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Page 25 MARCH 2015 • VOLUME 19 • ISSUE 11
It's dangerous out there: stay safe!
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hile commercial aircraft pilots, firefighters, construction laborers, and stunt people make the 25 most dangerous jobs in the world list, it’s important that REALTORS know the risks involved with their profession and formulate a personal safety plan before a dangerous situation arises. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 real estate agents were murdered nationwide in the last decade. Beverly Carter who was killed in Little Rock, Arkansas, last October while showing a house is one example of the danger that agents face. These news stories magnify the safety risks agents take on a daily
basis, including marketing to complete strangers, showing vacant properties, sitting at open houses, meeting strangers in unfamiliar territory and driving solo to unknown locations. Since these activities are required for REALTORS, workplace safety is more important than ever.
Do your homework Predators are not always easy to identify. With all of the public information available today, research potential clients before meeting in person. “Get a copy of a customer’s drivers license before you put them in the car and leave it with your office staff,” says Sheila Evans of The Power of 4, Team Excellence. “You can pretty much research anyone these days so I usually find them on Facebook or LinkedIn. Once you meet the client, take a picture of their license plate and text it to someone who knows about your appointment.”
Take a self-defense class Many community colleges, martial arts studios and gyms offer classes that provide helpful tips on self-protection that help REALTORS become more prepared for unsafe situations. “Self-defense classes can work for some people by making an agent feel more confident,” says Evans. “Any type of activity is good where you learn how to run, hit, bite or kick your way out of a dangerous situation.”
Make an escape plan
When possible, show properties during daylight hours. If a night showing is necessary, turn on all lights as you tour the property. “We suggest always meet a client for the first time in the office and introduce them to other agents or staff,” says Kent Redding of Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty.
If you are driving in an unfamiliar area, make mental notes on intersections and landmarks. Upon arriving at a showing, survey the area for anything suspicious. Make sure that your car is parked in a well-lit location and that your car won’t be blocked-in the driveway by another vehicle. “Once at a property, I always follow rather than lead a buyer and am careful that the buyer does not get between me and the door or an escape route,” says Redding. Preparing a practiced excuse is also recommended in case the client makes you feel uncomfortable. Carry a fully charged cell phone in one hand and car keys in the other; those keys can be used as a weapon, if necessary. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked for easy access.
Checking-In
Establish an office distress code
Keep it light
Consider creating an employee check-in system in your office that includes the agent’s name, client’s name, contact information, date and expected return time. Never identify a property as vacant to a caller, and make sure the staff knows your status. “If an agent is uncomfortable, we suggest to bring a buddy. Broker Underground offers a list of REALTORS who are willing to meet for a showing if a situation is unfamiliar,” says Redding.
Cell phone coverage Prior to showing a property, find out if there are any areas of town where your cell phone coverage is spotty. Remember that thick commercial walls and remote locations can prove challenging for mobile phone reception.
Agree on an unusual secret phrase or word that can be worked into conversation for situations where you feel threatened. “We don’t currently have a distress code, but we are watching closely some new technology due out this year for emergency agent monitoring,” says Redding. “There are several good apps that are available, such as Safe Trek, Guardly, React Mobile and RealAlert. The concern I have with an app is they delay and phones are easily grabbed.” While danger may be lurking for REALTORS, using common sense, trusting your instinct and paying attention to the details are important ways to ensure that you don’t become a victim and remain confident if faced with a dubious situation. RL
Upcoming Events Thursday, March 19 NARI Spring Social Stock Building Supply - 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 CCIM Networking Luncheon Westwood Ctry Club - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 HBA Williamson County Chapter John Gavurnik Open Golf Tournament Forest Creek Golf Club - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: March 28 & 29 Tessera on Lake Travis Grand Opening 9316 Tessera Parkway, Lago Vista Wednesday, April 1 AMBA Monthly Meeting Austin Country Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 7 HBA Lakeway/Bee Cave Chapter Fore, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 9 WC REALTORS East Side Story Bus Tour Teravista Wild Flower Ctr, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 10 NARI Bowling Event Locstion TBD Tuesday, April 14 2015 Texas REALTOR® Hill Visits Texas State Capitol Wednesday, April 15 CRS Bi-Monthly Meeting Westwood Ctry Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 23 HBA Crawfish Boil Builder/REALTOR Mixer; Addison, 6 to 9 p.m. More at www.myRealtyLine.com