Well, it's an unfortunate reality of the industry we work within but our exposure to the public also brings with it the dangers as well.

 An article just came out the day before yesterday, July 20, 2008, about a REALTOR who was viciously attacked while out on a showing. This article was posted in the South Bend Tribune but it could have well been in the Sacramento Bee, Idaho Press-Tribune, or the Carolina Morning News. Safety, in our field of profession, sometimes gets overlooked because we are all trying to be accommodating and, especially now, are facing leaner times. I think that some might even forego their little voice inside of them because of the need to make a living.

I believe this topic needs to be revisited over and over again because I don't believe danger only presents itself during the National Safety Month but rather rears its' ugly little head every single day, many times a day.

If I miss an important life-saving tip, please chime in and add to this post - someone just might be saved as a result!

• Meet First-Time Prospect at Your Office - This gives you the first opportunity to "shore-up" the client and obtain information. It also is an environment where you have control. You might even wish to make a photo-copy of the driver's license for the office to hold while you are out.
• Use Your Own Car - I have had situations where my client wanted to do the driving. I don't like that idea in any way. Again, by using you own car, you are keeping an element of control. If they drive, then who's in control?
• Keep Your Fashion Sense - With today's styles ever shortening or plunging, try to keep in mind what others are thinking and the message the style could be sending.
• Tell an Office Person Where You are Going - If you do decide to go on that showing appointment but still want to be sure someone knows where you are - tell someone in your office and let them know how long you expect to be gone.
• Set up a "Trigger" word - If you find yourself in a situation, keep your wits about you and excuse yourself to make a call about something you forgot to do or an appointment you forgot to confirm, whatever, then call a person you have set up a trigger word with who will automatically know you are in danger without having it be known otherwise.
• Carry Pepper Spray - Enough said.
• Keep Your Gas Tank Filled - Don't drive around on "E"! Even "good Samaritans" can be danger in disguise.
• Walk Behind, Not in Front - Let the prospect walk in front of you and be aware of your surroundings. I rarely will go into basements but allow the prospects to do so and I always remain at the stairs. This is my safety for myself...others might go through basements, but I won't.

I know there are other safety tips that can be offered and I truly hope that the ones I have provided bring on a discussion with other agents and even office meetings.

We have to protect ourselves because we are independent business people with no security staff on payroll to protect us.

Take care and BE SAFE.

Tracy L. Williams

CENTURY 21 1^st Team, Inc.

LaPorte, IN

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