Although most real estate licensees may not realize it, they could be putting themselves in danger when entering foreclosed or vacant homes, meeting with new clients for the first time, showing property alone, transporting strangers in their cars and even conducting open houses. National news stories about real estate agents (men and women) who have been robbed and/or physically attacked occur every year. These reports can be frightening but these events should also serve as a warning that certain common real estate activities may expose you to danger and jeopardize your personal safety.
Various national and state real estate groups have posted warnings on their sites that REALTORS® face a variety of dangers in the performance of their real estate duties and thus they need to take special precautions. One excellent article was written by Melissa Dittmann Tracey for the September, 2010 NAR REALTOR® MAG, and it can be accessed at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/sales-and-marketing/feature/article/2010/09/real-estates-6-most-dangerous-everyday-situations
The following, general safety tips were reprinted from material recently supplied by Steve Mavromihalis of Pacific Union International at a Risk Management Seminar that can create an easy to follow Checklist:
- Trust your instincts — if it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t. (You wouldn’t risk your integrity for a deal — don’t risk your safety).
- Examples of situations that should trigger caution:
- Requests to meet in an isolated area.
- Unwanted touching, or gifts.
- Acting too familiar-we have all experienced it.
- Always meet clients and vendors in public places, especially new relationships. Consider having a colleague join you.
- Whenever possible know who you are dealing with — conduct a thorough vetting of your potential clients.
- Communicate with two or more of your colleagues:
- As to where you are going and your anticipated time of return.
- If you are uncomfortable with clients, vendors or co-workers, report it immediately.
- Have a standard “safe word” with your colleagues that means you are in danger.
- Take note of your surroundings. Ask yourself: If there is an emergency, how will I escape? Be prepared, not paranoid. It only takes a few seconds to have a plan.
- Learn how to dial 911 from your cell phone. Know how to report emergencies. Can you dial your cell phone in the dark?
- Consider self-defense courses — carry pepper spray. Four hours of training may ensure your safety. If you DO carry pepper spray or some other device, TRAIN with it frequently to make sure it works EVERY time.
- Be aware. People and conditions change. Be alert to changes in your surroundings and change your plans accordingly.
- Technology CAN be your friend. Give someone you trust the ability to “Find your phone” and track your movements. If you haven’t checked in by an agreed-upon time, have an agreed-upon action plan (text you, call you, go to your location, or call authorities, depending on the situation and agreement).
WEEKLY PRACTICE TIP: DO NOT FORWARD TO CLIENTS. This Weekly Practice Tip is for the exclusive use of clients of Broker Risk Management and their agents. It may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written consent of Broker Risk Management. The advice and recommendations contained herein are not necessarily indicative of standards of care in the industry, but rather are intended to suggest good risk management practices.
©Copyright Broker Risk Management 2017 11/03/17