Realtor Watch

Training Objectives Topics:  Introduction to safety.  Initial client meeting.  Showing at night.  Model homes.

Training Objectives Topics:  Open house.  Danger signals.  Confrontation.  What to do when trapped.  What can we do?

Are You Safe  Statistics tell us that people whose business brings them in contact with strangers out of their office are at more risk than those who stay in the office.  Real Estate and Insurance Agents are among those who place themselves in potentially compromising positions daily.  Protect yourself - criminals fit no particular mold.

Initial Meeting Safety tips for initial client meeting:  Meet at your office before showing property.  Obtain a photocopy of client driver license or photo I.D.  Leave copy posted in the office along with other identifying info.

Initial Meeting Safety tips for initial client meeting:  Introduce client to co workers.  Tell office staff in front of client you will call the office periodically.

During The Meeting Safety tips while you show:  Call your office upon arrival at each location as a safety check. If no one answers your call, fake it.  Take your own vehicle and ask the client to follow you in their car.  Your office should have all your vehicle information.  Communicate with other Realtors about any suspicious individuals or incidents.  Carry your cell phone with you.

At Night Safety tips while you show at night:  Try not to show homes or property at night.  If you must: use two salespeople and tell your office or someone you will call regularly.  Carry a flashlight.  Leave lights on outside the place you are showing and leave the door open.

At Night Safety tips while you show at night:  See that the client stays in front of you at all times and continually plan an escape route.  Day or night; in or out of the office - - Have a pre-planned code word for a distress signal.

Model Homes Safety tips for model homes:  Use two salespeople if possible.  If you cannot; make it look as if there are two there, ie: phone message, coffee cups, men’s jacket or coat.  Position desk for best view of front door.  Always leave a way out.

Open House Safety tips for open house events:  Let prospects ring bell for access through locked entry door.  Two or more salespeople if possible.  Allow prospects to self tour or walk behind them.  Make those safety check calls to the office.  Neighbors should know you are showing.

Open House Safety tips for open house events:  Never advertise home as vacant.  Do not wear expensive jewelry.  Lock purse and keys out of the sales/office area.

Danger Signals Behavior to look out for:  Prospect wants appointment immediately.  Male asks to be picked up/can’t come to the office.  Tells you they have large sum of money to invest.  Prospect refuses to give personal information.

Confrontation What to do when in a confrontation:  Never go with them in a car.  If situation gets bad, give up property or possessions.  Use that cell phone.  Make noise/use noisemaker.  Use panic button on car alarm.  Use pepper spray.  Run in opposite direction of a pursuing car.

Trapped What to do when trapped: If there is nothing else that can be done and you must stand and fight use anything available:  Heel of shoe  Keys  Comb  Fireplace tool  Umbrella  Flashlight

Minimize the Risk Ways to help minimize the risk:  Educate yourself on safety programs.  Support a Realtor Watch Program.  Dress professionally but simply and comfortably.  Talk with fellow agents. Learn from their near miss experiences.  What you don’t know can hurt you.

Conclusion Nothing is foolproof but if we help just once, this program will be a success. Remember to always think about safety when showing properties. Keep a few of these tips in mind and one day they may come in handy and keep you safe.

Thank You Any questions?

Contact Us Emergencies – Dial 911 Non-emergency #’s:  Dade City:  Land O Lakes:  New Port Richey: Pasco Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit:   , ext.5508