Real Estate Investing

It’s the important time that rolls around every year - the time to remind Realtors to be safety conscious as they are out and about showing homes to clients and holding open houses.  As an agent, we always hear the horror stories … bad things that happen to both male and female ranging from robbery, rape, and sometimes murder.

As agents, we tend to be easy targets.  We get a phone call saying, “Hello.  I am [fictitious name] and I’m sitting in front of this house on Cumberland Drive. Can you come over so I can see it?”   If the agent is wise they will schedule a meeting with the potential buyer at the office first (bad people won’t come to the office).  If the buyer seems insistent, the agent should at least NEVER GO ALONE.

We are pretty good at my own office about helping each other out.   I’ve gone to showings with other agents, sometimes my colleagues come with me.  And I will continue to do that both ways … I never want to meet a client for the first time outside of a safe area (my own office). We also have a Realtor “question” we can ask our office as a code to say we’re in trouble.  I won’t - of course - reveal that question here, but I hope ALL offices have some tip-off mechanism to reveal when someone is in danger.

An agent once told me about meeting with a client she’d first met on neutral ground, but got frightened during the showings.  The buyer only wanted to see vacant homes and kept asking her to go upstairs with him to look around.  She kept her cool and remained downstairs … phone in her hand and next to the unlocked door.  Nothing bad happened, but who’s to say nothing could have had she not trusted her instincts.

I’ve only felt threatened one time - at a new construction open house.  Two men came in and wanted to see the plat of the subdivision.  I turned my back to them to get it and when I turned back around, there was one on each side of me.  In hindsight, I was probably just paranoid but I simply stepped away from them and chatted at a comfortable five feet away.

Just remember, if you’re working with an agent expect to be asked to meet at the office first.  Do not be affronted if they ask you for a copy of your drivers license.  Again, the bad people will refuse to let you see it and make a copy.  Don’t corner your agent.  Be non-threatening.  Don’t ask creepy questions or you’ll find yourself without a Realtor.

Realtors, be safe.  Be cautious.  Be careful.  And read this safety information from the National Association of Realtors.

A traditional part of our real estate training includes classes on safety.  We have code words to use when calling the office if we feel we’re in danger.  We always try to meet with a client at the office first and ask to make a copy of the driver’s license.  If this isn’t possible, we never meet strangers to show homes alone - we ask our colleagues, husbands, wives to come along for the ride.

It’s not uncommon for real estate agents to be assaulted, threatened or attacked, according to The Real Estate Professional.  And we’re finding that with more homes in foreclosure, we are even more threatened.  While I don’t like the idea of running my business as a paranoid, frightened sissy girl, I do agree that there are certain common-sense measures that every agent should adhere to when “out there.”  Author Rafael Dagnesses provides wise advice on what to do if you’re an agent in a precarious neighborhood or situation.

1. Plan Ahead.  According to the article, gang activity begins to increase after 2:00 p.m., so property checks should be conducted before this time. Also make sure you tell your colleagues or staff where you’re going, leave the phone on while entering the property, and if you can - bring one or two people along with you.
2. Be Aware.  Walk around the house before you enter to check for signs of a break-in.  Also, if you see excessive foot- or bike- traffic, these could be lookouts for drug and/or gang activity.  Call the police for an escort if you feel uncomfortable about approaching the property.
3. Be Prepared.  Bring along pepper spray or a large metal flashlight, or even a taser.  People get emotional when they lose their homes and in these cases, yoru objective ius to slowly and carefully get out.
4. Look Official.  Approach the house with your head up and a determined step. Don’t act nervous, be confident. Announce your entry with a stern voice, but delay entering to give any potential squatter the chance to escape.
5. Don’t be Afraid to Call the Police. Why would anyone be afraid to call the police?  If you see evidence of a break-in, leave the area and call the police.  If you feel threatened, exit as you can and call the police.

My gratitude to Mr. Dagnesses and the fine folks at The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, Inc. for compiling these extremely helpful tips on how Realtors can stay safe.  *Bows down with respect and admiration.*

Photo by J.D. Mack courtesy Flickr Creative Commons.