I dont think about this often, it cross my mind on rare occasions.  Probably best that someone else at least knows that you have a showing and were.

I always walk behind my client.  Have them go in the front door first.  Unlock the back door.  Always have an emergency exit in mind.  Do not go in the basement with them.  If I am feeling uncomforable, I call my office and keep them on the line. 

Be cautious...if you get a bad vibe about a situation, follow your gut.

Hi Patty, Safety is so important! You need to be careful. If you feel even the slightest uneasy feeling about a client that wants to see homes after work...at night...you might want to rethink it! Also when entering empty homes alone for any reason, the agent should carry mace or have an escape plan incase someone is in the home... BE CAREFUL!!

If I am at all uncomfortable, or meeting a customer for the first time at a showing I always bring my husband, who is also a REALTOR(r).  As a matter of fact he is going with me this afternoon as I meet a customer for the first time.  It works great for us!  Also if I have a listing appointment at night he always goes, whether I am uncomfortable or not.

Good morning Patty. It's a good question. I think about it and am caredful to never pull into a driveway. Otherwise I keep my phone in my pocket. If I feel uneasy, I take a colleague with me, but frankly if I feel uneasy I usually refer it to someone rather than worry about it.

The buddy system and the weapon system are probably most effective. All good tips I'll  take with me.

The one thing that rarely, if ever, fails me are my instincts.  Follow yours.  ALWAYS.

You've been featured in the group Bananatude cause you've got the right 'Tude.

Be cautious!  Be ready!  Have phone on and in your hand if you can.  Be aware and meet client at your office first if you can.  Make sure your office knows you will be a showing.  I've had other agents go with me if I'm not comfortable.  That is key....you have to be comfortable when you're showing a house to someone you don't know. 

I think that Open Houses are the most dangerous for women.   You've set-up a sign with your name on it (female) and indicated that you're in an unlocked (Open) house, you're probably alone, and you have no idea who will walk through the door.  Geez!

I keep the door locked when I do an Open House and look through the peep hole before opening the door.  If it is a single male, or for any reason I feel a bit uncomfortable, I open the door, step outside phone in hand, and let them tour the house on their own.  If the property is in a remote location I will not do an Open House without a male associate.  Better safe than sorry!

Howdy and evening Patty

Patty, I even through I don't do showings or open houses, the way I take care of myself, I hold 4 different Marshall Arts Black Belt Degrees, plus I have Concealed Permit.

Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire

You know, I wonder what the percentage of attacks on realtors actually is.  I bet it is pretty low, and the one or two I heard about here were done by a famil member.  I think we have to be aware in every step of our lives.  But it is something to think about, because we do often meet strangers at empty houses.

You bring your husband....you and I can do that...not everyone can !

Patty- good advice from all.  Most importantly listen to your gut instincts.  Have your cell phone with you, not in your purse; Google the person first; always let someone know where you are, who you're meeting; I read where one Realtor snaps a pic of the license plate of their buyer.  

Patty, let your instincts be your guide.  If it doesn't feel right.... flight!

I really like the Bee. 

Yikes this what we mean when someone talks about being over regulated. 

During Open Houses, I always carry a tazer.  Its a little bulkier than a firearm, but the benifit of a tazer, the way I see it, I can shoot first, and apologize later.  Here is the link where I bought it. http://www.taser.com/products/self-defense-products/taser-c2

Another Idea for Open Houses, ask your lender to hold the home open with you...

Hi Patty,

This was a great article. Agents should always be careful at open houses, showings, putting out signs or piicking up. Even at ATM's, gas stations or stopping for a drink at an AM-PM or cafe since most of us have signs on our cars. Going home at night is our most important consideration.