Prep smarter and show safer with FOREWARN 

Not every showing is the same, which is exactly why your safety process should be. September is Agent Safety Month, and it’s the perfect time to talk about how a few simple steps—plus FOREWARN®—can help you better understand and address risk. 

Imagine this: you get an inquiry from someone you’ve never met. Normally, you’d grab your keys and head out, maybe stopping by the office to jot down the address and who you’re meeting. What if you had more insight upfront, without slowing down or adding friction to the client experience? That’s where a pre-showing routine including FOREWARN comes in. 

FOREWARN lets you verify a prospect’s identity using as little as their phone number, instantly showing criminal history, property and vehicle ownership, financial data, address history, and more. It’s proactive safety at your fingertips so you can make informed decisions quickly and easily. 

Warning flags to help you dig deeper

When everything appears to check out on the surface, it’s easy to let your guard down — but that’s exactly when it’s most important to dig deeper. FOREWARN doesn’t just verify identities; it helps surface inconsistencies and mismatched details that may otherwise go unnoticed when facing pressure tactics that bad actors are likely to employ. It’s not just about confirming a name or number, it’s about evaluating the full context of what you’ve been told and whether it aligns with what the data shows.

FOREWARN empowers agents to spot and investigate subtle red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as:

• Urgent or high-pressure requests (e.g., “I’m only in town for two hours”)
• Location mismatches (e.g., caller claims to be from New Jersey, but has no property or address record in that state)
• Vehicle inconsistencies (e.g., prospect says they will arrive in a BMW, but no vehicle records support this)
• False or exaggerated financial claims (e.g., public records show a recent bankruptcy or property lien)
• Unverifiable or spoofed contact information (e.g., name and phone number mismatch)
• Fictitious names or aliases (e.g., no record found for the name provided)
• Criminal records or concerning histories (e.g., offenses that may indicate a safety risk)

Each marker is a crucial piece of the puzzle, no matter how minor it may seem. While one detail alone might not raise concern, together they can reveal a pattern that clearly warrants deeper verification.

The real power of FOREWARN lies in its ability to support your instincts with actionable intelligence. When something doesn’t feel quite right, the data can help you validate—or contradict—that feeling. And even when everything does feel right, a quick check can reveal blind spots before they become safety issues. Your safety is worth a few extra minutes of due diligence.

Building habits that support your safety 

A routine that includes FOREWARN not only helps you work smarter; it gives you the confidence to move forward with clarity and peace of mind. When safety is treated as standard practice, it becomes a strength rather than a source of stress. Agents face risks every day: working alone, meeting strangers in unfamiliar places, open houses, showing vacant homes… the list goes on. Using a consistent pre-showing routine is one of the best ways to stay safe. 

• Instant knowledge equals smarter planning. Instead of walking into the unknown, you already have the context needed to help you decide where to meet, whether to bring a partner, and more. 
• Consistency builds muscle memory. When you follow the same few steps before every showing, you don’t even need to think. It becomes your default mode. 
• Covers every type of in-person transaction. Whether you’re meeting a new buyer or seller, this routine supports both sides of the business when meeting unknown prospects for the first time. 
• Supports both instincts and intel. Your gut matters—but having data to back it up (or override it) adds clarity.  

Current real-world feedback 

A real estate agent credits FOREWARN with saving her from a stalker. 
A Lexington, KY agent received a showing request at a vacant property but sensed something was off. A quick FOREWARN search revealed the caller was her long-time stalker. Thanks to a quick search, the police were able to intervene before something dangerous happened. Greg Buchanan, the broker at ERA Select where she works, put it simply: “You can’t put a price tag on a life.”¹

Carl Carter Jr. reflects on how his mother’s tragedy could have been flagged by FOREWARN. 
In our Safe & Sold™ series, Carl Carter Jr.—founder of the Beverly Carter Foundation—shared how fictitious names, spoofed contact information, and false income details could have been identified by FOREWARN before his mother’s tragic encounter.²

Agents report dodging danger thanks to felony convictions revealed before showings. 
One agent’s search flagged six felony convictions on a prospect from Dolton, IL. In another case, an agent discovered kidnapping and gun-related convictions before meeting the lead. Both agents credited FOREWARN for enabling them to make informed decisions and potentially avoid life-threatening situations.³

“Most useful member benefit”—associations say FOREWARN transforms safety culture. 
Several REALTOR® associations across the United States describe FOREWARN as their most utilized and appreciated member benefit. One CEO even shared: “Members would mutiny if it was suggested that we don’t need FOREWARN as a member benefit.”³

A simple checklist for safer showings 

Before you meet a new prospect, taking a few minutes to prepare can make all the difference. This quick checklist helps you build safety into your process without slowing you down. It’s a simple, repeatable routine that starts with FOREWARN and ends with peace of mind. 

• Record the prospect’s name and phone number, then verify their identity with FOREWARN and validate any additional information provided by the prospect (e.g., property, state of residence, etc.). 
• Pull up the MLS sheet, disclosures, and any comparable listings or neighborhood insights. 
• Share showing details (who, when, where) with a colleague or trusted contact. 
• Arrive early so you have time to park safely without being blocked in, and walk through the layout (lights, exits, cell signal). 

Whether you’re working with a new seller or showing a listing to a buyer, this checklist helps you stay prepared. It starts with knowing who you’re meeting and adds layers of awareness, communication, and practical safety habits you can use every time. 

Key takeaways 

Taking a few minutes to verify, prepare, and communicate before a showing can completely change how you approach your day. When safety becomes part of your routine, it boosts your confidence, sharpens your decision-making, and shows your clients you’re a true professional. With FOREWARN and a consistent pre-showing process, you can stay focused on what matters: doing your job well and getting home safe every time. 

Learn more about how FOREWARN can support safer engagements and smarter interactions.  

__________________

¹ “Realtor credits app with saving her life from stalker.” WKYT Investigates by Kelsey Souto, July 14, 2025. https://www.wkyt.com/2025/07/14/wkyt-investigates-realtor-credits-app-with-saving-her-life-stalker/ 

² “Honoring a legacy: a son’s mission for positive change.” Safe & Sold™ series, FOREWARN blog by Carl Carter Jr., November 17, 2023. https://www.forewarn.com/blog/honoring-a-legacy-a-sons-mission-for-positive-change/  

³ Testimonials from REALTOR® associations on FOREWARN’s “Testimonials” page https://www.forewarn.com/company/testimonials/