Realtor Safety

When you have shown properties to a new prospect, have you ever feel like you were the one in the tent?

We talked about Realtor safety at last Friday's scripts & dialogues session. Among the items suggested:

1. Don't host an open house alone. If you can't avoid it, tell someone at your office you will call every hour - and if you don't, and don't respond to their return call, to call the police.
2. Buyers shouldn't be upset if the agent at an open house asks them to sign in and even show a picture ID.
3. At open houses, put away any prescription medicine vials and take down any certificates that provide personal information that could lead to identity theft.
4. Stay upstairs while buyers check out a basement.
5. Be careful how you dress. Flashy or expensive jewelry might attract the wrong kind of attention.
6. Always have prospects meet you at the office the first time. Ask them for identification. If they question you about it, say it is company policy. Write down their license plate number. Confirm employment.
7. If you are meeting a prospect for the first time outside of the office, don't meet them at the property. Meet first at a nearby coffeeshop or other public venue.
8. Determine several escape routes in the property for you to use in case of emergency.
9. Carry pepper spray and know how to use it. Take a personal safety course.

Do you have other suggestions? Post them in the comments section to share with our group.