Working here in the high desert where vacant land and dirt roads are far more common that residential properties on paved roads, a professional real estate agent and in my case a REALTOR® must always be aware of one’s surroundings. Outside of the 4 legged creatures and legless ones, there are often the two legged creatures roaming around.
Did you know that per the NAR 2024 Safety report, 43% of real estate agents admitted to meeting a client alone at a secluded property? Also, other data indicated that 12% of real estate agents were victims of violent or non-violent crime.
Thankfully, my husband has always been my “shot gun rider" given the crime statistics and all the vacant land for sale. He keeps an eye out for those unexpected critters as well as helps me with lot and direction signs.
Recently, I listed a vacant land corner lot parcel with a well on Moenkopi Drive off Yava Trail and Shinarump Drive here in Golden Valley. The dirt roads were street vehicle friendly if one drove slow. However, when placing the direction sign on the main cross street, Shinarump Drive, I encountered dirt that was more like concrete.
As this was not the first time I have encountered dirt like concrete, I bought a drill with an auger bit. This truly is a great tool to drill through the very compacted dirt here in Golden Valley, AZ and elsewhere in Mohave County.
Since Shinarump is a very busy road where drivers consistently ignore the 45 mph, I asked my husband to come with me again as "shot gun rider" and assist me in placing this direction sign. As always, he was more than willing. I can’t express my gratitude enough every time he rides "shot gun" for me.
Another reason for my gratitude that keeps on giving is personal safety. Beyond the 4, no and 2-legged creatures, there are many areas here in Mohave County without cell reception. If an accident happens, an individual is by himself or herself. Having a "shot gun rider" nearby is truly a blessing.
Yes, I love selling dirt. And I am so filled gratitude that my husband has supported me and continues to support me in this role of selling dirt. Of course, that is how he has always been.
Now he truly looks like a "shot gun rider", cowboy hat, boots and of course armed. As an aside, at least my husband doesn’t sound like Andy Devine in the original “Stagecoach.”
As November is recognized as a month of gratitude, Lynn B. Friedman hosted this month’s challenge for 2025. Thanks to her and this is my third entry.
P.S. Please consider checking out my Facebook business page, The Grit and Gratitude Realtor, that will focus on the Dirt Roads in Mohave County as well local real estate, lots of dirt or vacant land parcels as some of the local attractions.
#LetsGetBackToRealConversations #WeDoThingsDifferently #ArizonaAcreage #mlsArizona #GoldenValleyAZHomesandLand #RealEstateBuyers #RealEstateSellers
Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne M Smith
Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.
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