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Real Estate Agent Safety Tips and Danger Signals!

By The Williams Team

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0000073679-ACT

October 02, 2014 02:43 AM

We are all extremely saddened to hear about the recent tragedy involving Barbara Carter, a real estate agent who was kidnapped & murdered by a monster. All while trying to do her fiduciary duties as an agent. This unfortunate event should open our eyes to the danger of this industry. Below I have listed some danger signals that you should be on alert for & also safety tips that should be considered in your safety policy. If you do not have a safety policy in place, I encourage you to implement one for the safety of yourself and team members. 
 
Danger Signals:
New client declines to meet in a public setting or office, first. Never meet a client at a property that you have not met; have them fill out paperwork and obtain copy of driver’s license & leave with the office.  

Be on alert for suspicious behavior! Be sure to pay attention to any suspicious behavior and if you have any apprehension about a client, have someone else come with you.  

Client would rather you ride with him/her. Ask the client to ride with you; always drive your own car to the property you are showing. If your client insists taking their car as well, ensure that the client’s vehicle information is also listed on the paperwork that is filled out prior to leaving the office. Keep your car locked & do not park your vehicle where it can be blocked. 

The prospect insists that you lead the way through the home. Your attention should be on them, not on the house – remember to follow the prospect through the home, never let them behind you.  

Extra Safety Tips:
While driving to appointments, always take public roads and best-lighted route; & doors and windows.  It is good policy to leave a daily schedule of outside appointments with your office. Inform your office of where you will be, who you will be with and when you will next be in touch. Make sure the person you are meeting knows that you've given your office this information.  Each office should keep a file on each agent’s vehicle — make, year, model, color and license plate number. 

Be familiar with the area you are showing. If you are not comfortable with the area, bring someone else with you. Also, be familiar with property you are showing & locate all accessible exits, leaving the doors unlocked.  

It is okay to get excited about a new lead but never let only a phone call/email be sufficient enough for a showing. Always meet them at the office and have them complete required paperwork prior.  

Open houses: Don’t assume everyone has left; walk through the home and premises before locking doors. Also, if you have not previewed the home, do not host an open house there. Meet the neighbors & obtain their phone number for emergencies only. Make sure all of the doors are unlocked during the open house. Ensure all visitors sign in. Keep your personal belongings locked in your car while you are hosting an open house, have your cell phone & car keys on hand. Try not to hold an open house alone, have someone there to assist you, if possible. If not, have someone on standby while leaving all information regarding your whereabouts with the office. If you must do alone, stay near an exit and let the prospect look through without you.   

Be alert, be aware, & if you do not have one already - put your safety policy in place. This industry is fun and exciting but only if you play right, safety first!