Read the full story on the Real Estate Agent Safety Forum group news page at Linked In:
http://www.linkedin.com/newsArticle?viewDiscussion=&articleID=66180116&gid=2022992Please join the group while there. Or, read the news article at
www.safetyandsecuritysource.comIronically, September is Real Estate Agent Safety Month. This agent was successful in doing what she needed to do to survive; she is to be commended for that!
It is an unfortunate wake-up call that there are bad guys (and gals) out there willing to prey upon innocent and hardworking agents. It doesn’t matter where you live. It doesn’t matter what the price levels of the homes that you show. You have to take extra measures to protect yourself in this high-risk line of work. The recession makes people desperate, as well.
I make a living training agents to take some of the danger out of their jobs. I just completed the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors orientation, I recently returned from Lincoln (Nebraska) Association of Realtors and am heading to the St. Louis (Missouri) Association of Realtors next week to share safety information. If you have heard me, share your feedback and comments about the program. Contact me to get your office or Association scheduled.
A 3-hour CE class is now available. It covers retail, residential safety issues from screening to showing techniques to hosting safe open houses and more. It also covers REO/Foreclosure specific safety issues, FSBO safety (and listing) information and helps you help neighbors keep their neighborhoods safe. This is the most comprehensive, industry specific class available. I have a 1-hour non-credit class, too.
Safety tip of the week:
CITO (Come Into The Office)- Have your “clients” meet you at your office before showing them properties. Tell them it is office or agent policy (if it isn’t it should be a strong suggestion by Brokers/Managers). Have them fill out a Client Information Form and get a copy of their I.D. Make sure they know that you are leaving that information in your office with another agent or the receptionist. Explain to them that it is simply a safety procedure for your office just in case something happens and an agent doesn’t come back on time. Let them know that someone knows where you are (leave an itinerary form or MLS printout, as well) and whom you are with. That immediately puts them on notice that you will be missed if you don’t show up when expected and that law enforcement officials will have their picture and know who you are with. If you change plans while showing, let them see you contact your office (or someone) and give them the updated information, location and new arrival times.
Would-be criminals typically will not go to these measures if they aren’t really interested in buying a house. They are looking for an easy victim. If someone objects when you say your office has safety rules that you need to follow, you need to question their motives.
SHARE whether or not your office or Association is hosting a safety program this month. What is the safety advice that has had the most impact on you and that you have found most effective regarding your job that you have received?
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