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Protecting Buyers & Sellers in a Vermont Real Estate Transaction

Our tools, policies, and ongoing training are designed to safeguard your transaction and personal information.

Protecting Your Privacy & Security

Buying or selling a home involves sensitive personal information, significant financial transfers, and — if you are selling — opening your home to people you may not yet know. Each of these moments deserves careful attention.

Real estate transactions are among the most frequently targeted categories for fraud and cybercrime in the United States. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, real estate wire fraud alone costs Americans hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

The people affected are not careless — they are often careful individuals who receive convincing communications during a complex and stressful moment in a major financial transaction.

At Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman, protecting our clients is built into how we operate. The tools we use, the policies we maintain, and the training our agents receive are all designed to safeguard your transaction and your personal information.

Why Real Estate Transactions Are Targeted

Real estate transactions involve several conditions that can attract fraud attempts. Large financial transfers, multiple professionals communicating at once, and tight closing timelines can create opportunities for criminals to attempt to intercept or manipulate information.

Fraudulent communications may appear to come from trusted professionals involved in the transaction and may reference accurate details about a property or closing date.

Because of these risks, reputable real estate companies, lenders, attorneys, and title professionals use secure systems and verification procedures designed to help protect clients throughout the process.

How We Help Protect Your Transaction

Internal Security Practices

Client protection begins with how we manage our own systems. We maintain strict internal policies governing how client information is stored, accessed, and protected. These policies include strong password requirements and multifactor authentication across the platforms that contain client data.

Ongoing Fraud Detection Training

Our agents also receive ongoing fraud and scam awareness training. When new scams begin circulating in the real estate industry or locally in Vermont, our agents are informed quickly so they can recognize suspicious activity and help protect clients before problems arise.

Secure Document Sharing

When sensitive documents need to be shared during a transaction — such as financial records, identification, or disclosure forms — we use SecureShare, a secure document sharing platform.

Secure Earnest Money Transfers

When a buyer’s offer is accepted, earnest money deposits are handled through secure transfer platforms rather than by personal check or wire transfer whenever possible. This helps protect sensitive banking information and ensures deposits move through verified channels.

Showing Access & Security

Access to listed homes is controlled through the Supra eKEY electronic lockbox system, which requires verified agent credentials. Each showing is logged automatically, creating a record of who accessed the home and when.

Security Considerations for Sellers

When your home is on the market, prospective buyers and their agents will be touring the property. A few simple precautions can help protect your privacy and personal information during this time.

Secure Valuables and Personal Information

Before showings begin, sellers should secure or remove items such as:

  • jewelry, watches, and small valuables
  • prescription medications
  • financial documents and personal records
  • checkbooks or credit card statements
  • tax records or identification documents
  • mail containing personal information


Items that might seem harmless — such as unopened mail or paperwork on a desk — can unintentionally reveal personal information. Your agent can help you identify areas of the home where sensitive items should be removed or secured before showings begin.

Security Considerations for Buyers

Buyers also play an important role in maintaining a secure and professional transaction. Verify Financial Instructions Any request to transfer funds or provide financial information should always be verified before taking action. Real estate transactions involve multiple parties — agents, lenders, attorneys, and title companies — and fraudulent communications may attempt to appear as though they come from any of them. Before acting on financial instructions:
  • Verify instructions verbally using a phone number you have independently confirmed
  • Do not rely on contact information provided in the message itself
  • Be cautious if instructions change unexpectedly close to closing
  • Contact your agent if anything appears unusual
Taking a moment to verify instructions can prevent significant financial loss. Be Aware of Security Cameras During Showings Many homeowners use security systems such as video doorbells or cameras. While showing instructions typically prohibit audio recording in certain areas, buyers should assume they may be recorded while touring a property. For this reason, buyers should avoid discussing their opinions of the home, offer strategies, or negotiation plans while inside the property. These conversations are best held with your agent after leaving the home.

Built Into How We Work

Client protection is not a feature we added — it is reflected in the systems we use, the policies we maintain, and the training our agents receive.

Real estate transactions involve important financial and personal decisions. Our goal is to ensure every client moves through the process with confidence and peace of mind.

If you ever have questions about how your information is handled during your transaction, your agent will always be happy to explain.

Chris-Larose-Technology

Chris Larose
Vice President of Technology & Operations

 

Chris continually develops and improves the systems and safeguards designed to protect our clients’ information and transactions.

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Greater Burlington

346 Shelburne Rd.,
Burlington, VT

Montpelier Area

2641 US-2,
East Montpelier, VT

Addison County

268 Main Street,
Vergennes, VT

Franklin County

120 N. Main Street,
St Albans City, VT

Mad River Valley

4366 Main Street, Suite 4,
Waitsfield, VT

Copyright 2026 PrimeMLS, Inc. All rights reserved. This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate displayed on this site comes in part from the IDX Program of PrimeMLS. The information being provided is for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated 04/12/2026.

© 2026 Hickok & Boardman, Inc. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Hickok & Boardman, Inc fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affliated with or related to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.

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