In today’s ever changing world, uncertainty is always a factor. In order to mitigate this uncertainty, we reached out on THE LANDING and asked REALTORS® for their best safety advice while on the job. Here's what they had to say:
- Know where you’re going, who you’re going with, and when you’re going.
This idea came from Cricket Anderson who said she has a calendar in her office that all her agents share and every appointment she has goes on the calendar, including information such as who she’s showing with, and what the showing times are.
- Share you location on your phone.
This great tip came from Elizabeth Smith. Most smartphones have the ability to share your location so if something were to happen to you, the police can track your location. (Fun fact: If you don’t have a phone that can share its location through its own services, there is a way around it. Snapchat has a location sharing feature through your phone’s GPS which can be used in place of a location sharing feature.)
Sometimes the best way to protect yourself is to just trust your gut. If something seems off or unusual, then leave the situation. Ask someone to come to your location, or let someone you know where you are and the time you got there.
Pictures rarely lie. Janet Bezzerides recommends when meeting a buyer for the first time at a property, you take a photo of their license plate and text it to your broker. I’d even go as far as taking a picture of the individual you are meeting so if something were to happen, the police would have an accurate photo of the perpetrator.
More often than not the best defense is a good offence. Make sure whatever you decide to use is legal in your area. If you're not certain, check with local police to make sure it's legal before buying. If opting to go for a weapon that requires a permit, make sure to get the permit. If weapons aren’t your thing, look into a self-defense course. Most cities have an organization that teaches self-defense and vital skills that can save your life. Several Local Boards/Associations also offer self-defense sessions.
- Secure your personal home.
When advertising open houses, Isabelle Jimenez Walker recommends securing your own house since you never know who may be looking at your advertisements and know that you are not home.
- Always follow, never lead.
This may not seem like some good life advice, but when working with a stranger, these words may save your life. By letting the guest enter first, you are keeping your exits open as well as keeping an eye on what they do. This excellent piece of advice was given by Jennifer Piglowski. She also recommended that if entering a basement or an upstairs area, allow your guest to go up or down first so they don’t block your only exit out.
Safety should always be top of mind when working with clients. It is better to be prepared for uncertainty than be caught off guard with no plan.