SPOTLIGHT:

Realtor Safety

Showing Empty Properties

Your personal safety is of utmost importance to all of us at Pillar To Post. Take these smart steps to protect and empower yourself against attack or theft when showing a property.

• Use the lock/key/app procedure that has been established so that keys or codes don’t fall into the wrong hands.

• Show properties before dark. If you must show a property after dark, alert or bring along an associate, turn on all lights as you go through, and keep window coverings open.

• Check in with someone on your team once an hour to let people know where you are.

• Prepare a scenario so that you can leave, or to encourage someone who makes you uncomfortable to leave. Examples: Your cell phone alerts and you have to call your office; you left some important information in your car; another agent with buyers is on the way.

• Leave the front door unlocked for a quick exit while you and the client are inside. As you enter each room, stand near the door.

• Lock your purse in the car trunk before you arrive. Carry only non-valuable business items (but hold on to your phone). Don’t wear expensive jewelry or watches, or appear to be carrying large sums of money. 

• Park at the curb in front of the property instead of in the driveway. It is much easier to escape in your vehicle if you don't have to back out of a driveway. And while parked in a driveway another vehicle could purposefully or accidentally trap you.

Sources: Louisiana REALTORS^® Association; Washington Real Estate Safety Council; City of Albuquerque, NM; Nevada County Association of REALTORS^®; City of Mesa, AZ.

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