If you’re a REALTOR®, you undoubtedly do the following all of the time, but did you know that you could be putting yourself in danger? Here’s how you can stay on guard and protect yourself. You can read the Canadian Real Estate Association’s “The Safe Side: REALTOR® Safety Issues” booklet here.
1. Entering foreclosed or vacant homes
The Risk: Foreclosures may attract unexpected house guests — such as squatters — or former home owners refusing to leave. The homes also may be damaged and poorly lit or attract wildlife since it’s abandoned, leading to more potential safety hazards.
Safety Tips:
- Inspect the exterior. Walk around the perimeter before you enter the house and make sure the door hasn’t been kicked in and no windows are shattered. Call police immediately if you suspect someone is on the property.
- Don’t confront a squatter. If a squatter is in the home, leave immediately. Call law enforcement once you’ve left and allow police to deal with any trespassers.
- Use the buddy system. Ask another REALTOR®, office staff, spouse, friend, or family member to come with you when you show the home.
- Let others know where you are. Before you leave, tell other REALTORS®, office staff, family, or friends where you are, whom you are with, and when you expect to return.
- Visit during the day. Visiting homes at night makes it more dangerous. Try to make appointments during daylight hours when possible.
2. Meeting with a new client for the first time
The Risk: Meeting with people you don’t know can put your safety at risk. You don’t know whether this person could potentially be a criminal, stalker, thief, or worse.
Safety Tips:
- Meet at the office first. Get them on your territory before you visit any property so you can learn more and collect personal information about them for your files.
- Ask for identification. The public is used to having their identification checked, so don’t be reluctant to ask because you’re scared you’ll offend someone. Tell clients it’s company policy that all clients’ drivers licenses are photocopied. This could significantly reduce your risk because the bad guys don’t want to give you their ID or get their picture taken.
- Fill out an Individual Identification Record for the new client. CREA has provided a form that you can use to meet your Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act here.
- Introduce them to a coworker. When you meet them at the office, introduce them to at least one other person in your office. Criminals won’t like that others have seen them for identification purposes.
3. Showing a property alone
The Risk: You’re touring vacant properties with strangers.
Safety Tips:
- Use the buddy system. There’s always strength in numbers. Whether you bring a coworker, spouse, or even your German shepherd, avoid going alone.
- Don’t go into confined places. Avoid basements and attics — it’s too easy to become trapped. Instead, know the selling points of these rooms and remain in the foyer on the first floor with the front door open as the potential buyer tours these areas. If you must join them in each room, always stay by the door, leaving doors open so you can flee more easily if necessary.
- Walk behind. Let potential buyers take the lead when exploring a home, with you always following behind.
- Let others know where you are. Tell them where you are going, when you will be back, and who you’re with. Better yet: Share this information while the client is with you so they know someone else knows where you are.
- Have an excuse. If you feel uncomfortable, tell the person your “cell phone or beeper went off and I have to call the office” or “another agent with buyers is on his way.”
4. Open houses
The Risk: You’re inviting the public to a property, which is an invitation to anyone, from thieves to those who might want to harm you.
Safety Tips:
- Promote security in your advertisements. When you advertise the open house, note that identification will be required at the front door and video surveillance will be in use.
- Partner up. When would-be assailants see two people at the front door, they’ll be less likely to go in.
- Introduce yourself to neighbours. Let them know you’ll be showing the house so others know that you are there.
- Watch for patterns. At an open house, note any patterns in arrivals, particularly near the end of the open house. One common scam: Thieves come near the end of the open house, working as a team. They have “buyers” distract the agent as others steal valuables in the home.
- Stow away your valuables. Never leave your purse, laptop, or wallet unattended on the counter in plain view. Keep them in the trunk of your car. However, always keep your cell phone on you so you can call for help if you need to. Also, before the open house, tell your clients to put away all of their valuables, prescription drugs, and mail.
5. Transporting strangers in your car
The Risk: You’re showing houses to potential buyers and chauffeuring them in your car from house to house. Most people don’t pick up hitchhikers, yet real estate professionals put strangers in their car all of the time and don’t think anything of it. There’s a risk of being robbed, your car being stolen, and you victimized.
Safety Tips
- Drive separately. Have the client follow you from listing to listing. If you absolutely have to take one car, then you should drive.
- Watch where you park. Make sure your car won’t be blocked in and that you park in a place where you’ll be able to get out quickly. Park on the street or the curb, if possible, experts say.
Security is all about layers of protection. Open house signage, notation in ads, using the buddy system — everything that you do is an extra layer of security. The more you do, the more secure you’ll be.