Self-Defense For Realtors-Stay Ahead Of The Predators/Perpetrators

Posted on February 20, 2008 
Filed Under Gut-feelings on Personal Safety, Personal Security, Realtor Safety Awareness, Safety and Security Programs, Security and Safety Tips, Women's Self-Defense

Unfortunately, there are a few sick people out there looking for an easy victim.  What industry makes their job easy?  The real estate industry for one.  For the most part, real estate professionals are independent agents –predominantly women - who work alone and will jump at the opportunity to get a new prospect – especially in these crazy times.

Don’t let the lure of a new prospect or sale make you forget the safety knowledge that you already know.  There were many times when I was an independent security consultant that I would get a call on short notice to meet a stranger (prospect) at a new home construction site or at the person’s home to give a security review.  Mind you – I  met with many single men over the past 20 years and for the most part never felt a concern for my own safety.  However, when I did get that little tug in my stomach that this did not feel right – I listened and either did not go on the appointment or took someone with me.  Be sure to follow your gut feelings or your inner instincts.  They are usually right!

Today, I met with a real estate broker to discuss my company providing a Personal and Home Security & Safety Awareness Program for her agents.  The program will review personal and home safety issues that most agents already know but may have become complacent about. (We all do it).  Like a lot of people, it is not until something bad happens  – like a violent attack, abduction, or even a murder - that we feel the need to get back to the basics of security and safety fundamentals. 

Here Are 13 Ways To Always Stay Ahead Of The Perpetrators Or Predators.  Either way – they are the bad guys!

1.   Carry a cell phone and program it so that the police emergency number is on speed dial.  (Be sure the battery is always charged – keep a charger in your car).
2.   The more exposure you have, the greater the risk.  Concentrate on your professional proficiency rather than personal information in newspapers and resumes.  (Don’t try to look like a glamour queen – that may attract the predator type).
3.   Don’t get caught off guard at open houses or listing presentations.  Prepare a scenario so that you can leave or encourage the person making you uncomfortable to leave.  Some ideas – your beeper or phone goes off and you have to call your office; you left some information in your car you need to get; mention that you’re expecting another salesperson with buyers in a few minutes.
4.   If you are accosted in a parking lot and forced to drive, don’t leave the area.  One suggestion – if you’re in a crowded area, run your vehicle into another one or into something else, such as a building or a tree.  You’ll attract attention and that is the last thing a perpetrator wants.  If you are confronted at your car, throw your car key in one direction and run screaming in the opposite direction.  For this reason, keep your car key separate from your other keys.
5.   Make a copy of the prospect’s drivers license and write down a car license if you can.  If possible, get an employer’s name and call to confirm employment.  It is tempting to start showing homes right away to walk-ins, but it is better if you get information and make an appointment for the following day so that you have time to fact check.
6.   Check county property records to confirm the ownership of property before you go to a listing appointment or approach a FSBO.  The more information you have the easier and quicker it is for police to catch a perpetrator if you become a crime victim.
7.   Know the sales area.  Preview the property.  Meet the buyers at your office where they can be seen by your co-workers.  Then travel separately to the property.  Don’t feel obligated to act as a chauffeur.
8.   It is better to walk away from a listing or not show a house if you have an uneasy feeling.  Trust your gut feelings or your instincts.
9.   Let your office know where you are at all times.  Arrange to call your office at a specific time and do it.  No excuses.  Have a buddy system set up.
10.  Take someone with you to open houses, listing appointments, and showings.
11.  If a buyer wants to see houses in an area you perceive as unsafe, don’t go.
12.  Carry pepper spray on your key ring and in your car and know how to use it.  Take a personal safety or self-defense course.
13.  Exercise caution when being approached by a vehicle with blue lights at night.  Call 911 to identify the vehicle, turn on your flashers to acknowledge that you see the police car, and keep moving until you are in a well-lit area.  A legitimate law enforcement official will understand your caution. (Realtor Magazine)

Once again, these are things we all know and follow through with most of the time.  However, the minute we let our guard down that is when the unexpected situation happens.  You don’t want to become a victim of a crime.  In fact your goal should be to enjoy your career as a professional real estate agent and REFUSE to be a victim of crime!!

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!

Share on Facebook Share on Facebook

Share This

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Netvouz
  • DZone
  • ThisNext
  • MisterWong
  • Wists
  • Technorati

Comments

5 Responses to “Self-Defense For Realtors-Stay Ahead Of The Predators/Perpetrators”

  1. Randy Nichols on February 21st, 2008 12:00 am

    I found your site on google blog search and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. Just added your RSS feed to my feed reader. Look forward to reading more from you.

    - Randy Nichols.

  2. admin on February 21st, 2008 7:34 am

    Randy, thanks for visiting my site. Appreciate the nice comment and will keep on talking to women (and men) about staying safe 24/7.

    Cheryl

  3. Self-Defense and Safety Scenarios For Realtors | Self-Defense With An Attitude on May 20th, 2008 10:30 am

    […] 3: Showing a Property Don’t let the fact that he acted normally on other showings cause you to let your guard down. […]

  4. Realtors-How Prepared Are You For The Unexpected Predator Visiting Your Open House? | Self-Defense With An Attitude on August 24th, 2008 11:26 am

    […] you are like a lot of realtors who have had no issues or confrontations with potential perpetrators, personal safety may not be […]

  5. Realtors - Open House Tips - Are You Aware? - Realtor Safety 911 - Your Personal Safety is up to YOU! on September 27th, 2008 9:20 pm

    […] you are like a lot of realtors who have had no issues or confrontations with potential perpetrators, personal safety may not be […]

Leave a Reply




Close
E-mail It