The Dangers of Adventures in Real Estate
Most of America is fully aware of the fiscal dangers involved in the real estate market and that realtors are experiencing major problems in their career as a result. But not many seem to think of the physical dangers that can occur through this line of work. Think about it, realtors take complete strangers around in their cars to isolated locations on a regular basis. That can be very dangerous, so precautions need to be taken to ensure safety. The need for caution in this line of work has led to the state of Ohio establishing September 13th – 19th as Ohio Real Estate Safety Week.
Tips to follow for your safety:
- Request all prospective clients to come to your office and leave personal idenitification before going anywhere with them.
- Always log all of your appointments with detailed information and introduce prospect to a co-worker prior to leaving.
- Establish an emergency code word or phrase in your office to let someone else know that the police need to be contacted ASAP.
- ALWAYS use your car!
- Know the property that you are showing. Check all the possible escape routes in advance.
- Leave your business card with date and time on the back and place in a kitchen cupboard.
- If a client meets you at the property, write down their license plate number, car description and physical description.
- Always walk behind the client, let them take the lead.
- Have a policy that all realtors on an appointment must call at a specified time, if you don’t call the office is too call the police immediately.
- If attacked scream FIRE, this will grab attention faster.
The bottom line is, if at anytime you feel uncomfortable with a client or at a particular location – leave immediately. Being concerned with a potentially embarassing moment is nothing compared to what would happen if you were right!
