safety: How to prevent fraudulent rentals of your vacant properties - 12/18/15 03:03 AM
See the video at the end for ways to prevent this fraud        Image credit: digitalart, FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Are you planning a vacation over the holidays or maybe a fun getaway for spring break?
Beware of possible scams that can ruin a nice vacation. You don't want to end up at the door of your vacation rental only to discover it really isn't a rental.
It's good practice to monitor your vacant listings and if you'll be gone be sure to monitor your own house too. It just might show up as a rental on one of those vacation rental sites.
Sometimes popular search sites have false information and may show a property offered for … (8 comments)

safety: Don't do this when you visit Kauai - 10/26/15 07:59 AM
Watch this video for a few minutes and you'll see a mistake many visitors make when they come to the islands.
 
You may not be as reckless as these young men, but visitors require recues every year here because they underestimate the power of our ocean. There are lots of places where you can safely enjoy our waters. This is not one of them!
Our motto for ocean safety is "When in doubt don't go out."
… (6 comments)

safety: Stay safe during open houses and showings! - 08/30/15 08:30 AM
It's important for every agent to remember there are risks when we are meeting customers or clients out in the field. Ginger Harper posted a question recently in our Q&A section about office safety procedures. I replied that our office - like so many - leaves it to the individual agent.
Ginger asked what my plan is. That was a great question and reminded me to review that plan.
This might be a good time to remind yourself of your own plan for your safety out in the field. Here's my answer.
I take a buddy with me whenever possible, and it usually is possible. When … (12 comments)

safety: Taking a long vacation? Be aware of rental scams and protect your property. - 03/18/15 05:05 AM
Going on vacation? Looking for a nice rental home in a resort destination? You'll probably use the internet and find a great place using a secure website to make your reservation. But beware of possible scams that can ruin a nice vacation. And watch out for your house while you're away. It just might show up as a rental on one of those sites.
Sometimes popular search sites have false information and may show a property offered for rent or for sale that is actually a scam. Andrea Swielder's experience of a listing being hijacked (see her blog on March 16, 2015) is not unique and it isn't only … (1 comments)

safety: SAFETY - Help other agents by posting Your Favorite Safety Apps - 10/16/14 08:35 AM
I was talking with several agents during lunch last week. One of them mentioned recent news about agent assaults and wondered if she should be more careful when doing showings alone. We all commented, sharing our thought about safety.
I was surprised to discover that I was the only one who used a safety app on my phone. Agents may have different opinions on what's best but I think we should all have some safety plan, and for many of us that plan will include using our cell phone for an emergency. Most apps make that a one-button click that can save … (9 comments)