I know this probably isn’t the first blog written about safety in our line of work, but it crossed my mind and I wanted to get some feedback from everyone.

If you really think about it, we put ourselves in a potentially dangerous situation every time we show a home. Most of my agents are very attractive women (and a couple of attractive men), and while we always keep tabs of who is going where, once the Agent is alone with the Buyer, anything is possible.

We obviously can’t do a background check on every potential Buyer, so how do you protect yourselves?

 

 

 

 

If your or anyone you know need help Selling or Buying a Home in Broward & Miami-Dade Counties, please don't hesitate to call me at 954.667.7253


Help lots of people and have a great day!

Patty Da Silva, CDPE©, RESS®, AHWD®, e-PRO®, GREEN, CFS, TRC, RSPS

BROKER - REALTOR® Serving South Florida ::: 954. 667. SALE (7253) ::: Green Realty Properties®

Visit www.PattyDaSilva.com & www.GreenRealty.net for SouthEast Florida's best properties.

 

 

Copyright © 2008 - 2013 By Patty Da Silva, CDPE©. All Rights Reserved.

Legal Stuff: This article (Contents) reflects the opinion of the author and it is not to be considered legal advice. The author is not an attorney or a CPA. If you are in need of legal or tax advice, it is recommended that you to contact a trusted professional advisor.

 
This post has been included in Florida Real Estate News Broward County, FL Real Estate News Davie, FL Real Estate News
Post is included in group: BananaTude
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22 Comments on How do you keep safe during showings?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

OCT
18
2011
652,493 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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.

9:36am • #3

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. 

9:40am • #4
23 Featured Posts Outside Blog

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

9:43am • #5
Called Shot Master

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!!

9:53am • #6
713,225 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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.

9:57am • #7
645,363 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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.

10:18am • #8
Called Shot Master

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

 

10:30am • #9
643,431 Points 111 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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.

Featured in Bananatude

2:40pm • #10
312,802 Points 17 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Kimberly, I worry from time to time about my agents. I only list homes and my sellers come in the office but that is not always the case with buyers.

Paula, I like all the tips!

Chuck, agreed, at least one person should know where you are and who you are with.

Dolores, you have obviously thought about this and have a plan in place, good for you.

Candy, our gut never lies, right?

 

3:20pm • #11
130,156 Points Hit Router Called Shot Master

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. 

4:56pm • #12
110,282 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

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!

8:13pm • #13
1,373,058 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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

10:45pm • #14
OCT
19
2011
760,924 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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.

12:34am • #15
1,065,189 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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

6:15am • #16
1,028,873 Points 238 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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.  

9:45am • #17
177,042 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

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

3:37pm • #18
OCT
25
2011
655,545 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I really like the Bee. 

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

1:25am • #19
NOV
02
2011
Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

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

5:18pm • #20
Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

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

5:19pm • #21
NOV
10
2011
589,329 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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.

3:05pm • #22

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