First, I want to thank Kate Irvine for her recent post making us all aware of a possible safety concern. Kate's concern and awareness is the perfect example of what I have always said: "Listen to your gut and proceed with extreme caution." YAPMO validated its importance to me once again when Kate made her post. I encourage you to always share safety concerns to promote awareness of a situation. Kate's post gave everyone immediate notice to be aware! (Thank you, Kate!)

Unless you are new to the company, or do not read the "Broker Bit" each week, you will know that I am always concerned for YOUR safety.

As awesome 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/condo or in an isolated area without thinking twice about it. These days need to be OVER! YOU should NEVER consider meeting a total stranger anywhere without someone with you or a plan.   

"Better Safe Than Sorry"

Times have changed! 
Criminals' mindsets have changed!
It is now time for YOUR mindset to change!

"Better Safe Than Sorry"

It is very easy to get complacent in our business, because we are not expecting a physical altercation based on the countless number of times we have placed ourselves in the perfect negative situation, or location, and nothing has happened.

Every REALTOR® that has been assaulted or even worse, lost their life, thought this same thing right before they arrived at the location that changed their life and their family's lives forever. I have mentioned previously that I have had a gun pointed at me when I showed up for a "scheduled" selling appointment. I can assure you this is not a position you want to find yourself! My situation took place in a location that took me 100% off guard. It was in the middle of the day at a high-rise condominium with hundreds of people on the property. My mindset changed that day! 

"Better Safe Than Sorry"

I can assure you that Beverly Carter (Arkansas REALTOR®) or Ashley Okland (Iowa REALTOR®) wish they had the opportunity to change their mindset. If you do not know who these REALTORS® are, Google them! Their horrific story will change your mindset!

"Better Safe Than Sorry"

Unfortunately, we can never be 100% prepared for evil, but there are a lot of things we can do to minimize the chances of us being in a negative situation. Here are just a few:

• Go to www.truepeoplesearch.com or any site that offers background information on your customer/client. Share this information with your Broker, admin, or fellow REALTOR®.
• Let at least one person know your plans and where you will be with a customer/ client. Provide this same person with as much information on the customer /client as possible. Have a call plan with this person. Let this person track you and/or your phone.
• Take a picture of the client's driver's license and/or car tag and leave it with someone. An innocent customer/client will NOT have a problem with you taking security measures for your safety.
• Take a fellow agent with you so they can learn about the property too.
• Drive through the neighborhood prior to a selling appointment to look for an exit strategy. 
• Identify the properties exits prior to appointment and keep all exit doors unlocked.
• Do not allow a client to ride in the same car to the selling appointment.
• 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. 
• Never agree to meet after dark at any location.
• Limit the amount of personal information that you share.
• If possible, make sure you have cell phone service at the meeting location prior to meeting.
• Have an excuse to exit ready!
• Don't get parked/blocked in. Your car needs to have access to LEAVE!
• Never tell a customer/client that the property is vacant!
• Trust your gut just as Kate did! If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Remove yourself from the situation. Do NOT worry about offending anyone!

"Better Safe Than Sorry"

NOW is the time to change your mindset! If you don't do it for yourself, do it for your friends and family.

"Better Safe Than Sorry"