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Being a real estate agent can seem like a safe job, especially when you compare it to dangerous occupations such as commercial fishermen, tree cutters or law enforcement. But exercising the responsibilities of a real estate agent involves risk, and crimes are not uncommon.
Showing a property alone, meeting new clients, and holding open houses for dozens or even hundreds of strangers exposes you to a lot of people, not all of whom have your best interests at heart.
As discount and online brokerages have swelled the ranks of agents, the need for vigilance and security awareness has never been greater. Here are 17 safety tips that can help officers avoid trouble and maintain their personal safety.
1. Meet new clients at the office or in public
It is not advisable to meet a client for the first time in a property, especially if you will be alone with them. Invite them into the office to discuss their real estate goals or meet them at a coffee shop.
When you find them, use a potential ID form to record all of their personal information and take a picture of their ID for your records. See the article : Seattle real estate startup Flyhomes cuts 20% of staff due to ‘uncertain financial situation’.
2. Do daytime showings only
Take clients to properties during the day, preferably during regular business hours. If a client insists on an evening screening, tell your manager or a colleague where you’re going and who you’re going with.
During the screening, turn on all lights in the property and open curtains and blinds to maximize visibility. See the article : 6 Buy Farms at Best Home Selling.
3. Do your due diligence
Before you meet new clients, look at their social media accounts to get a sense of their personality and do a quick Google search of their names to look for red flags. Read also : Vegas real estate is still hot but taking first steps back to normal. If there is cause for concern, but you don’t want to lose a potential client, consider doing a full background check.
4. Let people know where you’re going and who you’ll be with
Real estate agents don’t sit in their offices all day. They are usually on the move, going to screenings and meeting with clients. If you are not in the office, no one can notice your absence, unless you make your schedule known.
Make a shareable calendar, such as a free Google calendar, that lets your colleagues know where you’re going. If something happens to you, they’ll know where you were.
5. Never advertise a property as ‘vacant’
Telling the public that a property is vacant is inviting trespassers. Everyone from naughty high school kids to bums will be looking for a place to crash. Avoid this pitfall by keeping a vacancy quiet.
6. Treat vacant properties with caution
If possible, tour a vacant property from the outside only. If you must enter with the client, tread carefully in case there are unexpected people inside. Surprising intruders can cause flare-ups and sometimes dangerous reactions.
7. Familiarize yourself with a home before touring it
Before taking a client for a showing, visit the house yourself and familiarize yourself with the design. Be aware of tight spaces, dead ends, or other potential problem areas. Strategies ways to avoid them. Also, consider whether you have phone signal in all areas of the property.
8. Let the client walk ahead of you
Try not to turn your back on customers, especially if you are showing the property alone. Allow them to enter rooms before you so you can track their location at all times.
9. Avoid rooms with only one entry and exit
Do not enter rooms with only one door, especially if they are small. This can include dressing rooms, basements, bathrooms and utility rooms. Invite the customer to come in and survey the space while you are in the hallway.
10. Use a panic button app
Safety apps allow you to alert the police or emergency services with the push of a button. Many of them also incorporate GPS tracking that will automatically transmit your location.
These apps can be a great tool for agents working alone. If a customer starts acting threatening, or you suddenly realize you’re not alone in an empty property, just hit the panic button instead of reaching for your phone keypad.
11. Shield your personal information
Don’t put your personal phone number or home address online or in your marketing materials. This could lead to unprofessional and unwanted contact. If you use a lot of digital devices for your business, consider cybersecurity strategies to protect your data from hacking.
This rule also applies to vendors during open houses. Make sure they don’t leave documents, such as utility bills or bank statements, during screenings. They could be misused for online identity theft.
12. Be sensitive to the unexpected
If a client shows up with unexpected guests, asks to go to a second location, or acts erratically or suspiciously, don’t hesitate to cancel or delay the appointment.
The same applies if you arrive at a property to find it open, unlocked or showing signs of unauthorized occupation. If something seems strange to you, it could be a legitimate cause for concern.
Don’t ignore your gut just because you want to close with a big commission.
13. Have an exit strategy
Rehearse an excuse to end the screening if something seems off. You could say that another customer is due at any moment, that you need to call your manager about an important matter, or that you forgot something in your car.
You just have to have some kind of cover story ready, so for now it looks compelling if you have to use it.
14. Be watchful when parking
Many safety tips focus on screenings, but arriving or leaving an appointment can be a dangerous time. When you get in or out of your car, you’re usually distracted and probably have something in your hands, making it a perfect opportunity for someone to surprise you. Be very careful around your car and try to park in busy, well-lit areas.
15. Avoid parking in driveways
If you park in the driveway of a house, another vehicle can easily block you. Park on the street.
16. Leave valuables at home
When you’re at an exhibition, don’t wear expensive and flashy jewelry as this could make you a target for thieves. Try not to bring a bag either. Lock it in the trunk of your car.
17. Finish an open house safely
Just because a house looks empty after an open house doesn’t mean no one is there. Carefully search the entire property, including potential hiding places such as closets and bathrooms, before turning off the lights and locking up.
Ideally, you go with a colleague or friend. If not, consider bringing some pepper spray.
Luke Babich is the CSO of Clever Real Estate in St. Louis. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter.
