Comments on: Safety Tips from Cop-turned-REALTOR®

By: Sammy

Sammy — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:45:19 +0000

I think we all agree if it helps one person than it is worth viewing. I have asked a potential buyer to stay at an open house before just for the reason’s she mentions. I had a gut feeling about another gentlemen that had walked in. I don’t think it was intended that we be paranoid, just cautious when we get that “gut feeling.” I appreciate anyone who gives us tips. Thanks Linda

By: anonymous

anonymous — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:12:03 +0000

I attended Ms. Justus’ class, as a female entering homes with clients I often worry about my own safety. I found her suggestions to be very thought provoking, and she stressed that above all to trust our instincts. I have found myself referring to her hand outs since the course. Thank you Linda, may you save one person from attack, rape, or robbery!

By: Lynn Poelman

Lynn Poelman — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:26:08 +0000

I think you can instinctively check out a client without alienating them, but that can take experience. In this market when a lot of the buyers call the office from sign calls, houses are vacant, you should be careful. Take someone with you; get their phone number before meeting them and leave it with your office receptionist and be sure to call back and tell them when you are through showing. One of my first floor calls was a single man wanting to view an empty house. When I pulled up to the house I was on my cell phone and I gave the car’s lic. plate to my husband. While I was on the phone I asked him for his driver’s lic. and also gave that to my husband. I did this very professionally, not confrontational. When I hung up I explained and he said that was the right thing to do, he was a cop. Obviously he wasn’t offended but frankly, anyone who wants me to run out and show them a house with out an appointment and is offended by my asking for identification isn’t someone I want to work with anyway. Most of the time, it’s all in how you deliver the message.
Open houses, make sure the front and back door are unlocked and the fence to the front yard is unlocked. Then have fun and meet new people.

By: Douglas Klein

Douglas Klein — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:40:29 +0000

Folks,

This person obviously sees a potential criminal in far to many people. More helpful would be actual figures on the number of problems that occured, under what circumstances (open house, while driving the client, while showing a property, etc,), to whom (age, sex) and some intelligent advice on how to address the specific circumstances. For example the stats may show no problems for agents who had buyers meet them at their office and a lot of problems that met single male buyers at a vacant property.

Your readers expect better from SAR, than unsubstantiated, alarmist garbage. We’d prefer real advice addressing real problems.

By: Carl Cooley

Carl Cooley — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:18:33 +0000

I can relate to the post by Jerry Irons since I think cops feel us citizens are all guilty of something! In my 20 years, only ran into one strange group at an open house, and they DID steal from the owners before I could round up all 6 and boot them out. I also am not a tour guide, so seldom have buyers in my car.

By: Cautious, Not Paranoid Agent

Cautious, Not Paranoid Agent — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:46:44 +0000

I think a few years ago we(real estate agents) were rated very high by the FBI as being “legitimate” business owners that put ourselves in constant danger. (Maybe check this out on SNOPES!)

I don’t think a man can truly every understand the fear a woman might experience being alone with a client.

I’ve had several “creepy” buyers at open homes and sure enough the next day on MLS there’s a note about watching out for that buyer.

“GO WITH YOUR GUT” — after almost twenty years I’ve learned it’s never deceived me. (I think this applies to firing buyers and sellers when you get that weird feeling.)

With the exception of one buyer, in the past five years I haven’t driven a client in my own car! I’m showing families that like me to lead them to properties. I also have buyers that like to think alone between properties. (I suggest that they rate properties in between each viewing.)

By: Jerry Irons

Jerry Irons — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 06:13:41 +0000

I think too much emphasis with these tactics can also serve to alienate agents from clients. I’ve been a broker since the late 60′s and never had such an incident happen to me or any of my agents. Making the “exception” the rule is perhaps more dangerous. A client who senses that the agent presenting a property is scared and suspicious of him/her can’t have a lot of faith and confidence in that agent. My opinion only! Perhaps the ex cop should stop thinking like a cop. We are Realtors, not cops!