Realtor Safety is often overlooked.  Safety, like a Real Estate sale should be planned for.  Real Estate Agents often put themselves in very precarious situations and they don't even think about it.  How many times have you gotten into a car of a client that you do not know?  How many times have you entered an empty house with you leading the way into the home?  Both of the scenarios I mentioned above can have dire results given the wrong client.  On this web page I am offering a few realtor self defense products, self defense tips, open house safety tips, and just general safety tips, that when followed will drastically reduce the possibilty of you being a statistic while performing your duties as a Real Estate Agent.

Basic Safety Rules For Realtors

Here are some potentially life-saving tips: 

1. Know your prospects. Never meet a first-time prospect at a property based only on a phone call.  Meet at your office first.  Tell the prospect that it's company policy to make a copy of a driver's identification of all customers.  (Use a prospect identification form) Also, introduce that person to at least two other people in your office.  Criminals are less likely to take action if they think they'll be recognized.

2. Create a distress code. When you feel threatened, you can use this verbal code in a phone conversation to your coworkers, friends, or family.  The code is a tip-off that you're in danger and need help.  For example, your distress code may be the phrase "red file."  If you're in trouble, you would call your office and say something like "Could you see if there's a RED FILE on the property?"  The person on the phone would then know to call 911 or take another action you've agreed upon.

3. Don't be too flashy. Wear conservative clothing and avoid jewelry that could make you a target for theft.  Real estate professionals often market themselves with photos, which can be risky, as perpetrators have been known to scan real estate photos looking for victims.  Make sure your business photos are professional, not sexy, so that you don't attract unwanted attention.  Also, don't reveal too much personal information in your ads or in conversations with customers.

4. Be in the driver's seat. Always use your own car when showing a property so you stay in control.  If a client insists on driving, let him take his own car and follow behind you.  Also, remember to lock the doors whenever entering or leaving your vehicle to prevent criminals from attacking after you're in the car, or waiting for you in the car while you're running errands.

5. Don't get stranded. Always keep your car's gas tank filled above a quarter-tank.  Also, keep the following safety tools in the car:  a charged cell phone, a battery jumper, a spare tire, and a roadside emergency kit that includes a flashlight and flares.

6. At a minimum, carry pepper spray. Have a pepper spray dispenser easily accessible on your key chain at all times.  Pepper spray is a chemical that causes temporary pain and even blindness when sprayed on an attacker.  It also can be used against aggressive animals.

7. Keep an eye on the exit. During home showings, never walk into a room first.  Instead, allow potential buyers to explore areas of the home on their own, with you following behind to answer their questions.  Avoid escorting prospects into basements or other secluded areas, where you can become trapped.  Always position yourself between the customer and the exit.  Another good self defense product option here would be a stun gun or TASER® C2.

8. Check in often. Let your office and family know when, where, and with whom your appointments will be and when you expect to return.  Make it your policy to check in every hour when you're with clients.  If you don't call to check in, the office should call you right away.

9. Never say you're alone. If you encounter an individual while working late at the office, never indicate to that person that you are by yourself.  Say something like, "My supervisor will be right with you and should be able to assist you."  Likewise, if you're meeting a customer at a home for a showing, never say anything about the home being "vacant."  Make it seem as though other people may be there.

OPEN HOUSE SAFETY TIPS

An open house can be a great sales tool, but it also exposes you to numerous unfamiliar people for the first time. Stay safe by practicing these guidelines.

Call the local police department and ask them to have a squad care drive by during your open-house hours.

Check your cell phone's strength and signal prior to the open house. Have emergency numbers programmed on speed dial. Carry an extra, fully charged cell phone battery.

Determine several "escape" routes that you can use in case of an emergency. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster escape.

Turn on the lights and open the curtains. These are not only sound safety procedures, but also great marketing tactics.

Make sure that if you were to escape by the back door, you could escape from the backyard. Frequently, high fences surround yards that contain swimming pools or hot tubs.

When prospective buyers begin to arrive, jot down their car descriptions, license numbers and physical descriptions.

When showing the house, always walk behind the prospect. Direct them; don't lead them. Say, for example, "The kitchen is on your left," and gesture for them to go ahead of you.

Notify a friend or a relative that you will be calling in every hour on the hour. And if you don't call, they are to notify the police immediately.

Inform a neighbor that you will be showing the house and ask if he or she would keep an eye and ear open for anything out of the ordinary.