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Sign Call Showing, Safety First or Someones Getting Hurt.

By
Education & Training with Advanced Realty Education HomeSmart Realty

I recently read a re-post http://activerain.com/blogsview/1916990/-i-m-sitting-in-front-of-the-house-and-i-d-like-to-see-it-right-now-  of a blog by Richard Weiser, http://activerain.com/blogsview/1916932/-i-m-sitting-in-front-of-the-house-and-i-d-like-to-see-it-right-now-  and one of the comments received indicated our job was to "serve"  so  we should go show this house.  Additional comment was if we don't, there are agents out there that will. (This will make more since after you read the blogs above.)

This is why safety classes should be mandatory.  As agents we are ignorant to the inherent dangers we place ourselves, the public and our clients in when we only look at this scenario from this commenter’s perspective.

Here was my response:

... you are right of course, there are numerous agents that will do this. 

One thing that keeps me from "competing" with those type of agents is not a lack of desire to "serve them", the perpetrator, oops, I mean the "buyer," but to keep in mind the seller who is also supposed to be treated well.  How is that happening when we ourselves don't know the person we are allowing to case, Um sorry, view the house.

The second reason is really selfish.  James Baxter called it saving ones hair. (check the mug to the right of this post.  Kind of humorous I thought.) or in other words staying alive.  As a charter member of the NAR's REALTOR(R) Safety Council, our research revealed this is the top of the list of scenarios where agents have been killed.  Tough guys are in this list of victims and most occur at crime scenes waiting to happen, otherwise known as vacant houses.

Michael C. Price
Keller Williams - Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor-Real Estate Strategist

I think safety is becoming a very important issue in our industry. I look forward to more initiatives by our associations.

Oct 16, 2010 04:27 AM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

Mandatory safety classes is a GREAT idea!  I often have rental prospects call me while stilling in front of rental properties.  I suggest they preview the home online on the WEBSITE listed on the sign and then contact me....I need some identifying information before I will meet an out-of-state cel phone at a vacant property.  I NEVER show property after dark

Oct 16, 2010 04:54 AM
Hercel Spears
Advanced Realty Education HomeSmart Realty - Tempe, AZ

Thanks for the comment Michael,  I look forward to those initiatives as well.

Wallace, I think caution is always in style and showing a home after dark is definitely a bad idea.  Thanks for the comment.

Oct 16, 2010 04:34 PM
Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, ePRO, GRI
Keller Williams Indianapolis Metro NE - Carmel, IN
Carmel, Fishers, Westfield IN Real Estate Expert

Hercel~~ Your message is one that cannot be repeated too often.  We cannot be too careful.  I have always made my husband or one of my son's tag along, but now I am wondering if I am not also putting them in harm's way.  A shame we have this worry, but we do.  Thanks for the reminder!

Oct 16, 2010 05:00 PM
Hercel Spears
Advanced Realty Education HomeSmart Realty - Tempe, AZ

Thanks for stopping by Pat,

 I am glad you have a tag along staff. It is sad that we have to worry but better safe than... not.

Oct 17, 2010 11:43 AM
Moby
Moby - Santa Monica, CA

Hercel,

Thank you for reminding us all to take care of our personal safety. Attending a safety workshop atleast once a year, is definitely essential for all proffesionals who "serve" clients outside the office.

Francesca Nurlu

Oct 19, 2010 12:48 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Hercel:  I think that person who commented was thoughtless but safety first, no matter what the occupation and one putting safety first should never be confused with one not having the desire to serve. 

Oct 23, 2010 02:28 AM
Hercel Spears
Advanced Realty Education HomeSmart Realty - Tempe, AZ

Thanks for your supportive comment Francesca.  I too need the reminder and often get it from my kids.

Donna,  very true regarding all occupations.  As a matter of fact, some of NAR's tips came from cab drivers of all places.  Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Oct 23, 2010 05:00 AM