I always talk to my wife on her cell, as she comes to meet this stranger.  She will also call me when she is done, or I will call her within a few minutes, all she has to do is say she will call right back and I know she is ok.  You can do the same, or even take your hubby or a friend of the office with you.  Just be safe is all I can stress.  And, if you do not feel comfortable, don't go.  That simple.

Always think safety before the potential $$.  The dollars mean nothing if you aren't around to enjoy them.  Even as a guy I think twice before meeting a stranger at a property (admittedly I still do it some of the time).

Here are some ideas: 

1.  Make certain that after meeting that person in the office you have them to FOLLOW you to the property.  Tell them you have another appointment and that would be best.

2.  When they meet you at the office, ask them to make a copy of their driver's license.  If they object forgeddaboutit!

3.  Have someone to call you every 10 minutes on your cell phone.

4.  For open houses, I would go to the neighbor on either side or across the street, introduce myself and let them know that you will be working this open house.  Leave your card and ask them if it would be alright for you to call them to check in for safety purposes.

5.  The biggest thing to remember is you are a potential victim IN ANY NEIGHBORHOOD!!  The media has trained us all that criminals look a certain way and that we are safer in some areas more than others.  But the reality is 2-fold: 1) that criminals are crime smart and 2) you may be a victim of a DIFFERENT type of crime in different areas. 

Criminals don't want to get caught so they blend into the neighborhood.  So in a wealthy neighborhood, the criminal is probably NOT going to look like a crack addict but is going to look like the residents!!  

In an upscale area you may not get caught in a gang shoot out, but does it matter if a Ted Bundy type asks you for directions and forces you into his Jaguar?

We have to retrain our thinking for our own safety.

Jane,

Thanks for the post. In all cases we seek to get verifiable information, loan officers name and company, as well as phone number, an attorney's number if they are working with one, as well as a cell number and a land line number. Just in case we need to use the reverse directories. We have a foreclosure division and there are many vacant properties. As such, we have a rule than the women must take another agent along with them to show the property. Especially, if you get a call in and the person is near or at the property. There is no appointment if a pair of agents cannot go together. We have a preference for two agents at open houses.

Good points! We always try to have people meet us in the office too, but there are times when that just isn't practical.

It's amazing how daylight savings time can change my caution level. When it's light out I do a lot more showings after work. As it gets darker, I am much more hesitant when someone I don't know  "has to" see it after work.

Last year a Realtor in my area was beaten and held for ransom when he met people at a vacant home. Office policy is now first meeting in the office. Also, have a phrase that can be used if you are in trouble.

Jane we have a had a very strange buyer in our market that has scared the day light out of several female agents in four of our local offices. One agent made a broadcast message about  this creep it and it was like America's Most Wanted hot line!  We got over a dozen reports of similiar bizarre behavior from the same individual that we contacted  our legal department who then contacted the Stae Police from what I have been told.

I suggest a code word be established between any two people, Let's say the word is Montana and it means that when stated in a conversation you are uncomfortable and you need someone to show up ASAP! Make the call.

Very professionally excuse yourself from the inside of the property to "get some more information" and wait for your contact person to show up. Your safe!!!

An agent in my office received a floor call to show a vacant property.  She did everything right, Had him come to the office interviewed him but felt uneasy about going alone with him to show the property.  She asked me to tag along.  Safety in numbers.  When we got to the house the man got very irate.  He was extremely insulted because we did not trust him.  We tried to explain and he just started ranting about agents in the area and how he would never buy from one of us.  Obviously this guy was up to no good!!  When we left the agent thanked me for going with her and we both realized always go with you instinct.  If it doesn't feel right, don't go!!  It's just not worth it.

I have seen some agents put the combination in mls.It is scary.

i usually ask a girlfriend who is retired come with me to an open house or if I am going to meet starngers or call the office and have them call me during my appointment.I do not give out my home number, till I know them well.My home number is not on my card.

We have a code that we can call the office with.  We ask for JT, which is the Dog.  It doesn't do you much good if nobody answers the phone though.  I usually talk to my husband right as I am getting to the property and he always has the address of where I am going.  I then tell him to phone me in 10 minutes.  If I tell him I will all him right back he knows everything is ok and I do call him after the showing.  I think it is important to pay attention to your inner self.  That little voice that says something is not right, is usually right.  Listen to it!  I have often thought of getting a hand held siren of some sorts that I could sound off, but haven't found one yet.  Let me know if you hear of any.