REALTOR Safety Tips

For Open Houses:

  1. Always talk with home owners about locking away all valuables before the open house begins.
  2. REALTORS: Lock away your purses, wallets, and other valuables also. If locking up in your car, hide or cover so items are not viewable by passersby.
  3. Know the floor plan of the home (and all possible escape routes).
  4. Unlock all of the deadbolts (for quick exit).
  5. Turn on all lights and open the curtains.
  6. Have each visitor sign in and show a picture ID.
  7. Buddy up with an associate when holding an open house. There is safety in numbers.
  8. If working the buddy system, tour the house with the visitor while your co-worker jots down the visitor's license plate number.

For Showings:

  1. Know Your Client.
    1. Insist that a new prospect first meet you at your office (a safe location where your client will be seen by others in your office).
    2. Collect as much information (name, contact info, copy of driver's license, etc.) about your new prospect as you can before you decide to work with him or her. If your prospect balks at this, explain that the information will stay in your office only. Most people will understand and comply willingly.
  2. Driving to Showings.
    1. Take a buddy.
    2. Drive your own car - have the client follow or meet you there.
    3. If you must take one car, insist on driving (so you have more control over where you go).
    4. Park at the curb - don't get blocked in at the driveway.
  3. Upon Arriving to a Showing.
    1. Call your office. Let them know you have arrived, your location, and who you are with.
  4. During the Showing.
    1. Let the client lead the way. You follow (to avoid attacks from behind or small valuables from being stolen when your back is turned).
    2. It's OK to let the client inspect the basement or attic, but you avoid going into these confined spaces.
  5. Be Prepared.
    1. Have an "escape excuse" if you start to feel uneasy (i.e. "excuse me, I need to call my office" - this gives you a chance to get out of the house).
    2. Keep in regular contact with your office.
    3. Have a code word (i.e. spectacular) or phrase (i.e. it's in the file, next to Terry's desk) to alert your office of trouble.

Other Safety Tips:

  1. Avoid using glamorous photos of yourself.
  2. Dress for safety.
  3. Be careful about the information you disclose about yourself.
  4. Take a self-defense course.
  5. Follow your instincts. Don't hesitate to call the police if you feel uneasy for any reason.
  6. Have "911" on speed-dial.

For more ideas on staying safe, be sure to see NAR's 56 Safety Tips for REALTORS®.

 

 Last Modified: Friday, November 7, 2014

September 2014

September 2014

Accessing Demographic Data ... Easier than You May Think

Accessing demographic data through RCO3 may be easier than you think.

Are You Taking Open House Safety Precautions?

Are You Taking Open House Safety Precautions?

Down Payment Resource Is Here!

Down Payment Resource is now available to Realcomp MLS Subscribers!

Ever Wonder When to Use 'Corporate Relocation'?

Ever Wonder When to Use 'Corporate Relocation'?

How to Access RCO3 Hit Counters and What They Mean

Instructions for accessing the RCO3 hit counters for your listings and what the various counters indicate.

Imagine Your Identity Being Used to Commit a Crime

Imagine Your Identity Being Used to Commit a Crime

Insurance Case Update

Insurance Case Update

Need to Change Your E-mail Address or Other Contact Information with Realcomp?

Change your e-mail address and other contact information by following the steps included in our tip sheet.

Open House Robbery Suspect Descriptions and Methods of Operation

Open House Robbery Suspect Descriptions and Methods of Operation

REALTOR Safety Tips

Good safety tips for REALTORS to follow.

Search for Multiple Addresses in Public Record Data

Search for Multiple Addresses in Public Record Data

Showing Feedback Enables Agents to Collaborate

Showing Feedback Enables Agents to Collaborate

Staff Spotlight: Meet Karen S. Kage, Our Chief Executive Officer

Staff Spotlight: Meet Karen S. Kage, Our Chief Executive Officer

The NAR Power Broker Roundtable: 'Coming Soon' and 'Pocket Listings:' Are They Right on Any Level?

The Power Broker Roundtable is brought to you by the National Association of REALTORS® and Steve A. Brown, NAR’s Liaison for Large Residential Firms Relations.

The National Debt: Growing But More Slowly by Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D.

The National Debt: Growing But More Slowly by Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D.