5 Safety Tips for Female Realtors
Physical safety is a real concern for female real estate agents. After all, you're regularly agreeing to meet strangers at vacant properties, and you usually work alone. While real estate is generally a safe field, you should take certain precautions to ensure you stay safe.
Here are 5 safety tips for female Realtors:
- Stick to daytime showings.
- Share your schedule.
- Keep your personal information private.
- Leave your belongings in the car.
- Take a self-defense class.
Let's talk a little more in-depth about each tip.
Stick to Daytime Showings
Try to adhere to regular business hours as much as possible and show properties when the sun is out. If you have a client who can only make evening showings, let someone else know where you are and turn on all the lights in the property while there.
Share Your Schedule
It's always a good idea to let your colleagues know where you are going and how long you'll be gone. Give them the name and contact information for the client you are meeting. Ask your office to call you at a certain time if you haven't already checked in.
Keep Your Personal Information Private
No matter how well you seem to hit it off with a client, it's best to keep personal details to yourself. Don't give clients your home address or talk about where your children go to school. It's important to build a strong relationship with clients, but remember that they are business associates, not friends.
Leave Your Belongings in the Car
Before you head out to an appointment, be sure to lock your purse, briefcase and other valuables in the trunk of your car. Don't wear any flashy jewelry or expensive clothing, and carry only the essentials inside—including your cell phone, which of course is fully charged.
Take a Self-Defense Class
The Girl Scouts have it right: Be prepared. While hopefully you will never have to practice the skills you learn, a self-defense class can teach you how to protect yourself in a dangerous situation. In addition to physical techniques for defending yourself, the class will teach you how to recognize and react to potential threats.
When it comes to safety, there's more than just physical security to consider. You need to understand all the risks involved, from confidentiality issues to fair housing laws. A good online real estate course can explain how you can protect both your personal and professional assets and teach you best practices to follow throughout your career.
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