 Safety
Tips That May Save Your Life!
Don't be a victim of crime! Each year we see an increase
in criminal acts against REALTORSŪ.
Please exercise caution when dealing with any prospective
purchaser who is a stranger to you. It is not unreasonable
to request an I.D. and employment information prior
to any showings. Never, never meet a purchaser by
yourself, after only talking to them on the phone.
Insist that they meet you at your office or take a
fellow REALTORŪ with you.
Be reminded of the following safety tips compiled by NAR's Public
Policy Affairs Group:
- Be alert. When you feel uncomfortable in a situation,
get out.
- Dress conservatively. Don't wear expensive-looking
jewelry.
- Don't sit an open house alone. Never show property
alone at night, and never advertise property as
vacant.
- Don't list your home phone number on your business
card. Buy a voice pager. Use a cellular phone if
you must sit a property that doesn't have a phone.
Call your office every hour.
- Never meet a prospect based on only a phone call.
Always take your own car when showing a property.
Whenever you leave your car, lock it.
- Let potential buyers explore areas of a home on
their own, with you following behind. Avoid going
into the basement or confined areas with a prospect.
- Let your office know where and with whom your
appointments will be.
- Always meet first-time clients at your office.
Ask them to show identification. If they question
you, state it is company policy.
- Find out as much as you can
about prospects, such as what they do and how
much they earn. Ask questions like these and be
a good listener.
- Keep on file at your real estate office, in a place accessible
by others, your photograph; car model and license number; drivers
license number; whom to contact in cases of emergency; any important
medical information.
- Report any suspicious experiences
to the police right away.
- Develop a coded distress signal with your office and your
family. This way, you can call the office or home with a message
that would appear harmless to a prospect, but would alert others
that something is wrong and you need help.
- You may want to let a prospect know that someone else might
be showing up at the property at any time. This might discourage
a crime.
- If you are suspicious, trust your instincts. Keep yourself
between the prospect and the door.
- Carry a whistle or shriek alarm and always keep it with you
in an easily accessible place.
- Most importantly: Remember
that no sale is worth risking your own life!
|
