Realtor® Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life!

Don't be a crime victim! Each year we see an increase in criminal acts against REALTORS®.

Please exercise caution when dealing with any prospective purchaser who is a stranger to you. It is not unreasonable to request an I.D. and employment information prior to any showings. Never, never, never meet a purchaser by yourself, after only talking to them on the phone. Insist that they meet you at your office or take a fellow REALTOR® with you.

Be reminded of the following safety tips compiled by NAR's Public Policy Affairs Group:

• Be alert. When you feel uncomfortable in a situation, get out.
• Dress conservatively. Don't wear expensive-looking jewelry.
• Don't sit an open house alone. Never show property alone at night, and never advertise property as vacant.
• Don't list your home phone number on your business card. Buy a voice pager. Use a cellular phone if you must sit a property that doesn't have a phone. Call your office every hour.
• Never meet a prospect based on only a phone call. Always take your own car when showing a property. Whenever you leave your car, lock it.
• Let potential buyers explore areas of a home on their own, with you following behind. Avoid going into the basement or confined areas with a prospect.
• Let your office know where and with whom your appointments will be.
• Always meet first-time clients at your office. Ask them to show identification. If they question you, state it is company policy.
• Find out as much as you can about prospects, such as where they world what they do and how much they earn. Ask questions like these and be a good listener:

"Who other than yourself will be seeing the property?"

• Keep on file at your real estate office, in a place accessible by others, your photograph; car model and license number; drivers license number; whom to contact in cases of emergency; any important medical information.
• Report any suspicious experiences to the police right away.
• Develop a coded distress signal with your office and your family. This way, you can call the office or home with a message that would appear harmless to a prospect, but would alert others that something is wrong and you need help.
• You may want to let a prospect know that someone else might be showing up at the property at any time. This might discourage a crime.
• If you are suspicious, trust your instincts. Keep yourself between the prospect and the door.
• Carry a whistle or shriek alarm and always keep it with you in an easily accessible place.
• Most importantly: Remember that no sale is worth risking your life!