Any real estate agent in this current market is likely running around like a headless chicken. In these busy times, it is easy to forget your usual processes and safety procedures. While women report feeling more unsafe in the real estate profession than men, (Inman, 2017) everyone can use a reminder of how to be safe in this high-risk profession.
Whenever possible, show homes during daylight. If you must show a home when it is dark, turn on all of the lights and keep shades and the front door open.
It is always the safer choice to drive your own vehicle and meet your client at the home. When you arrive park in a place where you cannot be blocked in, and be sure to lock your car.
- Use GPS so you don’t get lost in an unfamiliar area.
- When meeting a client, do not wear expensive jewelry or carry valuables.
- When showing a home, have your client walk in front of you instead of leading them. This is not only the safer option, but allows your client the freedom to view the house at their leisure.
- Always have an “out”. If a client or situation is making your afraid or uncomfortable, do not hesitate to make an excuse to remove yourself from the situation. You can also ask a co-worker to go with you.
- When you conduct an open house, ask each guest to sign a register with their name, address, and phone number. Also, never assume that all guests have left just because the open house has ended. Be cautious as you do a final walk-through of the home and yards.
- Take a self-defense class. You don’t need to become a ninja, but you do need to know how to defend yourself enough to escape. Learn and practice these simple techniques.
Safety should be an on-going discussion in your brokerage. Realtor.com has a great field guide to agent safety which includes videos, handouts, e-books, and other resources. Finally remember, there is no substitute for trusting your gut!
Preston Group is here to guide our clients through the process of completing a real estate transaction. We have over 12 years experience in the Las Vegas real estate market, and do a majority of our business through referral and return business. We also happily accept commercial real estate referrals from other local real estate agents. Call Shawn M. Preston at 702.350.2289.
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