REAL ESTATE SAFTEY TIPS:

1. Know who you are dealing with. Pre-qualify potential clients. Therefore, all their identification and information will be noted. Meet your customers and clients in your office and ask them to fill out a customer identification form. Verify information and most importantly, photocopy or scan their driver’s license. If they question it, tell them it is office policy.
   
2. Live by the 3 W’s. Tell someone who you are meeting, where you are going and when you will be back. If possible, make sure your prospect knows that you have shared this with others. An office itinerary form is one way to take care of this.
   
3. Keep a charged cell phone by your side. Keep your cell phone fully charged and by your side. A cell phone in your purse will not be very accessible. Program 911 into your speed dial.
   
4. Wireless Panic Buttons for Subdivision Agents. Most security companies now offer wireless panic buttons that can be worn around your neck.
   
5. Car Safety. Take your own car. If you must take one car, you drive. Always have your keys with you. Park in well lit areas. Keep your car in good running condition.
   
6. Trust Your Instincts. If your gut feeling tells you something isn’t right, trust it. It’s better to walk away and play it safe.
   
7. Dress Safely. Your image is important; however, dress for safety as well. Expensive jewelry can attract the wrong attention. Wear your cell phone on you (not in your purse) and put on shoes that you can move well in.
   
8. Marketing. Think twice about placing your home phone number on your marketing materials and business cards. Limit personal information that you share.
   
9. Let customers lead. During a showing, always walk behind your clients. If possible, leave the front door open and leave all interior doors open. Avoid showing attics and basements unless it is really necessary.
   
10. Open Houses. Use the buddy system and take a friend, wear your cell phone and be aware of your surroundings. Worst case scenario, if someone is creepy, leave the home and seek assistance.
    
11. Have Prearranged Distress Signals (or Code Words). For example, you can tell a caller that it is in the red folder, yellow folder or green folder. Red means it is the other person’s duty to call 911 now. Green means you are ok and yellow means you are feeling a bit shaky. You can tell someone in the office or your spouse; It is in the red folder that has 123 Main Street (the address you are currently at.) If possible, tell the customer that the reception in the house is bad and you need to go outside to make the call. Don’t go back in.
    
12. Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover. You can not always tell by looking at someone if they are dangerous. Expect them to dress well and drive a nice car.
    
13. Don’t be Alone. If you are worried, you can tell your client that another real estate agent will be joining you all any minute now to look at the property. When alone, have others call you on your cell phone to track your safety and whereabouts.
    

                                                             Originally posted by FMLS in GA to honor 2 agents who were killed in November of 2003. I thought that we might need to remember these tips when showing homes.