Self    Defense Awareness

June is National Safety Awareness Month 
Work place Safety, Road Safety, Summer Sports Safety, Home Safety and Child Safety are all a focus this month. I especially would like to shine a light on the importance of Realtor Safety Awareness 

Realtor Safety Awareness 

Meeting strangers and being alone with them is central to working as a real estate agent. While threats and attacks against realtors are rare, they do happen. Realtor personal safety is a major factor in how they conduct business. Safety has become a far greater industry-wide priority since the 2014 murder of Arkansas agent Beverly Carter, who was kidnapped and killed by a couple masquerading as buyers. Agents often carry weapons for self-defense, use safety apps on smartphones, and meet clients only in neutral locations to mitigate dangers, industry experts said. 

As a Realtor for over 14 years, I know first hand that selling real estate can be a risky business. 

Following are a list of Realtor Safety Tips that could save your life. 

Your profile

1. Avoid using photos that display expensive jewelry.
2. Don’t give out your home address.
3. Don’t give out your home phone number.

Private showings/open houses

1. Let at least one personal contact and your office know where you are at all times.
2. Don’t agree to a private showing unless you’ve already met a client in your office.
3. Have clients complete an information form (name, copy of driver’s license, vehicle information) during open houses and prior to scheduling private showings.
4. Bring a co-worker along.
5. Don’t leave a client in your blind spot. Let the client proceed in front of you during a private showing.
6. Drive through the neighborhood prior to a private showing or open house. Be on the lookout for safety concerns.
7. Identify each of a home’s exits prior to a showing or open house. Keep exit doors unlocked.
8. Take a self-defense class.
9. Don’t allow a client to ride in your car unless you know them well.
10. Don’t wear expensive jewelry.
11. Leave your purse in the trunk of your car.
12. Dress professionally.
13. Buy a personal security app for your cell phone, and always keep your cell phone in your hands.
14. Be ready to defend yourself. 
15. Travel with pepper-spray.
16. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. 
17. Don’t worry about offending a client. 
18. Your safety is paramount.