Personal Safety Issues of Prime Concern to Realtors

Personal Safety
Sometimes my mother's intuitions scare me. They always seem to come true. Not long ago she started talking to me about my Realtor sister, Shela, not taking proper safety precautions when she shows property or hosts an open house. I rolled my eyes and thought Mom was being overly protective or watching too much television; but as it turns out, she was absolutely right to worry. Sure enough, less than 3 weeks after our discussion, I read two news alerts in the same week about Florida Realtors being beaten up, shot at, and robbed while on a listing call. A week later I read yet another report of violence that took place at an open house. It can be downright scary when you think about it, and I don't mean to alarm anyone unnecessarily; but, truth be known, you could have a total psycho in your car and never even know it! I mean who looked more normal than Ted Bundy for Pete's sake, and we all know how that turned out! I hope everyone has a plan of action if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation. If you don't have plan, make one and put it in place immediately.

According to a recent Washington Association of Realtors press release, 21 real estate agents met violent deaths on the job last year. Selling real estate is a high-risk profession no matter what state you live in. As mobile professionals, Realtors frequently meet with people about whom they know little, and enter properties that could be sheltering an attacker. Although attacks aren't limited to females, there is no question that women Realtors are more vulnerable.

So, everyone, please be careful. Follow basic safety precautions while you're on the job. I'm sure the NAR, FAR and RAMC all have safety tips on their Web Sites, and since you're members, you can easily access that information. Here is a quick link to another site that offers safety tips and guidance especially for Realtors (www.protectionagainstcrime.com).

Stay safe :]

N.L. Amelse
09/02/03
nikki@treasurecoasthost.com

Phone: 772-214-4670 or send an email to: nikki@treasurecoasthost.com