By Julius Ewudo, ASEAN Region Representative
Identity verification is noticeably absent when a real estate agent welcomes a home buyer for a private viewing or grants access to an open home. Agents continue to rely on a trust system, but the question arises: has this outdated method overstayed its welcome?
Homeowners Put at Risk
The Real Estate Industry must confront a significant security vulnerability: currently, anyone can enter any property for sale using fake contact details. Disguised as potential buyers, opportunistic thieves aiming to steal valuables or assess homes for future theft pose a substantial threat to every home seller. The absence of identity verification used by agents is not only far from ideal; it is outright irresponsible, exposing homeowners to unnecessary risk and harm.
Agents themselves are also in Danger
Modern Agent Marketing often resembles celebrity profiling, raising the question, “Why do agents use their appearance to attract business?” An agent’s attractiveness does not influence the sale of a property, so are agents needlessly putting themselves in danger?
Christchurch Real Estate Agent Yanfei Bao went missing in July 2023 and has never been found. Police believe she was abducted while showing a property to a prospective buyer.
The Solution
Security Checked keeps Agents safe by having verified confirmation of whom they are meeting and protects home sellers’ safety by ensuring everyone entering their home is who they claim to be, whether it’s a private viewing or an open home.
This foolproof solution also benefits buyers. Once verified, entering any open home is seamless. No more waiting as agents fumble to record attendee details, and you no longer must reveal personal contact information in front of strangers waiting to enter a property.
Buyers can now track all properties they view and provide contactless feedback for the agents. Being Security Checked in advance conveys that you are a serious buyer, not an opportunistic criminal, nosy neighbour, or time-waster. Verification lasts 12 months and costs a mere $14.95; buyers upload ID documentation. Once verified, you’ll receive a unique QR code. To enter any open house, present this code for agents to scan.
Home Sellers are Finally Protected
Research shows that when a homeowner understands the risks they face when their agent allows access to “unverified buyers,” they demand their agent deny access to anyone not Security Checked. Security Checked fortifies sellers’ protection; it is a free service for licensed real estate agents and home sellers.
A stamp of approval from real estate professionals and security experts firmly cements Security Checked as the “New Professional Standard” to keep clients, their families, and possessions safe.
User Feedback
Merryl Johnson – “Being an independent woman who lives alone, I was never comfortable with the thought of strangers in my home, poking around, so when my agent suggested we restrict entry to only allow buyers who have been Security Checked, it brought me an immediate sense of relief.”
Karen Fisher – “Attending Open Homes is now so easy; the agent scans my QR code off my phone, and that’s it. I hated calling out my name and phone number with strangers behind me. I understand that Security Checked was brought in to make homeowners feel safe, but as a buyer, I now feel safer, too!”
Bill Davies – “I’ve got a lot of valuable audio equipment that I can’t relocate for every viewing. Opting to limit entry to buyers who have been Security Checked was an obvious choice; if someone isn’t prepared to undergo verification, then I have no interest in them being in my home regardless.”
