Realtor Personal Security & Safety Awareness

Posted on May 24, 2008
Filed Under Empower Yourself, Personal Security, Protection Devices, Realtor Safety Awareness, Safety Awareness Training, Safety and Security Programs, Security and Safety Tips

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Courtesy of Fox6.com

There are many professions that are considered “risky” professions, but none (other than our great soldiers) are as risky as the real estate profession. There are sales professions that I would also consider risky – such as in-home sales – but the Real Estate Profession over the last 20 years has been marked with sexual assaults, brutal physical attacks, and murders. Enough so that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has placed Realtor Safety among its’ top priorities.

Let’s consider the Real Estate Profession:

• The Real Estate Profession is made up of more than 60+% women who for the most part are trusting individuals.
• Real estate professionals are independent business agents and tend to work and meet clients alone. Many agents occasionally go into an office but primarily work from home. They come and go without others always knowing their whereabouts.
• Real Estate agents advertise in many venues – billboards, magazines, newspapers, flyers, and corner benches – and usually have their picture and phone numbers out there for everyone to see and know how to contact them.
• Many real estate agents still use “old” glamour shot photos dating back 5-10 years or more on their business cards and advertising material. Back then these photos were more on the glamorous/sexy side and are probably not the best photos to use today. Displaying a professional business photo is the type of photo to use – indicating a more professional image.
• Many realtors are very busy and have become complacent about their personal security and safety. Sometimes without giving a second thought they quickly accept an invitation to meet a prospective client without following the proper safety precautions and guidelines.
• With the real estate market so volitale – agents are taking prospects who are looking to buy a home without doing the proper background check. Follow the prescribed real estate safety guidelines before meeting with new clients. Criminals can be very savvy. They may consider this criminal activity “their” business and think that real estate agents are an easy target. While the real estate professional is trusting and thinks the prospect is a potential buyer, he on the other hand may be contemplating his next criminal move.

This is why it pays for real estate professionals to follow personal safety precautions. No potential sale is worth your life and losing your life could happen if you become lax and complacent about safety.

Taking a Realtor Personal Safety Awareness Class can reiterate safety issues and concerns that you already know but have pushed aside as you go about your daily life. Sometimes little reminders will make us stop and say “ah-ha” I knew that – but why haven’t I been doing it? If we haven’t had a realtor safety issue that has affected our life or anyone around us – the tendency is to think bad things aren’t going to happen to us.

It’s at that very moment of letting your guard down that the unexpected happens. That is why it is important to do a few of the following things that can help you stay safe on your job.

1. Take a realtor security & safety awareness class. Most classes last an hour or so and can remind you of things you already know but have momentarily forgotten.
2. Review the Safety Rules & Guidelines that are put out by the National Association of Realtors.
3. Take a self-defense class so you will know what to do in an attack or assault situation. The knowledge and awareness of how you can protect yourself will give you a great deal of empowerment. It’s awesome. Most classes last anywhere from 4-6 weeks and usually last 1-2 hours. This is a small amount of time to devote to something that could ultimately save your life.
4. Carry a personal protection device like a C2 Taser, Pepper Spray, Mace Spray/Gun, Personal Alarm or Stun Gun. These are non-lethal devices that are meant to take down or throw off an attacker long enough for you to get away to safety.

My hope is that you are truly successful in your business. Like every segment of your business, you need to consider your personal safety as the number one factor in your success. If you don’t and you let your guard down, that’s when you could potentially become a victim of some real estate predator.

Real estate professionals who are aware of basic safety guidelines can improve their chances of not becoming a victim and keep their daily business activities fun, profitable and safe!

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!

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