1. If possible, always try to have at least one other person working with you at the open house.
2. Check your cell phone’s strength and signal prior to the open house. Have emergency numbers programmed on speed dial.
3. Upon entering a house for the first time, check all rooms and determine several “escape” routes. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster escape.
4. Make sure that if you were to escape by the back door, you could escape from the backyard. Frequently, high fences surround yards that contain swimming pools or hot tubs.
5. Have all open house visitors sign in. Ask for full name, address, phone number and e-mail.
6. When showing the house, always walk behind the prospect. Direct them; don’t lead them. Say, for example, “The kitchen is on your left,” and gesture for them to go ahead of you.
7. Avoid attics, basements, and getting trapped in small rooms.
8. Notify someone in your office, your answering service, a friend or a relative that you will be calling in every hour on the hour. And if you don’t call, they are to call you.
9. Inform a neighbor that you will be showing the house and ask if he or she would keep an eye and ear open for anything out of the ordinary.
10.Don’t assume that everyone has left the premises at the end of an open house. Check all of the rooms and the backyard prior to locking the doors. Be prepared to defend yourself, if necessary.
It is time to be aware of the potential dangers for Real Estate Professionals who are exposing themselves to perfect strangers who may have ill intentions.
Most people are kind and do not wish to bring harm and violence; however, a Realtor’s personal safety must always be top priority on all Realtor’s minds.
Once we catch the importance of Realtor’s Safety into our hearts and minds, then, the next step is to become diligent in developing a course of action for Safety. It could really be a matter of life or death.
Power Point: We must never forget our colleagues who lost their lives during their job.
Let’s work together! What say you? What are you doing as a Real Estate Professional to be Safe? Let me hear from you. Share your stories.
MC Griffin Campbell, Broker/Owner: CalBRE #: 01819507
Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) Certification
Seniors Real Estate Specialist Designation (SRES); MA, M.Div.
323-382-4364: 323-464-5431
www.hollywoodhomesbymcampbell.com
email:
www.blogtalkradio.com/child-safety (Real Estate Navigator)
