September is safety month, and a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of staying safe on the job. Here are some tips* on how to keep yourself & others safe.
Tip #1: Keep it light
Show properties before dark. If you are going to be working after hours, advise someone of your schedule. If you must show a property after dark, turn on all lights as you go through, and don't lower any shades or draw curtains or blinds.
Tip #2: New Client
If possible, have a new client complete a Prospect Identification Form. Also, photocopy their driver’s license and retain this information. Be certain to properly discard this personal information when you no longer need it.
Tip #3 Keep in Touch
Always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back; leave the name and phone number of the client you are meeting and schedule a time for your office to call you to check in.
Tip #4 - You take the wheel
Whenever possible, take your own car to a showing. When you leave your car, lock it.
Tip #5 - Establish a distress code
Create a voice distress code, a secret word or phrase that is not commonly used but can be worked into any conversation for cases where you feel that you are in danger. Use this if the person you are with can overhear the conversation, but you don’t want to alarm them. Example: “Hi, this is Jennifer. I’m with Mr. Henderson at the Elm Street listing. Could you email me the RED FILE?”
Tip #6 - Take two seconds to evaluate potential risks.
- Are people coming and going or is the area unusually quiet?
- Do you observe any obstacles or hiding places in the parking lot or along the street?
- Is anyone loitering in the area?
Tip #7 - Bring Up the Rear
When showing a home, always have your prospect walk in front of you, so that your exit is never blocked. Direct them from a position slightly behind them. You can gesture for them to go ahead of you and say, for example, “The kitchen is in the back of the house.”
*All tips are taken from NAR's REALTOR® Safety Resource Kit. Direct your members to your own association website or to NAR's safety web pages at www.nar.realtor/Safety for more information on the important topic of REALTOR® safety.