Real Estate Investing

When you think real estate, many people believe the glamourized versions they see on television are reality.  One show features Miami agents who deal with upper end, millionaire  clients.  If they need advice, they’ll hop on a boat and zip across the water to meet with their broker who is kicked back wearing a wide-brimmed hat and drinking margaritas with a sultry crowd surrounding him.  The broker usually yells, “Figure it out!  Or you won’t make it in this business!  Shoo-shoo!”

Realistically, being a real estate agent can be very dangerous.  I shared over at Shak & Jill my experiences last week with a seller - there were times I was very fearful when I was around him.  In the latest The Real Estate Professional magazine, Bruce Benham writes about safety, prefacing his tips with horror stories of two agents found murdered this year in vacant homes.

In fact, real estate - because it is considered a “sales” job - is in a Top 10 list of most dangerous jobs.  In 2002, sales jobs were at #8 according to an MSN article, but dropped off a 2007 list by Classes & Careers (replaced with “Military Service”). But enough of statistics!  What can we do to stay safe?

• Meet potential clients at your office first before showing up at a house with a stranger.  Remember, stranger danger isn’t just a catch-phrase for children to remember!  It’s also okay to ask a client for a copy of their driver’s license.  If they won’t give it to you, fake an emergency and don’t go with them.
• If you feel uneasy, ask another agent to accompany you.  You can pay back the favor sometime!
• Leave a listing of your scheduled showings either with a family member or at the office, particularly if you’re going with a client you don’t know.
• Always always drive yourself unless you are personal friends with the buyer. 
• Check in with your office or a safety-buddy colleague regularly while showing houses, sitting at open houses, or on listing appointment.
• Scope out the exits in any home when there.  If you can, make sure all exits are unlocked.
• Keep your cell phone with you at all times!  Keep your car keys in your hands at all times because many have a “panic button” you can push to sound the horn and call attention to yourself.

My favorite tip came from Mr. Benham,

If possible, put the home’s garage door opener in your pocket. If you feel threatened or in danger, discreetly open the garage and say the owners must be returning.

Genius.  Except for meeting with my seller who was angry about paying a commission, I’ve really only felt threatened one other time.  I was holding an open house on a new construction property and two men came in.  In hindsight I believe they were spies for another builder (!what nonsense!), but they had me in a corner looking at blueprints.  I quietly stepped out of the “corner” and let them look at the house plans on their own.

Though a little dated, this article in the Florida Real Estate magazine is a MUST read for all real estate agents.  (Photo from there, too.)

It can be a scary world out there.  From real estate agents to everyone else, being aware of your surroundings is always the best idea.