Should there be industry reform regarding safety?
/24-7PressRelease/ - KANSAS CITY, MO, July 28, 2006 - The murder of a Texas real estate agent serves as a reminder to agents and those selling their own homes, of the dangers of meeting strangers at an empty property with no way to defend themselves. According to statistics from the Kentucky Real Estate Commission over 200 agents have been killed on the job from 1982-2000. Safety specialist, Tracey Hawkins, stresses following safety procedures and advises agents to arm themselves with effective safety products. Hawkins was featured on the Kansas City ABC news affiliate in January 2006 when a Kansas agent was attacked while showing a house.
Open house safety adds another level of safety concerns to an already dangerous job. Agents cannot control who comes in. "You have to be mindful of not violating Fair Housing laws by discriminating, but safety comes first." Hawkins advises agents to never work an open house alone. "There truly is safety in numbers. It increases 'witness potential', something a would-be criminal doesn't want." FSBO's (For Sale By Owners) also need to follow safety procedures. Hawkins thinks at least annual safety training should be mandatory for agents.
Have a cell phone handy with 911 pre-programmed. "Even better yet, grab the homeowners cordless phone if one is available. That way if you have to call for help from a land line, the address will pop up on the emergency dispatch operators screen and even if you can't talk, you know that help is on the way."
Do not wear expensive jewelry or have expensive electronic devices with you. They make you an easy target. "Crime is all about opportunity. If you are standing there with jewelry, PDAs, laptops, etc. you are extremely vulnerable. Leave them at home or at the office."
Do not have your picture on business cards, yard signs, websites, billboards, brochures, etc. Avoid 'glamour-type' pictures. The more your image is out there, the more of a target you are. Predators can target you if you fit their profile. They know that all they have to do is call the person in the picture and that agent will meet them at an empty house. They know that if they watch the announcements in the paper, they can see when that particular agent will be hosting an open house and have access to the agent either way.
Agents should insist that would-be buyers need to meet in their office first. This increases witness potential. If they can be identified, they are less likely to commit a crime. "Having been an agent and having a sister who is currently an agent, I know that it's easier to just meet the client/stranger at the house. That's unfortunate, but reality. It's just easier." Buyers should understand that agents who request this are doing so for their safety and not question the agent. "I tell them if the customer resists, to ask the customer what they would want their wife, daughter, or mother to do in the situation?
Hawkins also advises agents to not put personal information on their websites.
"I am appalled at the information that agents put out in public domain. They put not only their pictures, their family photos, even kids and pets. They put the names of their kids' school, put the name of their church on the websites as well. I have seen agents list where they hang out on weekends! This is too much information, it's ammunition for stalkers." Hawkins stresses keeping information strictly professional and save personal information for one on one relationship building once the agent is sure they are working with legitimate buyers.
FSBOs need to be aware of the safety risks of letting strangers walk through their homes, especially with their families present and the risk of theft. They also need to be concerned about holding open houses for the same reason as agents. Hawkins offers safety tips on her website for FSBOs including screening tips more.
If agents carry a security product, they need to do their research and make sure it is the best formula and most effective. "Having been in this business for over 11 years, I have seen companies come and go and seen some scary products. I went through pepper spray training at the Police Academy to be sure I knew what I was offering. Pepper spray is one of my most popular products, especially for agents. I need to tell them how it works and what it does. The safety product has to be accessible. If you can't get to it, you can't protect yourself." She offers sprays that look like ink pens, pagers, even lipstick and one for joggers. Oftentimes you want it to be visible, other times, you want to be discreet. "People need to check the expiration date of the spray and make sure it is pure OC, just like law enforcement officials and postal carriers use (it works on dogs, too)."
Hawkins travels to train agents, often after an attack occurs. Her goal is for companies and real estate associations to be proactive. She regularly trains agents for one of the largest real estate companies in the Midwest. She regularly trains Missouri and Kansas agents for the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors. She has been invited to train agents of other Realtor Associations and many national companies located in the Midwest.
About Safety and Security Source
Safety and Security Source has been in business for over 11 years. The company is dedicated to providing safety and security products and personal safety presentations to help reduce crime.
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