For years, signing in at an open house has been considered a standard practice. Unfortunately, it has also become common for visitors to provide incomplete information, fake names, invalid phone numbers, or simply refuse to identify themselves altogether.
The reality is that an open house is not a public building. It is someone's home, business, or private property.
As listing agents, we are inviting members of the public into a property that has been entrusted to us by our clients. With that trust comes responsibility.
Sellers assume a certain degree of risk whenever they agree to host an open house. What happens if someone is injured on the property? What if something is accidentally damaged? What if personal belongings go missing? What if there is a dispute regarding who was present in the home?
These are legitimate concerns, and they deserve more than a sign-in sheet filled with names that may not even be real.
Private showings operate differently. In most cases, buyers attending private appointments are represented by a REALTOR® and have already established a relationship with that professional. There is accountability and a level of vetting that has already taken place.
Open houses are different.
Some visitors are neighbours who are curious about the property. Some are represented buyers attending on their own. Others are self-represented buyers exploring the market without an agent. And, quite frankly, some people attend simply out of curiosity.
As the listing agent, it is my responsibility to know who is entering the property and to take reasonable steps to protect my clients' interests.
Why This Matters
This decision is not being made in a vacuum.
Recently, York Regional Police issued a safety alert after a female REALTOR® was sexually assaulted following interactions at open houses in the GTA. Prior to the assault, another female REALTOR® had reported feeling unsafe after encountering the same individual at an open house.
As troubling as these incidents are, they serve as an important reminder that real estate professionals regularly meet strangers, often alone and in private settings. Whether it is an open house, a private showing, or a first meeting with a prospective buyer, there is always an element of risk involved.
Unfortunately, incidents involving REALTORS® are not unheard of. Across North America, there have been cases where real estate professionals have been threatened, assaulted, robbed, and even killed while performing their jobs.
The reality is that safety cannot be treated as an afterthought.
While my first responsibility is to protect my clients and their property, I also have a responsibility to protect myself and any colleagues working alongside me.
For that reason, I have decided to implement additional security measures at all open houses that I personally host.
Effective Immediately
All attendees must present valid government-issued photo identification and sign in before entering the property.
Visitors who refuse to provide identification or refuse to sign in will be denied entry.
Buyers who do not wish to comply with these requirements may arrange a private showing through their own REALTOR®.
As real estate professionals, we are expected to verify the identity of self-represented buyers under TRESA requirements. I believe the same level of accountability should exist at open houses where members of the public are entering a client's home.
Additional Safety Measures
In addition to requiring valid government-issued photo identification and mandatory sign-in, I will also be implementing additional safety measures at the open houses I host.
Whenever possible, open houses will be hosted by two REALTORS® rather than one. Having two professionals present provides an additional layer of security, accountability, and support for both visitors and the property owner.
If a second REALTOR® is unavailable, the open house may be postponed or rescheduled. While this may occasionally create inconvenience, I believe safety should take priority over scheduling whenever possible.
I am also exploring options for pre-registration, which would allow attendees to register and verify their information before arriving at the property. As technology continues to evolve, I believe there will be opportunities to make the open house experience both more secure and more convenient for legitimate buyers.
A Professional Responsibility
I understand that these changes may not be popular with everyone. However, I believe they are reasonable, responsible, and consistent with my obligation to protect the interests of my clients.
When sellers hire me to market their home, they are placing significant trust in me. My responsibility extends beyond advertising and negotiations. It includes taking reasonable precautions to safeguard their property and to ensure that those entering the home have been properly identified.
Likewise, as a real estate professional, I have a responsibility to maintain a safe working environment for myself and my colleagues.
The recent sexual assault involving a REALTOR® in our region underscores why these conversations matter. The risks associated with our profession are real, and ignoring them benefits no one.
For that reason, these procedures will become standard practice at the open houses I personally host moving forward.
Your Feedback Is Welcome
Open houses remain an important part of the home buying and selling process, and my goal is not to create barriers for legitimate buyers. Rather, it is to create a safer, more accountable environment for everyone involved.
I recognize that these changes may generate questions, concerns, or differing opinions, and I welcome those conversations.
If you have feedback about these procedures, or would like to discuss open house safety in general, I encourage you to reach out. Thoughtful discussion is how we continue to improve our profession while protecting the clients, homeowners, buyers, and REALTORS® who participate in it every day.
Safety, professionalism, and accountability should never be optional.
