representation Contract

Another critical step we take is signing a Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA). While this is a legal contract, and you may feel hesitant to sign it at first, it’s also a key safety measure that benefits everyone involved.

The first part of this process establishes is whether you plan to work with a REALTOR® or act as a Self-Represented Party (SRP). It’s important to define your intentions up front, as the services a REALTOR® can provide will be determined by whether you are a client or an SRP.

Have you heard of the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA)? Learn more about TRESA and find out what it means for SRPs here.

If you decide to work with a REALTOR®, by signing a BRA you both commit to a professional and transparent relationship. The BRA clearly outlines our roles and responsibilities, ensuring there’s no ambiguity. This protects you by guaranteeing that we work in your best interest and provides legal safeguards for everyone.

Suppose you feel hesitant to commit to a relationship with a specific REALTOR® up front. In that case, you can sign an agreement that applies only to the specific properties the agent will be showing you, versus a generalized market area. The BRA can be tailored to fit your situation and comfort level, and should you change your mind down the road, you can request that the agent formally release you from it.

In the fast-paced world of real estate, misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes. By formalizing our relationship through a contract, we eliminate any potential confusion, making the process smoother and more secure for everyone.

At the Lisa Hartsink Team, we are all about empathy and transparency. That’s why we’re proud to offer downloadable e-books to help make your buying or selling experience better. You can download our e-books here:

FINTRAC: Complying with Legal Obligations

In Canada, realtors are bound by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) to comply with specific anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing regulations. This is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting the integrity of the real estate market and ensuring that all transactions are legal and transparent.

As part of our FINTRAC obligations, we are legally required to collect identification and certain financial information from clients. This may seem bureaucratic, but it’s crucial for protecting the real estate market from illegal activities. By collecting your ID and ensuring compliance with these regulations, we’re working to protect not only you but also the overall stability of the market.

While some of these safety precautions may seem inconvenient in the short term, they ensure everyone feels secure and confident. From verifying IDs to adhering to FINTRAC obligations, our safety protocols protect both ourselves and our clients. When we ask for ID, request to meet in a public place, or present a contract for you to sign, remember—it’s all part of our commitment to ensuring a safe, legal, and successful real estate journey for everyone involved.

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a home you’ve owned for 30 years, our compassion-led approach ensures you are protected at every step. You can call us directly at 905-873-9944 or email info@lisahartsink.com today to get started!