SAFETY TIPS FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS!

Our blog has always and mostly talked about property related news, properties in Ahmedabad, latest trends in real estate and so on…

But, there is one very important topic – related to real estate – which we tend to overlook; and that is Real Estate Agent Safety.

In our country, there are many who choose to become real estate agents… the commissions are high and people are always going to look for a place to live; so the workflow is good too.  

But, we cannot forget, that these agents; men and women alike have certain risks attached to their work.

Firstly, being a real estate agent is not a ‘desk job’. It involves a lot of ‘house showing’. 

These houses can be located anywhere.. and might need showcasing at any odd hour too!

However, with a number of agents being raped, robbed and murdered while showing homes and other properties, it is necessary to be up to date with security tips. Better armed than sorry….

A lot of real estate agencies have implemented safety measures for their agents, however, at an individual level – there are many things you can do to minimize the risks of an attack on yourself. 

     1. Verify the identity of your client:

    

    You should always ask for a cell phone number and id proof before entertaining a  client. To verify, call the cell number at a random time! If it is going to be your first   meeting, ask for a scanned copy of his or her id proof to be mailed to you in advance.

     2. Do not meet unknown customers at a property:

Never meet a potential customer directly at the property. Follow the first step to avoid unnecessary hassles later on.

   3. Leave a soft copy of your schedule for the day…specifying which property you will be viewing with whom:

Give someone in your office an itinerary of properties you plan to show and tell them to check in as often as possible by calling you. You can also use certain pre-decided ‘code phrases’ to alert your office about uncomfortable situations or emergencies without your customer knowing what you have communicated.

For example – “help!” can be communicated by using the code word “please check the red file on my desk…” This will alert your office which will then head out to help you.

     4.  Insist on using your own car for viewing properties:

Never get into a car with someone you don't know. Use your vehicle for showings or ask your customer to follow you in another car. If by any chance you encounter a threatening situation while driving, either hit the brakes hard suddenly of purposely ‘create’ a minor accident… this will create public attention giving you time to report the attack or escape. Remember to be as noisy as you can.

Finally, pay attention to little things like keeping your cell phone on vibrate mode to avoid detection; keeping the local police station’s number on speed dial, carrying pepper spray of a small pocket weapon for self defense, letting your customers enter a room while you stay by the door and paying good attention to exits.

In such matters, there is only little knowledge can do. 

One needs a strong presence of mind and an even stronger instinct. Be sure to trust your instincts… if you feel uncomfortable about a person you have to work with, alert your office immediately!

Never compromise with your safety! Hope you stay alert and vigilant at all times…