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10 Safety Tips for Real Estate Agents

By
Real Estate Agent with The Melcher Agency



Today I've included some safety tips I picked up from my reading this week. Source: Maryland REALTOR. Safety is a significant concern today. Don't neglect common sense, but sometimes it's more than common sense that's necessary. Be smart and educated. That means occasionally taking a few extra steps. It ALSO means on occasion saying no to a client you don't know who wants to meet you at an REO with no electric, in the country, at night. Duh, you say?

You'd be surprised how often we skip the most basic common sense stuff. We tell ourselves how unlikely it is that the person is going to be a bad guy. My first two years in the business, I sold about 70 houses, and out of that sample of people, I worked with two child molesters, a rapist and a murderer. These are the ones I found out about. There may have been more of course. Who knows? I found out in each instance AFTER the fact. I was lucky enough to have had no compromises to my safety, but the experience taught me a lesson. The lesson is this: the bad guys ARE out there, and you ARE working with them. They ARE calling your office. It's an inextricable part of the business. Therefore, getting educated and following through on personal safety is a job requirement.

1. Watch your advertising. To keep yourself safe from criminals posing as prospective home buyers, real estate practitioners should never advertise a property as vacant. You also should never print your home telephone number on a business card.

2. Meet at a public place. When meeting clients for the first time, have the introduction at an office environment and at a public place.

3. Find out about the customer. During that initial meeting, request identification, citing company policy as the reason. Find out as much information as possible about the would-be buyer -- such as place of employment -- before taking him/her on a showing.

4. Let others know where you're going. Provide a colleague with your itinerary.

5. Take your own car. Insist on driving your own vehicle to the property.

6. Follow, don't lead. Once at the listing, the prospect should be allowed to take the lead in exploring the home, as you maintain a safe distance behind. However, it is best not to follow prospective buyers into basements or other confined areas.

7. Keep your cell phone close and ready. Real estate agents also can improve their safety in the field by keeping a charged cell phone, with 911 on speed dial, on their person at all times.

8. Check in. Someone in the office should check in periodically with you. Have a code word that you and your office know, which when used, signals that you are feeling uncomfortable or threatened.

9. Don't go solo. It is good practice to avoid working solo at public open houses.

10. Trust your instincts. If you're picking up a bad "vibe," simply walk away from a listing or showing.

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Comments (5)

Amber Marshall
F1rst Realty Company - Crossville, TN
Amber the Agent

Thanks for reminding us how we need to be careful.  There are some crazy people out there and I have heard scary stories from other realtors about their experiences and hope I never have to go through what they have. 

Jan 15, 2009 02:01 AM
Fran and Rowena, La Canada Realtors - (818) 952-0077
Dilbeck Real Estate - La Canada, CA

Mario - Good advice!  Thank you for reminding us of these important safety tips. 

Jan 15, 2009 02:03 AM
Home Loan Search.Online
Home Loan Search Online - Newnan, GA

Thanks for the tips. I need to pass these on to my realtor partners as a positive reminder, especially in these times.

Jan 15, 2009 02:12 AM
Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team

Mario, great tips!  We do all need to be careful out there!

Jan 15, 2009 02:24 AM
Stephen Graham
Inactive - Atlanta, GA

Great tips. One can never be too careful. I like the one about having a code word. Preparation is key. Thanks.

Jan 15, 2009 05:56 AM