5 Things Real Estate Agents Can Do TODAY to Reduce Their Risks When Working…Which Will You Start Doing Today?

Two recent news stories have made me decide to share some actionable, realistic safety tips that you can implement today. In one story, in the Atlanta area, an agent was robbed and was the victim of attempted rape while working in a sales office. In Newark, Ohio, several female agents were targeted by a man who harassed them based on their pretty pictures. Agents need to take their safety into their own hands if safety training is not provided.



1. Do not wear expensive jewelry when working. When hosting an open house or working in a leasing/sales office in a new home subdivision. Do not have valuables in sight such as: lap tops, purses, smart phones or any other expensive electronics. Crime is about opportunity. Don’t tempt thieves and make it easy.



2. Be careful when using your picture to promote your business. Recognition is flattering and can help you be known and recognized in your community, but it also allows you to be targeted by the small segment of the population that is predatory. If you must use a picture, limit use to just your business cards that you personally hand out to people that you meet and make it strictly professional. Save the glamour-shot type photos for personal use. Limit public use, signs, billboards, marketing mailings etc. You cannot control who will see it and target you.





3. ALWAYS make sure someone knows where you are and when you are to be expected back.





4. Trust your gut instinct. Never doubt it. Never question it. Do not try to reason why you get a gut feeling about someone or something. Don’t judge people based on appearance, regardless of attire, what they drive, how expensive their clothing is, how clean-cut they are, the fact that they may be female or have a female or child in tow. Criminals know how to not look like a criminal and they know that people are more trusting of women. Criminals come in both genders. Let your intuition be your guide. Get out of the situation immediately.





5. Use technology and social media safely. Invest in smart phone safety apps. Use social media safely. Do not advertise your location, it makes it easy for criminals to know where you are, to target you, and where you aren’t (at home), to rob you. Know what is being said about you online. “Google” yourself regularly. Set up “Google Alerts” with your name, your name and your company. Visit www.pipl.com to see what personal information is out in cyberspace about you. You will be shocked and amazed. Realize that there is no such thing as privacy online, no matter what your privacy settings are.



Join my Real Estate Agent Safety Forum group on Linked In to stay informed and safe! http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Real-Estate-Agent-Safety-Forum-2022992?home=&gid=2022992&trk=anet_ug_hm&goback=%2Egmp_2022992