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Many real estate agents, excited by the prospect of a sale, often overlook the important necessity of practicing real estate safety tips. It would be nice if we lived in a safe world where we never had to worry about bad people. Unfortunately, for all the nice people we meet, there are always a few to be wary of. Because of this, it is very important to learn about real estate safety and practice these real estate safety tips at all time.
It is a common misconception that only female real estate agents are subjects of these crimes and need to worry about real estate safety, but many real estate related crimes and violence have also happened to male agents. These real estate safety tips aren’t meant to scare you but to help you avoid dangerous situations.
To help protect yourself in real estate, here are some tips on real estate safety:
1. Research your clients: It never hurts to run a quick search of their name on Google or check their names and addresses on sites such as Anywho.com.
2. Always meet at the office first: Never meet a customer at a property if you have not met them previously. Make it your policy to always make photocopies of drivers licenses or other identification before you get in the car with them. It’s also not a bad idea to write down their car make and model and license plate information. You may also want to make a big deal of introducing the person to other agents in your office as this may deter them if they could be easily remembered or recognized.
2. Always tell someone where you are going: Make sure they know where you will be and when you expect to be back. It’s not a bad idea to have a friend or family member call to check in on you or send a quick text message while you’re out with clients.
3. Be wary of cash buyers: Always find out their bank information and request a verification of available funds if a buyer is paying cash before you go out. Most buyers will be compliant with this once you explain to them it makes their offers even more attractive to sellers. If a customer refuses to do this or be pre-qualified for a sale, it can be a huge red flag that something could be suspicious.
4. Always leave yourself an exit: One of the first things I learned when doing an open house is to let the customer walk into the room first so you are not trapped. It is also a good idea to keep your cell phone in your hand in case you may need it.
5. Remember safety in numbers: It’s okay to ask someone from your office to accompany you if you are nervous about a customer. Just make sure you’re willing to return the favor if they should ever need it.
6. Don’t underestimate women: Many people will let their guard down around female customers, thinking only men would attack them. Women are just as capable of robbery or may work with a partner who could be waiting at a house for you to arrive.
7. Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t seem right to you, there is no requirement for you to work with any customer. Your life and your safety is always more important than any sale.
8. Brainstorm with your office: Ask your office manager if there are any safety guidelines in place. If not, make sure it is something you discuss at the next sales meeting on ways to be safer in real estate.
9. Dress for safety: Do not wear provacative clothes or shoes that are difficult to run in. Make your public profile photos as professional as possible. You are a real estate agent – not a model. Many agents are targeted due to their appearance in public profile photos online and in advertisements. Wearing valuable jewelry can also make you a target for theives.
10. Practice Car Safety: If possible, park on the street and in well-lit areas. Make sure you can always get to your car easily. Do not ever get into your client’s car.
These are just a few ways to practice real estate safety and be safe while selling real estate. For more valuable resources on real estate safety and to download client safety forms, visit the Real Estate Safety Council.
7 Comments
Almost 20 years ago, I was a commercial real estate broker in Tucson, AZ and I guy I knew in the industry was robbed and murdered by a father and son. They had called him on his sign at a vacant space in a shopping center.
They killed him only for his ATM and PIN. They were eventually caught and were convicted of his murder.
Be careful, know your clients and make sure you tell someone else where you are going. Be safe.
That must have been such a shock for you and your community Chris. It doesn’t matter who you are or who the clients are – we always need to keep these safety reminders in the back of our mind.
What a tragedy, Chris. It’s such a shame that something like that had to happen — all for an ATM card.
Upstart Agent — I really like your advice on “cash” buyers. I hadn’t even thought of that one before.
A lot of people claim to have cash because then they don’t have to go through the whole pre-approval process & credit check…usually though when you tell them you do it for security purposes & to make their offer stronger they’re absolutely understanding of it.
This are all great suggestions and important to follow for both women and men alike in real estate. There have been some instances here in the DFW Metroplex where an individual has set up an appointment to view property and ended up either robbing or harming the real estate agent in some way. Best advice to always watch your back and don’t place yourself in vulnerable situations.
That’s scary! You can never be too safe
yea you really can’t be to careful these days. Unless I know the client I will refuse to do a showing without another Realtor or friend. No commission check is worth getting hurt or worse.