After six years in the real estate business, I should NOT need a reminder to be careful. Safety should be in the forefront of my mind at all times...in all circumstances. I've heard the terrible accounts of agents being robbed and murdered during open houses...even in my own city. I've walked into vacant homes and discovered drug addicts and vagrants living inside. I've taken self-defense classes and learned how to think qui
ckly in the event of an attack. I've even been the victim of stalking. Yet...I do forget. I get busy, and I forget just how dangerous it really is ‘out there'.
Last night, I received a call on my cell phone at 9:30pm. I was on the phone with my daughter, so I did not answer. A few minutes later, the same person called my office number that forwards to another cell phone. That time, my husband, Diego, answered the call. The caller (a male) asked to speak with me, so Diego explained that I was on the other line and offered to assist him. (Diego and I work together.) The caller insisted that he wished to speak directly with me, and his tone caused Diego to proceed cautiously. Diego explained that he is my husband...that we work together...and asked questions to determine the caller's motive. The caller then stated that he wanted to see one of my listings in Zebulon. Since we don't currently have any listings in Zebulon, Diego asked him to describe the home. The caller then became very vague and irritated and asked when he could speak with me. Diego stated that he would investigate the listing in Zebulon and call him (the caller) back today with the details.
Before hanging up, the caller asked Diego if we (Diego and I) live together. Certain, at this point, that the caller was ‘up to no good'...Diego told him that I was away on business. Within minutes of hanging up with Diego, the caller called my cell number again. And again...Diego answered the call. Thinking that I was out of town and away from my husband, he did not realize he was speaking to Diego. He again asked to speak with me. Diego said, "Man...I just talked to you and told you that I would call you back tomorrow. I also told you that my wife is unavailable tonight. Why are you calling her again at 10pm on a Saturday night?" The caller replied, "Diego...I know you. You are the tall guy, right?" Then, he told Diego that he knew me from a long time ago and needed to talk to me. Diego (not so politely) told him never to call me again.
This morning, I had several strange messages from a mysterious caller. His phone number was blocked...he never left his name...and he left the messages at 1:30 and 2am. I'm sure that it is the same guy, but I have no proof. What I do know for certain is that he does not take "NO" for an answer, and that frightens me.
As real estate professionals, we are constantly in the public eye. In fact, in order to be successful in real estate, you must be as ‘visible' as possible. We do everything within our power to make ourselves known to our potential buyers and sellers...the general public. We must be aware that with increased exposure comes increased vulnerability. However, awareness is not enough...we must also take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves.
In a slow market...when sales are few and far between...it is easy to ‘chase the deal' without a thought about safety. Don't do that! Remember this...YOUR LIFE IS WORTH MORE THAN ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY. Please...PLEASE...BE CAREFUL!!!
Here are a few of my non-negotiable safety guidelines:
- ALWAYS keep your cell phone in your hand, and program it to dial 911 with the touch of one button.
- ALWAYS meet clients for the first time in your office and ask for a photo ID. Make a copy and keep it in the office.
- ALWAYS tell someone where and to whom you will be showing properties.
- DO NOT show vacant properties by yourself unless you know your customers.
- DO NOT host open houses alone! (This is a biggie!!!)
- ALWAYS carry pepper spray or mace in your pocket, but be sure to get the type that can be aimed at a specific target (some are general and might affect you as much as they do your attacker).
- NEVER go inside the home first. Open the door and allow your customers to go inside as you hold the door.
- ALWAYS know where the exits are located and have an exit plan.
- ALWAYS trust your instincts. If something ‘just does not feel right'...LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. DON'T TAKE CHANCES WITH YOUR LIFE!
Written and Posted by:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
Visit our website at http://www.elizabethnieves.com
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