The temptation when you first start out it is to jump right in.  In doing so it is easy to ignore the simple steps it takes to ensure your personal safety.  However, safety should be a primary concern.  Stop - take a moment and listen to what your instincts are telling you.

Tips to keep you safe:

•1.        if you work alone, always let someone know where you are going, when you are going and when you anticipate returning. 

•2.        keep a pad by your phone to mark down the name of the client, the address of the property and the appointment time. 

•3.        when meeting a client alone - verify his/her identity.  It is a simple matter to ask for their business card.

•4.        let the client know that you are expecting or need to make a call at a certain time or that you have a pre-arranged appointment with another client

•5.        if you are uncomfortable about meeting a client in a vacant property, take someone else with you.  Signs that you are uncomfortable - gut feeling, hesitation, unexplained fear, apprehension.  Listen to those feelings.

•6.        if you can't take someone with you, arrange with a friend to call you at a certain time and have a pre-arranged emergency code word that only the two of you would recognize so your friend can contact the authorities immediately should it be necessary.

•7.        program emergency numbers into your speed dial

•8.        keep cell phones fully charged

•9.        visualize emergency situations.  Rehearse in your mind how you would react in an emergency situation

•10.   dress for success but don't overdress, especially with expensive jewellery.

•11.   wear clothing with pockets that will hold your cell phone, your car keys and your camera

•12.   take extra photos of the front of the property showing not only the property but the client's vehicle (preferably showing the license number) and if possible, the client

•13.   if unable to take extra photos, most cell phones now have a "note" feature where you can quickly leave a verbal message for yourself with the client's license number

•14.   make sure that the clothes you are wearing have a pocket so you can carry your cell phone with you at all times.  It is faster to access a cell phone from your person than it is from your purse.

•15.   ensure that when you enter the property, the lock on the entry door is left open.

•16.   upon entering, do a quick search with your eyes and make a mental note of alternate exits.

•17.   always let the client go into a room first

•18.   should you run into trouble, yell "Fire" as you are more likely to attract someone's attention as opposed to yelling "help"

Let common sense prevail and trust your instincts.

Anyone else with additional suggestions - please comment and your suggestions will be added to this post.  Thanks.

Lori Kim Polk:  - I might add to view homes in the day light only and if you are there alone.. to lock the door behind you, even when you are staging.

Karen Dembsky - With all the identity theft going on in the world, it would be easy for someone to take a peak in your wallet (or even more from your wallet) while you are off in another room snapping photos or moving a couch, etc.