When you become a real estate agent, it’s not the type of profession that most people consider dangerous. Statistically speaking, it’s not a dangerous profession. However, this line of work does warrant caution. Meeting someone who claims to be interested in a home shouldn’t lull you into thinking you’re secure. When you’re inviting a stranger into an empty home where you and the stranger will be alone, you can certainly take some precautions to ensure your safety. First, before you meet the potential client, ask them to drop by your office to sign a form. The prospect identity form is designed for your safety and the home buyer’s safety. With the completed prospect identity form, you’ll have the information you’ll need to confirm the person’s identity. Plus, your client may have some reservations about meeting a realtor alone. They can also feel a sense of security knowing your identity and seeing the location of your office. 
Share this Image on Your Site!
Simply copy and paste the code below and you can share this infographic on your site:
Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Always inform a colleague of your whereabouts
- Don’t show houses after hours when it’s dark outside
- Park your car in a place where it’s easy to escape
- Leave valuables in the trunk of your car
- Always carry a charged phone
- Arrive at your appointment early and unlock doors, open shades and curtains
- If you see signs of break-ins, exit the house and call the cops
- If something feels off, listen to your instinct and make up an excuse and leave
Using a Public Records Company can help you locate any police records, background checks, photos, assets, and contact information once you obtain the Prospect Identity Form. If you have a client who can only see the home after hours and they’ve submitted an identity form and checked out, it’s your preference to meet them, especially when it’s dark outside. If you feel comfortable with an after-hours showing, let a colleague, friend, or relative know your location and how long you plan to be there. It’s a simple measure to take. Make a plan. Let your spouse, partner, or friend know that you will call them after leaving the showing. Have a plan formulated for an unpleasant scenario. Locate the exits, and turn the lights on in the house. Your instinct is the most potent assault-preventing tool in your arsenal, so trust your instinct. Oftentimes, when we suspect something feels off, we shrug it off as being paranoid, or we don’t want to be rude. Imagine how animals in the wild are when they sense danger. They don’t stick around to give that person or animal the benefit of the doubt. They listen to their instinct and run away. That’s because they have a strong will to survive. Listen to your instinct if you sense danger and leave. Be cordial and quick. Get to know the neighbors in the unfamiliar neighborhood. If you see the neighbors, introduce yourself so that they will recognize you and your car. Here are other tips to follow for after hour showings:
- Keep all lights in the house on
- Leave doors open
- Park your car on the side of the street for a quick exit
- Never turn your back when showing the home
- Keep all doors in the house open
During an open house, use the same protocols above. Let the colleague know the location and time you plan to be there. Stash all valuables away. Needless to say, don’t tempt prospects or start an altercation. Always report any incident. Let the authorities handle it. To safeguard the homeowners, remove personal documents and mail from the premises to prevent identity theft. The crime statistics against realtors are generally low. Out of 1,458,661members, only 60,000 members were victims of a crime in 2020. For up-to-date statistics, visit NAR’s 2021 Member Safety Report. PeopleFinders can help you take out the guesswork by conducting a quick search. Stay safe and Happy Selling!
