Avoiding Dangerous Situations in Real Estate
Real estate is not a dangerous profession, but when you’re constantly asked to come in contact with perfect strangers or enter locations without any prior knowledge of the area, you have to keep your guard up…especially when working with foreclosed or vacant homes.
September is Realtor® Safety Month, and I thought I’d gather some safety tips that I’ve found on sites such as Realtor.org, Inman News, and Rismedia.
Meeting with a new client for the first time
Meeting with people you don’t know can put you at risk. You don’t know whether this person could potentially be a criminal, stalker, thief, or worse.
- Meet at the office first. Get them on your territory before you visit any property with them, so you can learn more about them and collect their personal information for your files.
- Ask for identification. The public is used to having their identification checked, so don’t be reluctant to ask because you’re scared you’ll offend someone. Tell clients it’s company policy that all clients’ driver’s licenses are photocopied. Simply put, bad guys don’t want to give you their I.D. or get their picture taken.
- Have all clients fill out a customer identification form. You can find an example of this at Realtor.org. Click on “Prospect Identification Form” under the Office Safety Forms heading. The form asks for car make and license number, contact information, and employer information, and also requests a photocopy of the driver’s license.
- Introduce them to your office manager or another agent. When you meet them at the office, introduce them to at least one other person in your office. Criminals don’t want others seeing them for identification purposes.
Showing a property alone
If you’re touring properties with strangers, keep these tips in mind.
- Use the buddy system. Whether you bring a coworker, spouse, or even your German shepherd, avoid going alone.
- Don’t go into confined places. Avoid basements and attics — it’s too easy to become trapped. Instead, know the selling points of these rooms and remain in the foyer on the first floor with the front door open as the buyer tours these areas. If you must join them in each room, always stay by the door, leaving doors open so you can flee more easily if necessary.
- Walk behind. Let potential buyers take the lead when exploring a home, with you always following behind.
- Let others know where you are. Tell them where you are going, when you will be back, and who you’re with. Better yet, share this information while the client is with you so they know someone else knows where you are.
- Have an excuse. If you feel uncomfortable, tell the person your “cell phone went off and I have to call the office” or “another agent with buyers is on his way”.
If you’re showing a vacant home or foreclosure, there are a few more things to think about. Foreclosures may attract unexpected house guests — such as squatters — or former home owners refusing to leave. The homes also may be damaged and poorly lit or attract wildlife since it’s abandoned, leading to more potential safety hazards. Remember these properties are vacant homes.
- Inspect the exterior: Walk around the perimeter before you enter the house and make sure the door hasn’t been kicked in and no windows are shattered. Call the police if you suspect someone is in the property.
- Don’t confront a squatter: If a squatter is in the home, leave immediately. Call law enforcement once you’ve left and allow police to deal with any trespassers.
- Visit during the day: Visiting homes at night is more dangerous. Try to make appointments during daylight hours only.
Open houses
You’re inviting the public to a property, which is an invitation to anyone, from thieves to those who might want to harm you.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors. Let them know you’ll be showing the house, so others know that you are there.
- Partner up. When would-be assailants see two people at the front door, they’ll be less likely to go in.
- Watch for patterns. At an open house, note any patterns in arrivals, particularly near the end of the open house. One common scam: Thieves come near the end of the open house, working as a team. They have “buyers” distract the agent as others steal valuables in the home.
- Stow away your valuables. Never leave your purse, laptop, or wallet unattended on the counter in plain view. Keep them in the trunk of your car. However, always keep your cell phone on you so you can call for help if you need to. Also, before the open house, tell your clients to put away all of their valuables, prescription drugs, and mail.
Transporting strangers in your car
You’re showing houses to potential buyers and chauffeuring them in your car from house to house. Most people don’t pick up hitchhikers, yet real estate professionals put strangers in their car all of the time and don’t think anything of it.
- Drive separately. Have the client follow you from listing to listing. If you absolutely have to take one car, then you should drive.
- Watch where you park. Make sure your car won’t be blocked in and that you park in a place where you’ll be able to get out quickly. Park on the street or the curb, if possible. You’ll attract more attention if you run and scream when fleeing, and it’ll be easier to escape than having to back out of a driveway, experts say.
Security is all about layers of protection. The more you do, the more secure you’ll be. Do nothing and the more vulnerable you’ll be.
Learn more safety tips in NAR video webinars
To learn more about Realtor Safety, check out NAR’s extensive safety webinars on realtor.org. I also recommend that everyone look into self defense courses in their area. Overall, be safe!
Does anyone else have any safety tips?
By Brenda Waters