Safety
First
Protecting Your Clients is Your Responsibility
COURSE OUTLINE Overview MLS Safety Open House Safety Cyber Safety Offline Security REALTOR Safety Questions
MLS and Open House Safety
Beautiful Secluded Home
Gorgeous home offers privacy and seclusion on quiet 4 acres.
Secluded you say?
Remove expensive items. Your client will understand when you explain that you’re trying to protect their safety.
Hmm, lovely TV. Good thing it’s not wall mounted
I better bring a truck.
I have a friend who would love this info!
Encourage your clients to invest in a plastic bin to take small, valuable items out of the home during showings or open houses.
My girlfriend is gonna be so happy!
Remind clients to pack away all electronic devices.
An Apple a day! I’ll take that away.
Remove any medications or valuable items from night stand drawers.
Nightstand is French for “where I find the good stuff.”
Yes, yes I will take all of these. Thanks.
I wonder how much I can get at “Pawn Stars?
Thanks, I needed a new identity!
All the tools I need to break in!
And they left me a getaway car?
I’ll be back later!
And they left me a getaway car?
Cyber Safety
Being cautious about how and when you use “reply all” or forward emails is something to always keep in mind.
•Is there something in the email content that should NOT be shared with everyone? •Are there email addresses that should not be shared (i.e., are you replying all and including your client but sending that email to the other agent, thus revealing YOUR client’s email?) •And keep in mind what is in the thread of all the “reply all” emails, which might include five or more emails. Is there something that should not be shared with certain people? •And what about those email addresses that get added and you don’t know WHO the people are — they might be assistants of the escrow officers, etc., but it’s best to know WHO is receiving all this information.
Always secure your smartphone with a password
One of the most basic security tips, but one which is sometimes completely overlooked! Having no access protection at all is just foolish. Swipe patterns are ok, but greasy finger-trails could reveal too much. A four-digit PIN is an improvement but using a strong passcode is the ideal phone protection.
Ensure that your device locks itself automatically
If you set up password-protection on your phone but then leave it unlocked on your desk for 15 minutes, you won't have achieved very much. Most smartphones allow you to set them up to automatically lock themselves after a period of inactivity.
Make sure you choose the shortest timeout you are comfortable with. Two to five minutes is better than ten to thirty, even if it does feel
slightly inconvenient
Always secure your computer with a password
Your unprotected office computer can be accessed by anyone when you aren’t around!
Log Off Public Computers
Always make sure to log out of your email and MLS when you’re done using public computers.
Stop Saving Passwords on Public Computers! Never click “remember me” on public computers.
Delete Downloaded Files!
Delete files you’ve downloaded to public computers when you’re done!
The 10 Commandments of REALTOR Safety are:
1. Do not meet a stranger at any property. Ask to meet at your office (or a public place after office hours) so others can see the prospect. Take a partner (another agent, broker, family member). 2. Take your car. Your environment is safer. Never ride with a stranger. 3. Avoid work after dark. Close an open house well before dark. Show property only during daylight. If possible, write and counter offers during daylight. If not possible, use a partner. 4. Dress for safety. Dress professionally, yet comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes. Avoid expensive jewelry. Do not carry large amounts of money. 5. Set a Showing Itinerary. Use a standard form. Leave a copy with the office or a family member. Let the prospect know that the copy exists. 6. Use a Prospect ID Form. Before showing property, have a prospect disclose on a printed form such information as name, address, auto make and model, auto tag, driver’s license, local address, and two references. Verify the information before leaving. 7. Use an Agent ID Form. Make sure your office knows your auto make and model, license tag, and credit card numbers. 8. Establish a Coded Distress Signal. When necessary, be able to call the office or home with a message that would appear harmless to a prospect but would alert others. 9. Stop working immediately. At the first suspicious signal, inconsistent answers, or abnormal or strange behavior, cease working with the prospect. Trust your gut feelings. An embarrassing moment or a lost sale is better than the alternative. 10. Notify your broker immediately. The broker should decide what action to take at that time.