As Real estate agents we are, by the nature of our work, in the position to watch out for criminal activity in neighborhoods we work and live in. We are also vulnerable to being victimized when showing properties.
Below are some thinks to think about in order to reduce chances of victimization.
The absolute best protection in dealing with clients is to check the background of the client in advance as much as possible, and then meet with that client at your office before showing properties to him/her. You are much less likely to subsequently be attacked by a client if it is clear you know a lot about him/her. Yea Sure! But we can at least ask for ID and leave it with the office. They they can find you. HA HA.
- Get acquainted with a few of the neighbors. It is safer if they know your vehicle, and they will feel better about the stranger (you) who frequently visits their neighborhood.
- Wear Comfortable shoes rather than Hi heals. You can run faster.
- Carry a Cell phone and have a spare one in the car that works on 911 only.
- Take a self defence class. Men and women.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- It is better for women real estate agents to not display purses while at a property. You may wish to lock your purse in the car trunk without the client seeing you, before leaving for the property. Carry only non-valuable business items.
- If you are attacked at a property you are to show, set off your personal alarm or car alarm, then use any common objects you usually have with you (such as ballpoint pen) to injure of fight off your attacker while you attempt to escape. Bite, scratch, kick and scream if necessary. Attempt to get to your vehicle (locking yourself in first), or run to the nearest open residence that appears to be occupied.
Call Police 911 - DO NOT GO ALONE if you have any bad feelings about the subject. Once I ask a client for ID because he look sketchy. Thank God, He was a under cover Police officer. An if he was thinking of attacking me everyone knew who to look for.
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