.png)
Article appeared in Volume 35 Issues of Property Lines
Everything is always fine… until it’s not. This is true in so many aspects of our everyday lives. Our safety is one of those aspects. As real estate agents we often take our safety for granted, not even realizing how susceptible we are to dangers. We should all take this month to put our own safety at the forefront. Although somewhat safer from many of the safety issues, men are certainly not immune to the dangers. In fact, according to Homes.com, 30% of all real estate related attacks are against men.
Let me begin by throwing some statistics at you.
- According to a 2018 Inman survey, 9 percent of agents were either attacked or felt threatened while on the job
- According to an NAR survey, 40 percent of REALTORS® said they felt unsafe every few months or more often. Only 5 percent of them said they never felt personally unsafe while performing their job duties.
- One study showed that between 2003-2009 there were an average of 75 real estate safety related deaths per year
You have most likely heard the story of the murder of real estate agent, Beverly Carter. Carter was murdered in 2014 after meeting a couple to show them a vacant house. Although Carter did took many safety precautions prior to the meeting, there were other precautions that were missed. Her son Carl, also a REALTOR®, now gives seminars about safety, in honor of his beloved mother. Let’s all take Carter’s tragic death as a lesson to us all.
Warning signs:
- Random call insisting on meeting at a property, often times a vacant property.
- Caller refusing to offer general information about who they are, why they contacted you specifically and their basic qualifications.
- Caller requesting an evening showing.
- Caller asking if you work alone.
- When showing a property be aware if the door is unlocked on your arrival. This could indicate someone has unlawfully let themselves into the property before you.
Precautions to take prior to meeting an unknown customer:
- Ask the client questions: How did they get your contact info? Where do they currently live? Are they married? Single? Who else would be attending your first meeting? Are they prequalified with a lender? If so, who? This will allow you to verify the client’s intentions.
- Your first meeting should be scheduled in the office or a public place.
- If possible, don’t work alone. Especially for that initial meeting. Ask a colleague to attend the first meeting with you. Have a plan.
- Google the client in advance. Utilize search engines and social media to find out more about the client.
- Let someone (spouse, colleague, supervisor) know your schedule in advance.
- Schedule your initial meeting during daylight hours if possible.
- Limit your personal information in your advertising. Use office phone number and address.
- Take your own car to a showing and ask the client to follow you.
- Attend a self-defense class or carry mace or a weapon but with this option, make sure you know how to properly use it.
- Make sure cell phone is fully charged and 911 easy to call.
Precautions during first meeting:
- Never wear expensive jewelry or carry an expensive bag.
- Don't wear provocative clothing.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Recognize the exit points to an unfamiliar home. Don’t enter rooms without an exit. Scope out the yard.
- Always bring up the rear and follow your client during a showing.
- Have a code word you have shared with a colleague/friend/spouse so you can call them and say so they know you are in danger.
- Never put yourself in a vulnerable spot without escape options.
- Wear comfortable clothes to allow for mobility
- Trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it might not be right.
For more information on Realtor Safety and Realtor Safety month, please visit https://www.nar.realtor/safety.
Editor's Note: If you read Craig's article above, please consider reading it again, especially the precautions and warning signs. We want all of our REALTORS® to be safe!