8 Safety Tips for Realtors®

As a Realtor®, you’re probably a “people-person.” You’re probably friendly, positive and pleasant to be around (at least after a cup or two of coffee, that is), so it might not cross your mind to take safety precautions when you’re out and about – but security experts say that real estate is a high-risk job.

Why?

Because we’re exposed to danger every day.

September is National Realtor® Safety Month, so let’s dive right in.

8 Safety Tips for Realtors®

As Realtors®, we meet a lot of strangers. We drive people we don’t know to empty houses. We put our phone numbers and pictures everywhere.

If we weren’t selling houses, everybody would think we’re crazy.

We’ve put together a list of 13 safety tips for Realtors®. Are you missing any of these essential protection strategies while you’re doing your job?

1. Meet new clients in your office and ask for identification before you head out. You can get a Prospect Identification Form from Realtor.org, which also asks for a photocopy of the client’s ID. Most people won’t bat an eye at a minor security procedure like this.

2. Show smart. Don’t show properties after dark, and while you’re inside, stay out of closets, basements and attics. Let the potential buyers explore these areas alone; they’ll be fine.

3. Advertise security. When you’re holding an open house, add something to your advertisement that lets people know they need to bring ID in order to see the property.

4. Keep your personal information personal. Don’t use your home number or tell clients where you live; it can be extremely dangerous if that information falls into a predator’s hands.

5. Don’t be a chauffeur. It’s almost always best to drive to homes separately rather than riding with people you don’t know. If you must take one car, make sure you drive. When you get to the property, park on the street, not in the driveway – it’s easier to leave quickly if you don’t have to back out.

6. Tell someone where you are at all times. Whether you’re closing up an open house early or you’re driving all over Nashville showing six different homes, make sure that somebody knows where you are when you change locations.

7. Leave your laptop, your purse and your other valuables in the trunk of your car. Keep your cell phone in your pocket, though, and make sure you can make emergency calls on it with the touch of a button.

8. Follow your instincts. If something feels wrong, it really might be – so make an excuse to leave and head back to a safe location. Don’t be afraid to call the police if you need to. Remember that police officers would rather answer a false call than evaluate a crime scene.

Most people are good people with good intentions, but it only takes one encounter with the wrong type of person for the unthinkable to happen. Make sure you’re safe and that you let other agents know what they can do to protect themselves, as well.

Ready to Talk About a Career with Benchmark?

At Benchmark Realty, we want the best for our agents. Our Total Freedom concept and the fact that our agents enjoy 100 percent commission from day one are a testament to that. If you’d like to discuss your potential for becoming one of the quickly growing number of Benchmark Realtors, call us at (615)371-1544 or fill out the form below. We’ll be happy to set up a confidential meeting so you can learn more.