Following the brutal and senseless murder of one of Windermere's most well-liked agents, Mike Emert, the company is issuing the following memo today to alert agents to use caution while showing properties. On behalf of Windermere, the company would like to share these tips with all Agent News readers.
Vigilance is key to staying safe:
First, trust your instincts - They will always be your first line of defense.
When holding an open house:
Make sure you are aware of all of the exits in the home and that they are unlocked.
Do not park your car in the driveway. Your exit can easily be blocked. Keep your car keys easily accessible.
Never enter a bedroom. From a safety perspective, you want easy access to the hallway exit.
Always follow the prospect throughout the house. Never lead and keep a reasonable distance between the two of you.
Carry your cell phone with you at all times. If you are alone, you can alert prospects who walk in that you won't be alone for long. Pretend to be on the phone when a prospect walks in and say, "I'm at the open house at 123 Elm Street. If you want to deliver the paper work here, I'll see you in about 5 minutes."
After an open house, make sure all windows and doors are locked. Thieves have been known to come in as potential buyers and unlatch windows while they were there so they can re-enter the house later.
When showing prospects
Obviously, the more you know about the prospect the better. If prospects meet with a lender first, documentation is usually requested that can confirm their identity. Some agents are even asking for photo ID, and photocopy it before showing houses to a prospect.
When leaving the office, be obvious about telling someone where you will be. Stop at the front desk with your prospects and hand the secretary copies of the listings you are visiting and say, "I'll be showing these homes to Mr. Jones today. Would you please put these copies on my desk?"
If you are on floor time alone in the evenings, the "I'll see you in five minutes" telephone trick referenced above works well.
One real estate agent who also does safety training said "The ultimate defense is trusting your gut...don't question your misgivings. Your instincts are trying to tell you something."
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Published: January 12, 2001
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Blanche Evans is the award-winning senior editor of Realty Times, the Internet's leading independent real estate news service. She is featured daily on the Realty Times Video Network in the "Realty Viewpoint" segment.
Blanche has been named one of the "25 Most Influential People In Real Estate" by REALTOR Magazine, and has been twice recognized as a "notable." In 2005, she was named "Top Reporter Covering the NAR" by Delahaye-Bacon's.
Blanche is a renowned author of five real estate books. Her newest, Bubbles, Booms and Busts: Make Money In Any Real Estate Market, McGraw-Hill, was rave-reviewed by The New York Times. She was also selected from hundreds of real estate experts to contribute to Donald Trump's book, Trump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received: 100 Top Experts Share Their Strategies, Rutledge Hill Press, and is featured on page 68.
In 2006, Blanche was selected among scores of candidates to author two consumer real estate guidebooks for the National Association of Realtors: The NAR Guide to Home Buying, and The NAR Guide to Home Selling, Wiley & Sons. She is currently planning two new books for the NAR and its members.
Known for her keen insight into real estate industry issues and for her ability to make complex subjects easy to understand, Blanche is a sought-after keynote and continuing education speaker. Real estate organizations from MLSs, to brokerages, to franchisors, to associations hire her to provide up-to-the-minute analysis of real estate industry news and advice on how to improve revenues. Her passionate delivery, peppered with stinging wit, is a huge hit with audiences and fans.
Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, Blanche Evans, Richard Courtney, president 2007, GRAR
"The GNAR membership meeting last week featured Blanche Evans as the keynote speaker. Her comments and insights resonated extremely well with those in attendance and we have had many requests for copies of her PowerPoint Presentation. She was a terrific part of the membership meeting and convention program!" - Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors
Blanche Evans is the award-winning senior editor of Realty Times, the Internet's leading independent real estate news service. She is featured daily on the Realty Times Video Network in the "Realty Viewpoint" segment.
