Remember the old westerns with the shotgun rider sitting next to the stagecoach driver? His presence was to protect the stagecoach passengers as well as valuables from robbers.
Today, real estate agents also require protection from nefarious individuals. What this protection looks like depends on one’s market.
Here in the high desert of Mohave County, AZ if I have not met someone be that person male or female in a public place, I take along my own shotgun rider aka as my husband as my safety tip, my insurance. He truly doesn’t mind accompanying me as he is retired and former military (US Army).
Of course, AZ is an open carry state and I do carry. However, managing a potential buyer walking through a vacant land parcel or a residential property, talking, listening, making sure there are no hidden creatures (hiding in the vacant land or in vacant residential properties), etc. takes concentration. This is why a second person is necessary. Additionally, vacant land is often filled with rocks, vegetation with lots of thorns, insects that sting, washes, and burrows made by desert creatures requires extra concentration when walking.
Just by having my husband along who stays near the truck is a deterrent to anyone who may have unkind thoughts. His presence allows me to concentrate on the potential buyer as I know he has my "back." I do reward my shotgun rider usually with a nice meal which can be breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Real estate agents must and I stress must be aware of their environment. Having a second pair of eyes nearby works with that awareness. No amount of money is worth putting one’s life in danger.
P.S. NAR has considerable information of REALTOR® Safety.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com
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