As a parent, one of the things that is always on my mind is the safety of my family. It is a fundamental trait that every parent can relate to… especially these days. No person is immune to some unforeseen tragedy that may come their way. There is no worse feeling than having something bad happen and especially knowing that it may have been prevented if there were certain safety measures put it place. But it all starts with awareness. At their earliest ages, we teach our kids to avoid strangers, look both ways, check-in regularly, and on… and on.
Well, the same is true in the business world and I think the real estate business is one that can find some agents particularly vulnerable if they do not consider safety.
Local associations discuss safety protocols for Realtors, as does NAR. NAR has even instituted a “Realtor Safety Program.”
The goal of NAR’s REALTOR® Safety Program is to educate members about the potential dangers you face on the job, so you are not only aware, but also prepared to keep yourself safe and reduce the risks, so you come home safely to your family every night. This is done by creating and implementing a Safety Strategy that you follow every day, with every client, every time.
Examples include:
- Always meet new clients at the office or in a neutral location, like a coffee shop
- Share your schedule with a colleague, assistant, or family member
- Communicate safety concerns on your listing (poor cell phone signal, etc.)
- Do not overshare about your personal life
- Do not host open houses alone
- Check your cell phone battery and signal before heading to an appointment
- Direct clients to walk in front of you when touring a property, do not lead them
- Never go into attics, crawl spaces, or garages where you could be trapped
These are just some examples of how you can begin to make yourself more aware of safety issues that relate to our business. I think we can all benefit from these safety measures. It all starts with awareness.
Have a great & SAFE weekend everyone.
TERRY Talks 