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Posted by  JanetK_CA on 1/14/18 5:03pm
I'll admit it might be partly because of the area I live in, but I rarely give this issue much thought, although there have been exceptions. I've frequently met with solo men ('cause they may or may not be single) at their homes - or in other places.
Some of my thoughts, in random order, on meeting with solo men:
* I agree with comments that part of my service is convenience, and service to their home.
* I know I'm not going to be accusing anyone of anything, so if there's any concern on that topic, it's theirs.
* I start with the assumption that my behavior, language, attire, etc., will set the tone and that I'll be able to keep things on a professional level.
* At my age, I assume I won't have their mind on anything other than their loan anyway. 
* If I get any weird vibes when confirming, I'll take extra precautions or be on alert, but I can recall very few examples where that's been an issue. (I do remember one who had a weird sense of humor, but signing went OK.)
* I remain aware that past experience doesn't necessarily predict future experience...
Where I'm most careful is with GNW, but in nearly every situation where I can recall the issue crossing my mind, there ended up being someone else there when I arrived. Like others, I give them the option, in case they'd rather not have someone come to their home for whatever reason.
Some exceptions: I can think of two examples with single men who were extremely obese and partially disabled. Both called me at least one other time for further notary work.
Whenever I've been asked to meet someone at a hotel, I suggest we find a spot somewhere, e.g. a lobby table or closed restaurant (depending on the place) that's reasonably quiet and private. So that's rarely been an issue. One exception was at an extended stay type of place that didn't have any common rooms. He said his suite had an office, so I agreed. I was a little leery until I arrived and found out his girlfriend was there, too.
Another example: I recently did an RM for a single man just a few years older than me. He suggested we meet elsewhere "to make it easier" for me, and I suspect this issue might have been on his mind. Fine with me, so we met at a McDonald's. Deal ended up in a redraw and second time, having already met once, we signed at his home. Turns out he's a retired RE agent with a lovely home with a great view. When done signing, he asked me to look at his collection of cool historical memorabilia (in his living room...) It's not my kind of thing and I was bored silly, but he was proud of it and happy to have a chance to show it off. The few extra minutes didn't cost me anything but I think it made him happy for a moment. (Sometimes people are just lonely.)
There have been many other situations that I don't recall because they were unremarkable.
Bottom line: We should all be aware that there's a potential issue here. Hopefully, though, the current societal awareness will lessen risks, rather than increase them. Also, our situations are very different from a RE agent going to a showing with a stranger who hasn't been vetted at all. (We've probably all heard some of those tragic stories with bad outcomes.) Nonetheless, it never hurts to keep our radar on alert and listen when our gut is telling us that something doesn't feel right. But if it's a constant worry for someone, then I agree that this may not be the right business for them. [Weather safety concerns are a whole other issue, IMO...]
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