As a result of the Recent Murders of Several Realtors over the Course of the last few months...Our Broker decided to hold Safety Awareness Lunch for the Female Realtors in our office. No surprise, the attendance was great!
Although the statistics were a wee bit outdated, 2000-2001....the number of 'attacks' against Realtors and Criminal Deaths was actually shocking........I've heard of one here and there, but in 2000 alone there were 26 murders of Realtors in Canada and the U.S.
The Key Points revolved around Awareness and a Safety Mindset. Although I found the re-enactments a little theatrical and the presentation a bit pedantic - there were some really good reminders I thought I'd share with you all. I'm sure you've heard most of them before........but it certainly doesn't hurt to be more 'cautious' and 'proactive'.
OK... Points to Remember:
1.) When meeting new clients for the first time, meet them at the office! Do not meet them on site, especially not at a vacant property. Get as much information on them as possible, ie. names, phone numbers, address, financial institution etc. Do not do POP TART showings - where they call you and you just 'pop up' and go meet them at the house!
2.) When showing properties to someone you don't know.........leave a tour sheet with your assistant or the secretary. Make sure you take your car, and unless you know them, have them drive in their car. Have the secretary call you on the cell to check in once in a while. Set up a 'code word', like 'can you pull the red file'...should you find yourself in a dangerous situation and still able to call......
3.) Carry your cell phone with you and have 911 preprogrammed. If necessary A simple HELP will maximize response time. When showing in a house pick up the portable landline, its much easier to trace 911 on and landline then it is on a cell phone.
4.) Open Houses - Meet your neighbours before the open - so they know you're there and the hours you'll portable landline and walk around with it. Its much easier to track the location of a landline then itbe there.
5.) Scope the house when you arrive. Check out the exit points both inside the house and outside gates etc. If possible carry a 'garage door opener' with you - clicking it would signal owners coming home could scare away a potential attacker.
6.) If there are butcher blocks with knives in the kitchen - place them in the cupboard....if there are any valuable lying around put them somewhere safe.
7.) Don't leave the door open - open it for each individual visitor.......Have a guest book - say your Vendors have requested that everyone sign in. (good for leads too)
8.) Having mace, or bear spray handy - is always a good idea...
9.) Do not show houses in the evening...unless you take a partner or friend with you...
10) Always walk behind your clients when showing the house, guide them rather then lead them. When showing bedrooms or basements always stand outside the door - let the clients walk into the room.
11) When going back to your car, have your keys ready, walk around it and check inside before getting in. One inside lock all doors immediately.
Be Alert, Be Aware, Be Conscious, PrePlan, Do Not Give an Attacker the Opportunity!
First and Foremost - Perhaps the most important of all is to follow your INTUITION. The racing heart, the hair standing on end on the back of your neck, that 'uncomfortable I don't know why feeling'. No lead, no sale, no 'being worried about hurting someones feelings' is worth it. Follow your Gut!
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Good post. Everyone, male and female needs to be careful and aware of safety issues.
Take care