In the Wake of Tragedy, the Real Estate Community is Beside Itself
Waking up this morning and having the story of murdered real estate agent Beverly Carter, my heart sank for her friends and family. It is horrifying to think of the evil that lurks in our world. And as expected, the real estate community is flailing, lighting up social media talking about the tragedy.
The first tidbit I read focused on the murderer's motive---that he thought Beverly Carter was rich. The poster went on to talk about how the public needs to realize that real estate agents aren't rich. Rich people are not the only targets of perverts and psychopaths. College students aren't rich, yet Virginia is anxiously waiting for news about Hannah Graham and horrified to hear that there may have been a serial killer targeting women along the Route 29 corridor.
Whether you make a lot of money in this business, or have yet to earn a paycheck, you are a target. Why? We work in vacant homes and are usually alone with our clients. I've heard a lot of discussion today, and agents in my local area begging for pearls of wisdom from the real estate board. Here's some common sense for all of us in the community.
1. Don't be a pop tart agent. When someone wants to see a home, make sure they get qualified for a loan FIRST. Odds are, criminals are not going to want to go through the harang of pre-pproval just so they get the chance to harm or kill you. And here's a novel idea--you'll actually figure out quickly if you have a legitimate prospect anyway.
2. Never meet a stranger at a property for the first time. Meet them in a public place, like your office, or if an independent broker, at a coffee shop. Of course, when a stranger calls and wants to see a listing, refer to the statement above. Get them qualified.
3. When you are taking out a new client make a copy of their drivers license and leave it with your office, or email it to someone via cell phone picture. Most importantly, announce what you are doing.
4. Let someone in your office, friend or family member know where you are going. Leave a list of the properties you are showing.
5. If possible, take someone with you while showing a home. Say someone calls and says they have been preapproved and you decide to disregard all of the above steps because you really need a paycheck and these folks sound okay. Don't go alone.
6. Take a self defense course. Everyone should know how to defend themselves.
7. Call the NRA and find out about how to become a responsible gun owner. Get some practice on a gun range and, if comfortable with the idea, learn about what is involved in concealed carry of a hand gun. I know agents in our marketplace that conceal carry and I can't say it's a bad idea.
First and foremost, stop focusing on the potential commission and the concept of right now that the person on the phone is pushing. You may lose a buyer or two that are impatient, but you will have your life if you put up qualifying barriers between yourself and out of the blue buyers.
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