Open House Safety for Real Estate Agents

Open House Safety for Agents -

• Park your car in the street. Parking in the driveway allows you to be blocked in. If you must run for the safety of your car, make sure you lock your doors IMMEDIATELY.
• Lock your purse in the car.  It's ok if you insist on taking your purse into the house, but hide it in a low, hard-to-access cabinet.
• Keep your keys and cell phone on you. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.
• Make sure you know of at least two ways out of the house and have those doors unlocked.
• If you plan on using the backyard as an escape route, make sure you will not be blocked by high fences, pool, or play equipment.
• Check all rooms, closets, and even in the tub/shower to make sure no one is lurking.
• Open all curtains and turn on all lights.
• Call someone to let them know you have arrived and if there is anyone at the home.
• Arrange with your office, family member, friend, etc. to call them every hour. If you don't, they are to call you. If you don't answer, they are to contact the police.
• Having a code is also a good idea. "I need the red folder" could indicate that you need the police NOW.  "I need the yellow folder" could mean that you want them to follow up in a few minutes. The "green folder" means everything is ok. My husband and I just use a name, so if I need him to come now I ask him when Victor will be here. Vic means just keep tabs on me.
• Talk to the neighbors closest to the house and see if any of them will keep tabs on you.
• When the open house is over, double check all rooms, closets, and even in the showers to make sure no one is hiding out.
• When showing the house, never lead into a room or up/down the stairs.
• If you have a good working relationship with a loan officer, have them attend with you. 
• Choose your wardrobe carefully and avoid high heels and flashy jewelry.
• When choosing the open house location, make sure you pick a location that is in a well- traveled area. This will benefit you with more traffic for your open house and help keep you safe by not being isolated.

For more safety information, check out Field Guide to REALTOR Safety and this great blog, Personal Safety - Trust your instincts! by Karen Rice, Wallenpaupack Local Real Estate Expert.