In Memoriam

very sad situation... my thought are with her family

Carrie - how terrible!  This is a great reminder to all of us and I just reminded a couple Agents on my Team of this.  You can never be too careful!  Thank you for your tribute. 

Have you noticed that there seems to be a story on ActiveRain or in the newspaper every week of another murdered or beaten real estate agent?  This is another good reason NOT to hold Open House, at least not without a second person along as a safety precaution.  An Open House is, after all, an empty house that we invite strangers into.  It's downright scary.

Unfortunately, this is becoming more common among all sales professions that have an independent relationship with their clients...Car salespeople on test drives is another example I'm very familiar with...In our office, if an agent has a 'queer' feeling about meeting a client elsewhere, male or female, we just ask a fellow agent to accompany us and we make up some kind of 'partner' story etc...Follow your instincts, they're usually correct.

I shudder every time I hear a story like this.  I always think back to I think it is "Hill Street Blues" where after their morning briefing they were told to "be safe out there". 

Realtor (R) safety month should be every day not just one month a year!

Carrie--When I read this story, it justifies the precautions I take when doing showings and open houses. I avoid parking in the driveway so I am not blocked in. I keep my cell and keys on me. And never meet someone I don't know at a house alone. I also make certain that unknown callers are qualified prior to meeting them and speak to their loan officer to verify their intentions to purchase a home. I keep open houses short and avoid them in remote areas. I may lose some business but oh well...better than losing my life!

Carrie,

Another thing rarely mentioned ... avoid "glamour" photos in your advertising. There are a lot of bad folks out there, and a brochure with a photo could be potentially hazardous.

Carrie;

I have experience a home invasion and my family and I were home at the time. So, I carry on me at all times pepper spray, a whistle, and I have a panic button that is part of my cars security system. I do all this in the name of having peace of mind. These precautions extend to real estate as well.

Carrie: It is an important reminder that safety is of utmost importance. Thank you for the reminder.

Carrie Heath

This is so sad to read. We can never be safe enough these days