For those that know me, they will tell you that I am all about "Safety first", everything else is second! As GREAT as our profession is, it is the only one that I am aware of that can put you solo with a total stranger in your car, in an empty home or condo, or in an isolated area without thinking anything negative. It is very normal for us to get a call, email or text from a total stranger and agree to meet them wherever they want to meet regardless of the time of day. If this was not work/commission related, we would NEVER consider meeting a total stranger anywhere. We tell our kids "Stranger – Danger," but we do not live by our own advice when it is related to a commission opportunity. 

In this day and time, you cannot be too safe! You should ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings and alert!

It is very easy to get complacent and comfortable in our business because we are thinking "nothing will happen to me" or "I can take care of myself".   I have had a gun pointed at me in this business so I can assure you this is not a position you want to be in especially if you are not alert!  We get complacent because we put the end goal, a successful closing, which means a commission in front of everything including our own safety.  You need to always be ready for the unexpected and have a plan on how you will react! 

If you don't think you should be concerned with your safety as a REALTOR®, google Beverly Carter / Arkansas REALTOR® or Ashley Okland / Iowa REALTOR®. This is not just a female issue. Men have also been set up for being robbed, beaten and even the same result as Beverly and Ashley. If you don't believe men should be concerned, then Google "He seemed a little off" Hampton Roads real estate agent where a Daphne, Alabama man killed a Portsmouth, Virginia agent.  

YOUR Safety this is NOT something you need to take lightly or think, "this would never happen to me" because I am sure this is exactly what each one of these REALTORS® thought before they became a victim.   

It is sad that we must be concerned but here are just a few tips to help you stay safe:

• Have the customer/client complete a Prospect Identification Form! (I will provide you a copy if you do not have one! Just let me know and I will send you one ASAP!)
• Never show properties after dark!
• Limit the amount of personal information you share with a prospect and on social media.
• Open Houses: Never Do One Alone! It's not over until it's over!  Do not let your guard down when leaving!
• Make sure you have cell service at each property location!
• Have an excuse ready!
• Don't get parked in! Your car needs to have access to LEAVE!
• Don't ever use the "V" word – The property is "Vacant".
• Let at least one person know where you are at all times related to your business. Provide this same person with as much information on the client as possible (copy of your Prospect Identification Form). Have a call plan with this person.
• Don't agree to a private showing unless you have already met this client at the office.
• Take a picture of the client's driver's license / car tag and leave it with someone you have told about this appointment.  An innocent client will NOT have a problem with you taking security measures for yourself. (This is included in the Prospect Identification Form Process.)
• Take a fellow agent with you so they can learn about the property too.
• Don't leave a client in your blind spot. Let them proceed in front of you.
• Drive through the neighborhood prior to a private showing to look for safety concerns. As this relates to condos, preview the location of the unit first for an exit strategy.
• Identify the properties exits prior to showing and keep all exit doors unlocked.
• Do not allow a client to ride in the same car unless you know them WELL!
• Don't wear expensive jewelry.
• Leave your purse in the trunk of your car.
• Dress professionally.
• Buy a personal security app for your cell phone and always keep your cell phone in your hand.
• Always be alert and prepared to defend yourself.  Keep pepper-spray close.
• Take a self-defense class(s).

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST . . . 

• Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, remove yourself from the situation. Do NOT worry about offending a client! Your safety is paramount!

Safety first, everything else is second!