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A Key to Realtor Safety That Is Often Overlooked...Protecting Yourself from YOU

By
Services for Real Estate Pros

When I think of Realtor Safety, usually the things that come to mind have to do with protecting myself from the actions of strangers in various situations.

Self-defense is, in my opinion, a very necessary skill, particularly when you're in a field like Real Estate where you're working with the public and in many different geographic areas.

However, the one thing I never imagined I would have to do was protect myself from MYSELF. 

Let me explain: I fell down in a house today while out previewing at Broker's Opens and sprained my ankle.  I had a moment where my mind was more intently focused on the room I was heading to than on my footing.  I fell down one step and twisted my ankle.  I was on the ground a good 2-3 minutes, with the agent standing over me asking if she could help me up. All I wanted to do was lie there for a while. 

I did eventually pull myself and my humiliated ego off of the ground, and limped to my car.  The pain wasn't nearly as bad then as it is right now.  This injury is seriously going to put a cramp in my week.  If it were any more serious I'd have to go to the doctor, and then I'd really be mad at myself.

I am usually very careful when previewing homes.  Even so, something at some point is bound to catch you off guard.  I once caught my foot on a slightly higher than normal threshold, and threw out some back muscles pretty good.

From this experience I've been reminded of two things:

1. Pay complete attention to where you're walking inside and outside of a home.  There are many things to contend with such as slippery moss, super-secret basement stairwells with no lights and wobbly handrails, and my own klutzy self just to name a few.

2. Wear sensible shoes.

I'm off to elevate and ice my foot now. Be careful out there everyone!

 

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Comments(6)

Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi Lisa~ Accidents happen to all of us when we least expect it!  It does help though to slow down and be more cautious!  Hope you foot heals quickly for you!

Oct 20, 2009 03:40 PM
Barbara Michaluk
Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD
Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Burien, I agree we can hurt ourselves out there.  It's a tough decision to choose sensible shoes over fashion but the least we can do is pay more attention to what we are doing.

Oct 20, 2009 03:41 PM
Patty Mortara | Hunterdon County (NJ)
Hunterdon County Homes - Flemington, NJ

Lisa - hope you recover fast. I have spent many years selling new construction so I am used to climbing in and out of houses, using spackle buckets as a step stool and numerous other things that aren't the safest. It amazes me how many sellers do not even think about the ice on their front walkway and steps - just because they don't use it they forget that is our primary entrance. Thanks for posting and the reminder to be more careful! - Patty

Oct 20, 2009 03:44 PM
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Ice, elevate, rest and Ibuprophen.  Having stumbled over my own two feet more than a few times I know the drill too well.  Hope you feel better soon.

Dan

Oct 20, 2009 03:55 PM
Lisa Bosques
Burien, WA

Dan, I'm off to get some more Ibuprophen right now, then it's bed time for me.

Patty, sellers do need to be more aware of the condition of the home.  There are some members of the general public who would entertain a lawsuit if they fell down on your property.  Not me, I know it was my fault!

Barbara, I was wearing thick heels-I like heels because I'm short.  But I think I'll go a bit more casual as we go into the winter.  I don't want any more accidents.

Vickie, thanks for the well wishes!

Oct 20, 2009 04:43 PM
Robert T. Boyer
FHA Loan, VA Loan, Jumbo Loan,FHA Loans,VA Loans,Jumbo Loans - La Jolla, CA
San Diego Real Estate & Mortgage Loans, Ph.D. | VA Home Loan

I think the bigger lesson for all is the "sensible" shoes part.  Hope you feel better soon.

Oct 20, 2009 04:53 PM