September is Realtor Safety Month, so stop what you’re doing for a moment and take some time to reflect on your safety practices.
I remember the first time I ever showed a property to prospect – the entire process seemed completely contradictory to everything I learned about safety growing up. Everything. I was supposed to meet a stranger, put that stranger in my car, and take that stranger to see empty houses. When you break it down like that, doesn’t it seem a little crazy? Thankfully, I worked with a broker who had safety practices in place – such as a prospect identification form that included a scan of the prospect’s photo ID, and an agent itinerary form – but once I was out on my own, I had to rely on my judgment and common sense.
So, here are some best practices that put your safety first:
- Never ignore your gut. According to Gavin de Becker, author of The Gift of Fear, rape crises counselors and police officers report that 99 percent of victims say, “I knew something was wrong,” “I knew better,” “I had a bad feeling,” etc. These “feelings” are built-in survival mechanisms that are rarely ever wrong. USE THEM.
- When meeting a prospect for the first time, always try to schedule the meeting at your office during hours when you know other agents will be around. I know some agents will go on a listing appointment alone to a complete stranger’s house and not think twice – but is this really best practice as far as your safety is concerned? If you don’t have a team member to go with you, offer to take a newer agent as a learning experience. The fact that you possess the skills and experience to “train” another agent will only make you look that much better.
- There’s nothing wrong with taking two cars when showing homes. If something feels “off” or you’re simply not comfortable driving a complete stranger around in your car, have the prospect follow you. Being a petite woman, I did this quite often and never once heard any objection from the prospect – and if I ever did, that would have given me cause to wonder even more.
- Always let people know where you’re going to be, such as spouse, colleague, etc. This goes back to the agent itinerary form I mentioned in the first paragraph. This should include your expected return time, as well as a list of homes you plan to show. It should also be attached to the prospect identification form.
- When showing an open house, contact a preferred lender to see if they would be interested in showing the home with you. Not only will this give you a little more security, but it also makes your open house more professional and productive. Potential buyers love having an on-site mortgage specialist there who can answer financing questions. Really, this is a win-win.
- Don’t carry bulky valuables, such as a purse, with you when showing homes. I know many agents who keep only the bare essentials (phone, ID, keycard, etc.) in either their pocket or a wristlet.
If you have any safe practices not listed above, please share! We would love to hear from you.
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