The recent brutal murder of a realtor who was working at an open house in McKinney, Texas brings the issue of individual safety to the forefront. It is a distressing fact that many of the activities needed for prosperous real property investing, such as showing houses to potential buyers or renters, have some level of danger. You may oftentimes be alone with individuals you don’t know, creating a possibly hazardous position.
While statistics by line of work have not been kept, brokers have been slain, sexually attacked, fleeced, and carjacked in the course of conducting business. It’s valid to assume that a real property investor might fall victim to the same criminal offenses, but with awareness and by taking a few simple safeguards, you could protect yourself.
Keep these safety pieces of advice in mind:
-Whenever possible, meet likely buyers and sellers in a public site. Fast food eating places are great places to go over documents. The meeting likewise gives you an opportunity to determine as much as you can about the client, including where they work, what they do, how much they take in, etc. This helps you measure up the person as a likely purchaser or property seller as well as gives you a sense of whether he is legit or not.
-Don’t assume that just because the potential client is a woman that she means no hurt. Increasingly, females are being used to set up a victim for a masculine culprit – or females are in reality doing the crimes. Be equally cautious with both women and men.
-Always have a cellular phone and keep it accessible. Carry it in your hand, clip it to your belt, or keep it inside a pocket – do not leave your phone in your vehicle or let it settle at the bottom of your purse or briefcase. Program emergency numbers in your speed dial. Keep your cellular phone charged. Make sure you have a car charger to use if necessary.
-Always drive your own car when you are showing or looking at real estate properties, and lock your vehicle when you leave it, even if you’re merely going to be a few yards away. Also, keep it locked up at all times while you are driving.
-When you are showing a home, walk behind rather than lead the prospect through the home, and don’t allow him to get between you and the door. Do not go into the cellar or other enclosed areas with someone you don’t know well.
-Let someone know where you’ll be. If you are looking at or showing homes, or meeting up with potential clients, make certain someone knows your whereabouts and what time you expect to return. Have a plan prepared in case you do not come back on schedule.
-Carry pepper spray and know how to utilize it. Looking into taking a personal safety training course so you’ll know what you must do in the even that you are assaulted.
-Dress for safety. Do not wear expensive jewelry. Don clothing proper for the weather. If your car conks out or you need to run from a perilous situation on foot, you may discover yourself open to rough conditions for an extended period, so keep a coat accessible during the cold season. Opt for shoes that will allow you to move quickly if needed.
-If anything makes you ill at ease, get away from the situation. No deal is worth your life. It’s better to feel a bit foolish than to become a victim of a crime.