As Realtors, we are placed in situations that could end up being harmful. About 42% of female and about 18% male professionals have been in situations that make them feel uncomfortable. Showing vacant properties and holding open houses are upon the top concerns among real estate professionals.
Here are some ways to take proactive steps to make safety a priority:
SPEAK UP! If you have been involved in an incident that was scary, report it. You can contact the local authorities or even your Realtor Association so they can post warnings to other agents. Most likely, you have not been the first victim.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS! Most clients that call on a listing you do not know. When meeting clients at a vacant home, take someone with you if you can, be aware of your surroundings, do not park in the driveway as to not get blocked in, open the home prior to your client arriving, but wait in your car. You can send the client in first so your back is not turned to them while opening the home. Stay near the door while showing the home, always have an out. If it is your first time with your new client, meet them at the house, it is ok not to drive them to the showing. You can also meet them at your office, interview with them and take a copy of a driver’s license. If they are unwilling to comply, end the appointment.
A PHONE CALL CAN SAVE! If you feel uneasy at a house, call the office and tell them your exact location and what is happening and keep them on the line. Make the excuse you have to stay outside the home to finish your phone call while your client views the home alone.
TRUST YOUR GUT! We have instincts for a reason. If you sense danger, take measures to leave that appointment. It is ok to leave a client at the house and get in your car and go. Someone can go back later and lock up the house.
A 2011 Realtor Safety Report noted there were some commonalities of attacks of Realtors. I wanted to share a few:
1) Most the attacks occurred in the afternoon, with Thursday being the most common day.
2) Men were also vulnerable too: nearly 1 in 2 victims were men.
3) Most attacks occurred when the victim was alone. Most common way to get an agent alone was to schedule a showing of a home.
4) The majority of the attacks did not occur in the major metro areas but in outlaying suburbs or a few rural areas.
If you feel like you are being paranoid or over-reacting because you are taking precautions – so be it! No deal is worth harm or even worse. I hope you will think about taking the time to screen your new clients before rushing out to meet them. Preventing even one violent crime is worth taking a few minutes to check things out.
SAEFETY LESSONS….THEY JUST MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE!
We are pleased to bring you this information. We encourage you to follow our blogs for helpful information. When you are buying or selling real estate, our expertise will make your home buying experience enjoyable. Call The Cody Anne Team today! Cody Anne 928-848-1188 or Micheal Yarnes 928-533-6859. Check out our websites www.codyanne.com or www.SearchPrescottRealEstate.com .
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