Summary: Recently there was an article in the papers about a real estate agent was attacked while inspecting a vacant house. "According to police, the agent was doing a walk-thru of the house. As she entered the basement, a man grabbed her and began to assault her. The woman was able to fight off her assailant who ran from the house, police said." As Realtors, we must remain vigilant and take precautions to protect ourselves. I've shown vacant homes before where It was apparent that someone was staying there. Showing vacant homes can be dangerous particularly for women and even the client. I'd recommend for all realtors to carry some sort of protection because you never know when a situation like this can occur and your life or your clients may be at risk. Stay safe. To be honest, I'm always prepared when showing homes...or holding open houses - at least I feel I am. I carry a product that I bought at Sports Authority (among other things) - it shoots further than most, does a rapid fire release of pepper spray. My advice is if you are threatened fire it and go - don't hesitate and don't look back - get the heck out of there! Do’s Meet the buyer at the office. First it's never optimal to meet anyone you don't know at a property, you should first, meet them at the office and then show them houses. We are the only profession who agrees to meet a client fully on their terms . Does your lawyer, doctor or dentist do that? Even your insurance salesman doesn't meet you in the parking lot! Never precede a buyer into a house. Let them go in first, and you follow after they are well in the house, always follow behind, and never allow a buyer to block the exit. You stand nearest the exit. Leave the door open. Unlock other exit doors as soon as possible. Be careless with the truth. Use polite lies or exaggerate truths to avoid going with buyers into danger areas. For example, “ when going to basements or stairs say you have a bad back. Never show property after dark. Never show a home alone if you suspect squatters Do not show vacant homes to clients that you have not previously met in person, The vacant homes present danger to anyone, especially to our female realtors. . Preview the home to take note of escape routes and danger areas like dead ends. Arrive before your buyer and unlock the doors. Use a buddy system. Always make your office or someone aware of where you are going when you are out previewing vacant listings. Have a check-in system with a fellow agent. Be on the phone (or fake being on the phone) when your buyer shows up, and let them hear language such as, "Oh, the Smiths just showed up! I'll call you. ...let a team member know where we are and the contact information for the person(s) we're meeting (names, phone numbers, even auto tag numbers)--I'll make that phone call right in front of the party in some cases. Follow up with your check-in buddy at the end of the visit so they know you are safe. Have someone/office staffer calls to check on you during this time. There are apps for phones that can fake call you in x amount of minutes. Get a Man. The kind of people who are violent to women are intimidated by even the mere presence of a man. At minimum, have someone with you; such as partner up with another agent and preview each other's vacant listings. Have some type of a defensive spray and be ready to use it without any hesitation. Don’ts Do not get distracted. Do not hold OPEN HOUSE ALONE! Have a partner or spouse, or even better a loan officer to work with you as a team. There are "open house home shoppers" who are looking to steal jewelry or prescriptions or are just scanning the house for their comeback. Most of the time, they are professionally dressed, and not suspicious. Always be proactive. Never let your guard down. Safeguard yourself. Self Defense In some states receiving a license to carry a concealed weapon for lawful self-defense,
