The South Carolina Association of Realtors has reported that the number of attacks on real estate agents has increased tremendously in the past few years.  We all have to be on the alert, not only for ourselves, but for our clients as well.  Safety is key, and it only has to take 10 seconds. 

Take 2 Seconds when you arrive at your destination.

  • Is there a questionable activity in the area?
  • Are you parked in a well-lit, visible location?
  • Can you be blocked in the driveway by another vehicle?

Take 2 Seconds after you step out of your car.

  • Are there suspicious people around?
  • Do you know exactly where you're going?

Take 2 Seconds as you walk towards your destination.

  • Are people coming and going or is the area unusually quiet?
  • Do you observe any obstacles or hiding places in the parking lot or along the street?
  • Is anyone loitering in the area?

Take 2 Seconds at the door.

  • Do you have an uneasy feeling as you're walking in?
  • Is someone following you in?

Take 2 Seconds as soon as you enter your destination.

  • Does anything seem out of place?
  • Is anyone present who shouldn't be there or who isn't expected?

Taking in your surroundings lets you spot and avoid danger. Make it a habit every time you arrive somewhere.

 

 

9 Comments on 10 Second Rule for Personal Safety

MAY
17
2007
245,807 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Don't meet anyone at a propety first. Establish client info 1st.
8:35pm • #1
188,240 Points 1 Featured Post

There are tims that time makes it necessary to meet at the property and then go on and establish the relationship from there.  However, yes, I agree it works quite well be getting all in infor before hand and then go out to view homes.  Doesn't always work the way you want.

 

Patricia Aulson/Hampton NH Real Estate/ME & MA 

8:58pm • #3
8 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Thanks for sharing.  Realtor safety is of paramount importance.  I have read that being a Realtor is the...3rd (?) most dangerous profession behind policeman and firemen?
9:00pm • #4
613,887 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router
I'm always looking around as I watch too much Law and Order and CSI stuff.  By the way, our supra boxes typically take 5-8 seconds to open so maybe that's so we take the time to look around before the key pops out.
9:05pm • #5
423,675 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Good information.  I have taken the RAD Rape Aggressive Defense class a couple of times.  I actually just wrote a post on it as I just recently encountered one of these uncomfortable situations and it made me think of the class again.  In this particular situation I took a friend along which worked out great.  They spend a lot of time discussing your surroundings in that class.  Again good information, we can never be too careful in this business.

9:06pm • #6
And always let someone know where you are going and approximately when you should return.
9:22pm • #7
119,244 Points Outside Blog
Also, if you have a "bad" feeling....go with your gut and have someone else go with you to the meeting.  Safety in numbers (usually).
9:50pm • #8
MAY
18
2007
451,986 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

David:  It's good to have a rule to never meet anyone for the first time at a listing.  There are rare times that it cannot be avoided, though.

Edith:  Thanks, hope you find it helpful.

Patricia:  Sometimes it is necessary to meet at a property, but you can always do these simple things to make yourself aware of your surroundings.

Kaushik:  It doesn't surprise me that real estate agents are in the third most dangerous profession.  We're an open target since we are so active with the public.  We just have to be that much more aware.

Donna:  I watch too much of that stuff, too :)  Ten seconds is a long time to wait for a key to pop out once you've entered in your code, but it does give you time to make sure your surroundings are secure.

Marchel:  That RAD class sounds like a great class for anyone to take.  And it is a good idea to have someone with you.  Safety in numbers.

Lori:  Very true.  Your gut is usually right, so it's important to listen to it.

9:58am • #9

Leave a response…



(optional)
What does the graphic say?
 
Jim_maria1 Ambassador_large

Jim & Maria Hart ~ Charleston, SC Real Estate

Charleston, SC

More about me…

AgentOwned Realty

Address: 824 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464

Office Phone: (843) 559-2783

Cell Phone: (843) 364-9846

Email Me



Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find SC real estate agents and Charleston real estate on ActiveRain.