- Ten Commandments of Agent
Safety
Most crimes committed
against real estate agents are crimes of
opportunity. When the opportunity exists, the
criminal acts.
The precautions that
follow are intended to minimize those
opportunities, thereby effectively eliminating the
crime.
1. DO NOT MEET A STRANGER AT
ANY PPROPERTY. Ask to meet at your office (or a
public place after office hours) so others can see
the prospect. Take a partner (another agent,
broker, family member).
2. TAKE YOUR CAR. Your
environment is safer. Never ride with a
stranger.
3. AVOID WORK AFTER DARK.
Close an open house well before dark. Show property
only during daylight. If possible, write and
counter offers during daylight. If not possible,
use a partner.
4. DRESS FOR SAFETY. Dress
professionally, yet comfortably. Wear comfortable
shoes. Avoid expensive jewelry. Do not carry large
amounts of money.
5. SET A SHOWING ITINERARY.
Use a standard form. Leave a copy with the office
or a family member. Let prospect know that the copy
exists.
6. USE A PROSPECT ID FORM.
Before showing property, have a prospect disclose
on a printed form such information as name,
address, auto make and model, auto tag, driver's
license, local address, and two references. Verify
the information before leaving.
7. USE AN AGENT ID FORM. Make
sure your office knows your auto make and model,
license, tag, credit card numbers.
8. ESTABLLISH A CODED
DISTRESS SIGNAL. When necessary, be able to call
the office or home with a message that would appear
harmless to a prospect but would alert
others.
9. STOP WORKING IMMEDIATELY.
At the first suspicious signal, inconsistent
answers, or abnormal or strange behavior, cease
working with the prospect. Trust your gut feelings.
An embarassing moment or a lost sale is better than
the alternative.
10. NOTIFY YOUR BROKER
IMMEDIATELY. The broker should decide what action
to take at that time.
This information provided by
the REALTOR Safety Subcommittee of the Health
& Safety Committee, Birmingham Area Board
of REALTORS
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