September is Realtor Safety Month

Your safety is our first priority.  We all know the dangers of an open house or meeting clients or customers to show a listing.  Let’s be aware and empowered.  And let’s minimize risk by adopting these safety precautions: 

1. When you have a new client, ask the client to stop by your office and complete a Prospect Identification Form (an example of this form is online at www.REALTOR.org/Safety), preferably in the presence of an associate.  Introduce a new client to someone else at the office.  A would-be assailant does not like to be noticed or receive exposure, knowing a person could pick him/her out of a police lineup.  
   
2. If you can’t meet at the office, ask for a new prospect’s ID before entering a property.  Say it is company policy.  If the prospect refuses, don’t show the property!
   
3. Take a picture of the  prospect’s ID and immediately send it to your office or supervisor.  Company policy.
   
4.  Get the client’s car make and license number.  Take a picture and send it to your office or supervisor.  Company policy.
   
5. it is always a good idea to show property with an associate.  The bad guys don’t like that.
   
6. Call references and verify their employment and current address.
   
7.  Check county property records to confirm the ownership of a property before you go to a listing appointment or approach a for-sale-by-owner listing. The more information you have, the easier and faster it is for police to catch a perpetrator if you become a victim.  
   
8. Introduce the prospect to someone in your office. A would-be assailant does not like to be noticed or receive exposure, knowing a person could pick him/her out of a police lineup.  
   
9. Always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back; leave the name and phone number of the client you are meeting.  
   
10. Never list a property as “vacant.” This is an open invitation to criminals.  
    
11. Show properties before dark. If you are going to be working after hours, advise an associate or first-line supervisor of your schedule. If you must show a property after dark, turn on all lights as you go through, and don’t lower any shades or draw curtains or blinds. 
    
12. Finally, trust your instincts.  Remove yourself from danger. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.