It Pays to Be Safe: Realtor Safety Tips
- Grace Swersey with New World Title and Escrow
- Sep 28, 2016
- 2 min read
As many of you may know, September is Realtor Safety Month. In light of this, I decided to pop by the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors for a class on this topic. Judging from the lack of class attendants, and having learned some valuable stuff, I figured I would share some of the best points from the class.
1. Before holding an open house or broker's open, walk through the house and check your cell phone strength in each of the rooms.
In the event that something bad happens, you definitely do not want to be in a position that you can't even call for help.
2. Whether you are taking a client out or holding an open house, require each person to produce a photo ID for you.
You want to know who they are and if they don't want you to know that, do you really want to work with them? It's weird whether they are murderers or not.
3. Google your clients prior to meeting with them.
We live in the age of technology! For goodness sake, look up the people you are meeting with! Check for any fraud reports, incidences of violence, or arrest warrants. You would be surprised at what you can find and it might be just enough to save you from a harmful situation.
4. Drive in separate vehicles and park at the curb.
You never want any sort of predator to be able to trap you and parking their car behind you does that. In addition, you want to avoid having them too close to your space, where they might have the ability to overtake you.
5. 2 Words: Buddy. System.
If you are going out with a new client, please be sure to give a buddy the 4W's. Who?What?Where? and When? This means that you have someone looking out for you even if they aren't there in person. Someone knows to check on you if they haven't heard from you in a while. This is invaluable and can save precious time until emergency vehicles get to you in the event that something does go awry.
In the arena of careers, real estate ranks amongst one of the most dangerous. Please be sure that you are taking the most effective precautions that you can. And, always keep in mind that no commission check is worth your life.
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