Great article and GREAT Points. I still have my "friend" Bretha and won't leave home with her.

Great article, Joe. I carry concealed. Some people don't have that luxury. What are your thoughts of implementing a policy (whether it's a broker policy or an agent practice) to have the client meet at the office and the agent will make a copy of their drivers license for safety?

Very well said.  It's easy for our office managers to say insist on meeting your clients in the office, but my market is 35 miles from my office, why would anyone come to my office only to drive 35 miles the other way?

Great article Joe:

I always meet with people in a public place first, ie lenders office, panera etc.  and never go on first appts alone.  I have a partner that I work with and when they are not available to accompany me on first showings or open houses,  I have even drug my husband along.  Once you incorporate it into your routine it becomes habit and if someone objects, I move on to the next person.

Joe,

You are so right, there is no "right" answer to how to deal with the immediacy of real estate. Without jumping, you could lose the client. WITH jumping, you might be putting yourself at risk AND starting off the relationship in that manner as the "how high should I jump" agent.

Breaking bacon is instilled in my thoughts now. 

Joe

Well written and timely Blog.

While your premise is worthy, until the Whole Real Estate Community embraces this or some type option, at some point it won't work, and we might again have a repeat of this type of situation.

What I mean is that it is similar to those Agents who show property without having their Buyer Per-Approved.  There is always that starving or careless Agent who fears loosing the client vs. ensuring that they are qualified beforehand.

Again, while the premise of your post is admirable, it is Worthless unless everyone in the Industry follows strict adherence.

Just my opinion.  Thanks for the post.

Joe Kerouac Sure does sound like a good idea to me! One of my agents has been car shopping, and she noted the irony of the fact that consumers don't seem to to mind showing a driver's license to test drive a car, but they fuss about signing in at an open house! A higher level of identify proof to "test drive" a car than to "test drive" a house is absurd.

Beautifully stated, Joe. I like your breaking bacon idea. Also photographing the driver's license and sending it to the office. If a potential buyer balks, tell them why this is your policy. Would he/she want their spouse or child hopping into a car with a stranger, or meeting a stranger at a vacant house? If they still balk, I think you know how you need to respond. I've made my decision.

Our office is very rural, and we are all women.  Some of us are armed at all times, and while we pray we never have to pull them out, we feel slightly less at risk.  That being said, we try to meet new people at the office, and sometimes get copies of drivers' licenses.  I think we need to be more careful about that...

I guess you don't have any Jewish clients who are Kosher or any Islamic clients, otherwise you would not suggest that they eat bacon with a new prospect.  The actual term comes from a few thousand years ago and it's called "breaking bread" since that is the staff of life and something that all cultures around the world consume.  Just make sure that it's gluten free or you're sure to offend someone, somewhere along the way.

Very well done Joe. Here I was all ready to bash another guy for telling us to be 'careful out there'. I'm not going to get nutsy like Don above about the bacon reference. I like it lol.

You had me at BACON!  All kidding aside this post tackles a very serious issue and one that we all face when we preview vacant/foreclosed homes or meet strangers at properties.  Be safe!

Great ideas, I would love to have bacon with anyone at anytime! But the heart of the issue for us is our safety. 

There are just so many variables. I too cannot always have someone drive to my office then 25 miles in another direction. A prequal can be faked... Crazies are everywhere. So I have someone come in and I copy the drivers license.... and it is a fake. Or if I take a snapshot of a license plate and it is a stolen car... I like the idea of mace, I will get some. I am not going to carry a weapon, I have my reasons. 

My head spins with this one. I was supposed to meet someone at a vacant house today, I had another agent ready to meet us there. The showing is postponed till a later date. 

As a side note, on the way back from the showing of the vacant house that didn't happen someone decided to cut in front of me to make a left hand turn. I was able to stop but I ended up in the other lane. I could have been killed. 

I guess you just never know, do you. 

Some of us work out of our homes. Starbucks with Wi-Fi is a perfect place to meet.

BTW, Joe -- I re-blogged this; the more eyeballs on it, the better in my opinion.

Excellent article. I'm on the Safety Committee in our Board and we are REALLY stressing this, even tho the "Safety Month" has passed.

Good article Joe. Finding a unique way to connect with a perspective client is a new exercise in creativity. Not every Agent probably client will adopt it but we have to try new ways to be safer in a changing world.

Great thoughts Joe.  It's definitely on our radar and Breakin' Bacon!  I'll give it a try!  

Joe, the title was perfect and so was the post.  The "bacon" was an added bonus!

It is scary to think that there are people who prey on others. I was sick to my stomach when I heard this. 

Yes, Joe. FB R.E. Tips and Collab is where we are bumping into each other. I also spend time on the NAR page and on a broker/owner page. I learn a lot there and on Active Rain.

Bacon in the headline might attract attention (good and bad). You might add a disclaimer as a PS to the end just to blunt some of the nay-sayers. "Bacon is a metaphor, of course, which I used strictly because it's a little absurd. Substitute any kosher vegetable that you want, if you are a non-bacon eater. How does eggplant sound?"

I sincerely hope we, as an industry, will not forget Beverly Carter. Unfortunately, truth is hundreds of agents have been killed showing homes in last few years. We should not forget them either. The pressure was on when I joined this industry in 2007 to show homes in 10 mins. I have since simmered down and do not show any one a home that cannot show proof of ability to buy: either proof of funds, or mortgage pre-approval letter. In a perfect world it would be ideal to meet in the office, but for many agents that is not possible, so meeting over bacon or bread is next best. Since Beverly's tragic death, I have added getting copy of photo ID, DL, and car make, model, year, color and license plate number. Conceal carry permits are difficult to get in California, but pepper spray or air horns are good alternatives. Cannot be said enough, safety first.

Beverly Carters death should make us more cautious about meeting strangers. I am an independent broker working out of the guest house on my property so I don't have an office where I meet clients and copy drivers licenses. I do make an effort to try to find out who I am dealing with and you can often obtain a great deal of information by searching names, email addresses and phone numbers. I primarily show land and houses on acreage so appointments are normally made in advance. If other agents working in rural areas where they don't work in an office setting have any ideas they would like to share I would appreciate it.

Personal safety is always a concern. Every situation and area is different. You do your best to make the right choices. 

I read this article here in Palm Springs and it shocked me, but also reminded me of why I NEVER go alone to distant locales, or after hours.  Tell your fellow clients, tell someone!  Don't get greedy and KNOW there is another deal coming..you don't need that one that badly.

It is important to stay safe. No sale is worth the risk to your personal safety. Always screen your buyers before hand.

Dear Joe,

I just go with the old "come to the office, so we can talk." No bacon, but water or coffee, just in case. People, who are willing to come make much better clients. Those, who ask you to see a formerly Open House, as you are grabbing the last directional sign never call you again anyhow.

Joe,

A timely post, though I'm concerned you may have just alienated the richest clientele you may have had ...and if you're going to offer bacon, don't cheep out, because if we do eat it, we prefer thick sliced maple bacon.

Steve Zimmerman

This is the kind of message NAR should be running - telling the public WHY they need to slow down and get acquainted before expecting an agent to meet them in some unoccupied house. 

Not a bacon eater ( calorie conscious) ...  but this is another reminder to both Realtors and our customers that we need to be vigilante for our safety as well as the customer. Great Post, Joe

Carol Gilles, Realtor - Torrance, Ca

I want you to be my agent. Maybe we could make the bacon ritual happen every time we look at homes... and let's see every home on the market!

A great way to a clients heart too..food! You can win their heart while you protect yours.   :-)

Yes, meeting clients first in a public place or office and pre-qualifying them are all useful tips to weed out those who might be dangerous. "I Have to see the home NOW" doesn't wash unless it's a client I've already been working with.

Thank you for you thoughts.  This is a great article and so true!

We all need to use extreme caution to stay safe.  I know a local agent that had a very, very close call.  Fortunately she had trusted her gut instinct and took her husband with her which resulted in the "buyer" choosing not to look at the house.

Thanks for sharing.  I agree with Marte.  I wish NAR would focus some of their ad time on this.

Every agent has a line and that determines why we're unique and different, doesn't it? Meeting a prospect  on the fly without any personal information or a contract regardless of the circumstances IMO should never be contemplated.

Agents must be selective with their future clients for a number of reasons, so if their future clients are reluctant or uncooperative in meeting and providing pertinent personal as well as financial information (credit report, loan approval letter, etc.) about themselves, why  would you accommodate or even pursue them?  

This practice may not have prevented the tragedy that befell Beverly Carter, yet , we'll never know, will we?

Joe Kerouac Your suggestions are well reasoned. I'm hopeful that more agents will follow your suggested safety measures.

From what I have read and heard about Beverly's situation, she did everything she needed to do and for the most part, took every precaution, which would make this just an unfortunate incident.  I think meeting a client ahead of time is a great idea, whether it is at the office or in a public place.  But, in this fast paced world we live in now, asking a client to meet you ahead of time is not an option most of the time, as it is simply too much of an inconvenience for a client.  Unless it is required by law, there are too many agents that will take the risk, because if they don't, they will soon be out of business.  I do think we should make every effort to meet them ahead of time, show the home with someone else or carry a weapon (make sure you know how to use it safely).

Amen.

I appreciate your thoughts and sharing a new term...breaking bacon! Something has to give and you are right no one thing will do. Thanks for remembering our fellow,agent Beverly Carter and giving us another idea,to consider for safety.

Just a thought - what if listing agents were coming to show their homes more often rathere than putting a lockbox - then there would be two agents present at a showing and much higher chances to keep it safe.

In my CT office we have system set up. If you are worried for your safety and want to alert someone with out letting the suspect know...Call the office for the red file on...address of property you are at.  That alert them to call for help or the very least, call you back in 5 minutes. 

Hey Joe,

Great feature, and yes Beverly Carter's death was extremely unfortunate.  I also suggest we go in twos - until we know more about who the client is.

Best of GREAT success to you always@

Although it is sometimes inconvenient for clients to meet at an agents office, I still feel that it is imperative to meet at the office or at least, a public place. Not only is it important for our safety, but have clients thought of the fact that maybe it's inconvenient for an agent to just go "show" them a house. And Joe, your article and picture for the blog are very fitting. Great post!

Thank you Joe for taking the time to not only share your thoughts, grief and loss regarding Beverly Carter, but to remind us how quickly things can change.  In an instant...all that was is gone...forever.  As a brand new agent these are things I personally haven't given a whole lot of thought to.  Who knows?  You may have personally saved a life with this post.  I will be incorporating the "B.B." plan into my future endeavours as part of protocol.  Both my family and I thank you, from the bottom of our hearts and tummies.

Thank you! Terrific post. Showing property is scary nowadays and I hope everybody understands if realtors are more careful/cautious when meeting people.

"arming themselves is a bit impractical"? - I will never downplay an agent who wants to take the steps necessary to "conceal and carry" a weapon for personal safety and the safety of their family.  As an agent, you need to do what is necessary. The rapists, robbers and thieves certainly are.

Thank you for the great post!  No one ever thinks something like this can happen to them, but, like you said in your blog,  it happens more than one might think.  Just remember safety is always #1.

Thanks Joe, for the thoughtful article. I always meet my new clients ahead of showing them a property. I also always have an associate with me when showing a property to new client especially if they do not want to stop by the office for an initial meeting. I also do the same for open houses. I always tell my kids and siblings saftey first, since Mrs. Carter's death, that rule is more important today.

Very well written. I hope every new buyer reads this. Thank you.

In my opinion you should NEVER show a property without first meeting the client, how do you know if he/she qualifies for a loan? and if it is a cash deal, find out first if the client has the funds to complete the purchase. Ask the Client to first meet at your Office and bring all the needed documents. that way you will be safe, if the client is reluctant to do it, then you should be too.

There is something to be said for asking a buyer that is calling to see your listing for a pre-approval or proof of funds before confirming the showing.

Thank you, Joe, for an excellent post. I hope many potential home buyers will read it and understand the reluctance of agents to show a home for sale to a complete stranger.

I love your article, and thank you so much for expressing these very important points. Ultimately I feel as though if we, as agents, could collectively make the effort to implement more safety precautions, it would become known as "standard procedure" to the potential buyers and they would appreciate and understand that our safety must come first. It is so crucial to know as much as possible about who we are dealing with, and not be afraid to turn down a potential client if something feels "off" or if they don't want to adhere to our safety requirements. Wonderful article, Joe!

This week a site agent was assulted and sexually assaulted while showing a builder's model in Richmond Virginia. 

I show a lot of farms and country property covering 5 counties.  My office is often not at all close to where we are going.  It can be challenging to find a public place in which to meet.  I try to at least find a country store before going out to the property but it still is only a partial solution...hence a carry permit.

I am vegetarian, but appreciate the sincerity and the idea of meeting in a public place first.  I don't meet people I don't know at the house alone and haven't for the past couple years since the day I went on a weekly vacant property check and almost walked into what could have been terrible for me.  I put my hand on door knob and got a complete feeling of dread come over me, so I backed away and called the police. Sure enough some people where in the house, they ran out the back when the police showed up. The police officer gave me his cell number to call before coming to this property ever again and thanked me for calling, saving him from discovering my body later. He was a wonderful policeman.  You don't think it could happen to you, we take so many precautions but still this is a very dangerous job and buyers just want to see the property and don't understand the fear we have. I don't know how to be totally safe and work with a buddy system or if a buyers really insist I have to meet right now, I just say no I won't do it, but it took a great scare for me to be able to say no when I feel pressured.  I wish we all had a cop to buddy with. 

Very well written and I will be sharing it. I work in a rural area and calling for help is not an option. We as agents need to value ourselves and what we do as well as who were are. My time is valuable , my life even more so.

Joe, Outstanding post. You are probably preaching to the choir though. However, I will print and share with others in my office. I will also refer to it on my radio show tomorrow morning. I have two major brokers in the studio talking about Realtor professionalism and Safety.

We are all grieving the loss of our fellow realtor Beverly Carter and I totally agree with Julia Courcier. Attorneys, doctors or insurance agents would never meet a stranger alone in a vacant home for the first time.

I have found myself in a compromising situation one too many times and I am not convinced an app on my smart phone will save me from a nasty varment whereas my 380 caliber will. I have a conceal and carry license, know my rights and practice complete safety by protecting myself, family and property.

Thank you for your post.  We need to continue to bring awareness to the terrible tragedy of the loss of Beverly Carter.  Crimes occur when the opportunity is present.  We must minimizes the opportunity that enable these senseless crimes to happen.  If we just add one or two simple steps to our screening of clients we can be saving our lives and that of our fellow REALTORS®.   Chances are very good that a predator is not going to get pre-qualified, nor are they going to meet you at your office and hand over an ID.  My condolences to the Beverly's family, friends and  the Arkansas REALTOR® community.  Let's stay safe and let's honor Beverly by going home to our families every evening. 

Great post and comments. A good self-defense class, remembering safe practices, and having cell phone in hand are essentials too. But I don't do showings or open houses without a buddy or the listing agent present. 

What an outstanding article, I agree our safety must be first. If that buyer can't meet with you than he or she didn't need your service. 

Have a Wonderful Blessed Day!!!!

I always want to meet with a buyer first - whether at Starbucks or for bacon....it doesn't matter.  My office is somewhat virtual so Starbucks is my second office.  In addition to safety concerns, I can't really assist a buyer without meeting him or her first anyway.  Meeting at a property is not the way to start out a relationship - odds are that won't be the property they end up buying.  If they can't or won't meet me first they can call the next agent on their list - I'm not the right person to represent them.

Hi Joe, Everyone needs to meet their clients first before showing.  It should become the industry norm.

Joe, Thanks for the post.  Our industry has been talking for the last ten years about requiring prospects to meet us at the office and provide photo ID. It does not accomodate the client but it may save lives.  Many times, buyers want to see a house after work, on the way home from work.    It is an inconvenience, or extra miles to come to our office first. When someone calls and wants to  see my listing, I feel like I have an obligation to my seller to show the property.  Many times, I end up working with that buyer and sell them a home.  We hate to work and live in fear, but we must be cautious.  The tragedy with Beverly has caused us all to step back and re-evaluate.  Again, thanks for the post.

Love the alliteration of "breakin' bacon"! 

My R.E. Commission just sent out a list of things we really need to consider BEFORE we go meet the "strangers"! One in particular that I liked... take a picture of their license plate, then email it to a co-worker!

I'll see how that works!

Kathy Opatka Ocean City, Maryland

One other suggestion: for those with CCDW permit, go to EGunPurses.com

Thanks, Joe!  Such an important subject for women realtors AND men!  My wife is becoming a realtor to come along side me.  She takes Kung Fu classes. Hopefully she would never have to use it on anyone but she's prepared.

As a Principal Broker as well as a certified Firearms Instructor, I tend to be biased towards using firearms, but I also understand and embrace many other safety practices.  You have to put yourself in a mindset that you are ALWAYS in danger to some extent...and prepare yourself for the possiblities. 
When showing a property, try to go in pairs when at all possible. At the very least, let someone know that you are showing and where you will be. Arrange to call them when you are finished. Give them info on who you are showing to, including texting license numbers of vehicles.
If you aren't comfortable carrying a gun, buy a tazer, pepper spray, or even a Kubaton. (martial arts device) Learn to use your keys or even your high heels as a defensive weapon. THEN...be AWARE. When showing a house, always face your buyer. Never go into a room first or put the client between you and an escape door. Use mirrors and windows to keep eyes on a client's movements. If possible, view the properties ahead and know where the exits are. 
Take some defensive Martial Arts classes! I have a small but very effective gun that I carry right right in the small of my back. It fits flat against my body so that nobody would ever know it's there. Although I'm very proficient with it, I'm under no illusion that it will save my life unless I can get to it...which means employing many other safety tactics as well. I must be prepared to buy time.
It sickens me that this happened to Beverly Carter...and that any of us have to worry about our lives, but in honor of her, I will continue to try and raise awareness of the need for defensive training.

This is such a thought provoking topic.  Almost all of the agents in my office do open houses alone, that are advertised in the paper.  Of course most of the time things are uneventful, but what happened to Beverly makes you rethink everything.  I will tell you this, I will make sure that I have an escape plan. 

This is an important post.  I also believe that it vitally important to have a buyer go through the lender pre-approval process before showing homes.  In addition to saving time from showing homes a buyer may not be qualified for, it adds a measure of safety.

I have read all of the posts, many great suggestions but cannot find a real 'answer' to a devastating situation.  My mother was a Realtor back in the early 70's when this problem was out of control.  Mom asked me to go into real estate back then, and I gave her a definite 'no' and "Would you please get OUT of real estate."  

Now here I am a Realtor and finding that there are no real answers until it becomes a 'standard' within the industry to keep us all safe.  One of the problems is that there is always someone out there who wants to bypass the system.  

We take a photo of the license plate = stolen car. We take a picture of the driver's license = fake. We meet them in a public place = they're charming until they AREN'T.

BTW, by the time the information is needed because we have NOT returned, it's too late!  

I don't have any answers, only more questions with hopes that we take all precautions that are possible.

My best to everyone! 

Thank you for a great, eye-opening and helpful post!

Excellent writing.  It is so hard because you do want to be accomodating.  I meet buyers at a location - coffee, model homes with onsite sales agents, restaurants.  I work out of a small office, and on the weekends or evenings, that is probably even more dangerous than meeting them in a neighborhood.  I have pepper spray on my same keychain as my lockbox faub.  I do not conceal the fact that I have pepper spray.  I've even had clients acknowledge it.  It's there all the time - every time.  I take photos of drivers license and text them to my husband with the addresses I'm going to.  

It's part of the job and we just have to be smart about it.  Don't ever let your guard down.  A seemingly perfect normal person could meet you at your office, get loan approval, and then two weeks later flip out.  I don't care who they are... I am always going to have my pepper spray with me. 

Great ideas Joe, While some people are still talking about what happened, there are offices that are putting new policies in place to help in regards to agent safety. We also must learn to listen to our instincts and when something feels wrong, it usually is.

We are indeed preaching to the choir. In my opinion we need to be working hard to educate the public. Some of our sizable resources need to be used toward that end, nationally, states, and locally. If the public had a better understanding of what to expect and not expect of us, would be the biggest help of all in increasing our safety.

Thank you for the good post. There has been a lot of discussion with agents in my community regarding personal safety and making sure we are there for each other.  Great comments from Lisanne Dickenson and Christi Farrington.   

The public at large has little desire to be educated about anything they are not really interested in. So unless they are currently involved in a real estate transaction, that's a hard road. I believe we need to set standards that we all abide by or there will always be someone out there who will cut corners to get the deal. The public really learns when something becomes standard procedure. 

Get them pre-approved first, and Google them. Interesting  what you can learn. A man told me the other day he didn't want to talk to  lender first, "I just want to see the house".  I told him he needs to do what every other buyer I work with is required to do, and he said thanks and goodbye. I don't have time or the inclination to risk my safety.

Joe this is an awesome piece you wrote here. I have just set this up to go out tomorrow morning in my newsletter to my sphere. I have given you credit for authoring it and included your copyright as well. Thanks so much for your spin on this important issue. Very engaging reading, kudos to you!

Joe, I like the way you presented this information.  I require all buyers to meet at my office with a pre-approval letter by a known lender, a signed buyer's representation agreement, and a copy of their driver's license.

Joe thank you writing about this terrible tragedy.  Your heart felt post resonates what we are feeling and thinking.  After reading many of the comments and valid concerns, it occurs to me the time has come for our industry to change.  Maybe the answer is complicated and the solution will be uncomfortable.  

I think Copper has a good point using our resources to educate the public. Makes more sense to me than the huge amounts of money NAR spends running around touting "I Am One" Just saying!

We cannot be TOO CAREFUL ... God gave us a brain and the ability to get "that intuition or feeling" ... that was placed within everyone of us to protect us and we need to be smart, make wise decisions and not find ourselves so desperate for a showing that we skip the steps to protect ourselves.  Thank you so much Joe for this post.  I just hope a number of consumers read this and help us to integrate these thoughts into our world of real estate.

Thanks Joe - the comments keep pouring in because YOU WROTE FOR ALL OF US.   Hope you had a wonderful anniversary.

Absolutely must meet then at the office....we are professionals.....if they can't recognize that then how can we work with them?  The trust between realtor and client is very important and needs to start from that first moment....and yes their financials need to be "checked" by another professional (mortgage tbroker) to determine their financial capabiliy to save their time (and angst) and yours.      And meeting over a dish of bacon?  You were kidding of course.

No need  to offer lunch  etc. .....are you begging?   Perhaps a cup of coffee/tea or a glass of water in the office only.

Safety is job one - period. No commission is ever the risk of your life. Well written!

Thank you Joe - Well said and I am going to re-post on my companies fb page for agents to put on their fb pages too - lets get the word out!

Cheryl

What a fantastic post.  I hope it goes viral so the public understands our change of heart when it comes to meeting them at a house.  Safety MUST come first and if the public begins to understand it isn't about them, it is about protecting ourselves in a mean world, perhaps they will be more understanding.  Thank you for writing what we have all been thinking.  

I don't know where you practice but bacon probably offends half the home buying population around my area.

No matter where we meet, except at the vacant property, more and more agents should insist on safety procedure. If everybody does it, REAL buyers will get a clue. I am also thinking of a public service announcement by NAR. Why don't NAR or the individual state Realtor associations not make TV ads explaining that bona fide buyers should not have a problem jumping through a hoop that ensures the agent's safety? Bona fide buyers will not refuse to jump through the hoop, lest they be viewed as criminal perverts...

Let's all make a stand on this!

I had posted about this same topic a week or so ago. There are a number of things anyone can do, some are more suited for some individuals than others. The one thing that everyone needs to do for personal safety is to set a standard for yourself and remain diligent about it.  Additionally always be aware of your surroundings. We all look at a property in extreme detail when taking a listing, do the same for a buyer.

My husband has been my new assistant/security guard at Open Houses.  I think it is important to not be alone whenever feasible.   And I have a new favorite bagel place where I may suggest meeting the new buyer.

Joe, I'm impressed. You have taken the time to read and respond to practically everyone, if not all, who replied to your post!  Amazing.  I, too, try to work only with referrals.  So far so good.  Again, congratulations on making quite the statement that got so much attention.  Great job and thank you!

Whoa - loads of comments.  Breaking bacon is an idea we should all consider.  I don't show many homes to strangers, but I used to. I used to race out to a house to be there and show it just when someone called. I won't be doing that again anytime soon.  Words of wisdom here!

Thank you for the reminder. In my office it is policy that I need to know before I go with whom I go. And on my trip I get irregular phone calls from my office that I have to answer in a certain way. If not the next call may be a call to the sheriff.

Sunny greetings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Like you said, in today's frenzied environment of chasing every lead that appears, we forget about our safety.  I know I do.  I won't carry a gun.  I probably won't utilize a safety app.  But, I will be mindful of the situations that I put myself into and I think "Breakin' Bacon" is a great idea for clearing up some uncertainities.  Thanks for the well written post!

Joe, I have also lost a friend in this business.  A man made an appointment to see a vacant house with a Realtor.  She brought her husband and was sitting in the car with him when the potential "buyer" drove up.  When he saw this, he kept going.  He did find an open house that he went into and killed the agent.  Upon his arrest, it was learned that he had used this across the country to assault and rob Realtors as well as sellers, going to their doors and posing as a buyer.  

Having someone with her certainly saved one agent in my area.  Great idea.  However, I never show a buyer anything unless they are pre-approved by a verifiable lender and show that they are "ready, willing and able" to buy.  This is pretty much standard practice in my area among seasoned agents.  Why would you show a $500,000 home to someone who can only afford $300,000?  Seller's also should not have to worry about "tire-kickers" going through their homes -- only potential qualified buyers.  

It is doubtful that someone meaning you harm would go through the time consuming task of getting pre-qualified or approved.  

Great subject to post about -- as you can see, one of my personal concerns as well.  Thanks!!

Love the "breakin bacon" point you make. Excellent blog!

As my business is in my home my first meeting with the client is often at Starbucks.  Thanks for the post.

Thank you for this post.  Most enlightening and great ideas.  This business slays me on just SO many fronts!  Shall I expand?

1.  Just WHY did we ever allow interior photos of homes to go out onto the internet for any "perp" to size up the house and know the best place to attack, or steal, or, or, or?  We USED to be "The Gatekeepers" to protect our sellers and their items.  Now we also are worried about our own safety.
2.  You must have your headshot, phone number, email, etc. available on the internet "to be found" as they say in media.  A "perp" just has to go thru enough photos to pick out someone.
3.  We are supposed to be professionals, in a professional industry.  Would your attorney or doctor see you at the drop of the hat, unless it was a lifethreatening emergency?  You'd be setting an appointment and going thru some symptoms screening (prequalification) or interview process to see if the lawyer wanted to handle your case.  We have NOT done a very good job of educating this demanding, it's-all-about-me-and-my-immediate-gratification society what our standards of conduct are and ways we are wiling to do business.

Our office discussed going out in pairs to show houses, bring along adult children, a spouse, etc.  Open Houses should be held with multiple agents too.  In my area where it's a brisk buying environment, having multiple agents available to handle the flow of people and keep an eye on the seller's stuff, can be handy!

I personally prefer to work with referrals only, but even then, how do you REALLY know this isn't gonna be some kook?  

One of the strategies I suggested from a previous place of employment, was to:
  -  Meet the prospect at the office (inconvenient as it may be at time).  I too, have used McDonalds and French Fries as the lure to write many transactions.  I don't meet people at shopping malls.
  -  Introduce the person around to staff and others in the office (more eyes-on as it were)
  - Photocopy the buyer's driver's license and submit it AND your tour schedule to a staff person so they know where you intend to go.  If the prospect isn't willing to go thru these hoops, they could be hiding something or not intended for you as a client.
  -  Take your own car.  DON'T ride with them.  If you have to get away in a hurry, have your own wheels and don't be blocked in.

I think we need to re-evaluate professional standards, personal safety, and what sort of tolerance we are willing to endure to earn a living.  Chasing every prospect may not be the wisest option.

All the best from the NW!

Rita Harris in Seattle

I added an additional service app on my phone. Safety first!

It is difficult in day time not to show houses a loan.  May part of the sign up procedure should include taking a photo of the driver's license.

Good question, Joe. My go-to app for safety is Real Alert. It has buttons for calling 911 or my contact person, plus other features including a sound alarm. I added another app that has the regular check-in feature, so an alert is sent to my contact person if I don't check-in again and again throughout the time period. I don't want to be distracted by that in most circumstances but will use it when I think there is greater risk. In my market that's more likely to be out in the country with no neighbors near by. I haven't been out to isolated properties since I got that app but I will use both apps whenever I think I need the check-in feature. 

I often find doing a google search on the person gives me useful info, both for safety and to help build the relationship.

Hi Joe Kerouac , We have started meeting clients at a Supermarket deli.  They have about 5 in the area, complete with a starbucks.  It woks out well.

Hi, I really enjoyed coming across your blog among the many archieves. Thanks for being apart of Active Rain.