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Be safe :)

By
Real Estate Agent with Balistreri Real Estate SL3337434

Be safe out there! J I got this from Jeff coon a local Mortgage broker and thought it was a great checklist...
 
Showing Properties the Safe Way

 
When you are showing an empty property, you can take these simple steps to empower yourself against attack or theft.
 Be sure to use the lockbox property-key procedure that has been established to improve real estate agent safety. A reliable, secure lockbox system such as those made by REALTOR Benefits® Program partner SentriLock (www.sentrilock.com) ensures that keys don't fall into the wrong hands.
 
 Show properties before dark. If you are going to be working after hours, advise your associate or first-line supervisor of your schedule. If you must show a property after dark, turn on all lights as you go through, and don't lower any shades or draw curtains or blinds.
 
 Try and call the office once an hour to let people know where you are.
 
 If you think it may be some time before a property sells (and you may, therefore, be showing it of-ten), get acquainted with a few of the immediate neighbors. You will feel better knowing they know your vehicle, and they will feel better about the stranger (you) who frequently visits their neighbor-hood.
 
 Prepare a scenario so that you can leave, or encourage someone who makes you uncomfortable to leave. Examples: Your cell phone or beeper went off and you have to call your office, you left some important information in your car, or another agent with buyers is on his way.
 
 While showing a property, always leave the front door unlocked for a quick exit while you and the client are inside. As you enter each room, stand near the door.
 
 It is better to not display purses while at a property. Lock your purse in the car trunk before you arrive. Carry only non-valuable business items (except for your cell phone), and do not wear expensive jewelry or watches, or appear to be carrying large sums of money.
 
 Park at the curb in front of the property rather than in the driveway. You will attract much more attention running and screaming to the curb area. It is much easier to escape in your vehicle if you don't have to back out of a driveway. Besides, parked in a driveway, another vehicle could purpose-fully or accidentally trap you.

Posted by

Fiona Barone- Sales Associate & Anthony "Tony" Barone (Retired NJ Broker Associate)
RE/MAX Advantage Plus & RE/MAX International Inc.
601 S. federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Office # 561-394-7800
Cell # 561-400-2653
International calls please dial 001-73561-400-2653
www.fionabarone.remaxagent.com

Anonymous
Nancy Nolf re/max. Wa
Totally great ideas! One more might be to look around before you even get out of the car. Right down the license plate number of the people you are meeting and leave in your locked car.
Jan 23, 2011 06:43 AM
#1