Fireman, Marine, Police Officer, Deep Sea Fisherman – These are some of the professions that come to mind when you think of dangerous jobs. What most people don’t know is that being a Realtor is also a very dangerous job.
The problem is the almost all Realtors end up being alone when they meet a client at a location. This puts them at the mercy of mobsters, thieves, psychos etc. The problem is not just limited to women Realtors men are equally in danger given the nature of the situation. Usually you can’t really tell if a person want to harm you or not in this situation. The infamous serial killer Ted Bundy looked a like a very normal and affable person to all, including his victims. So here are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself.
1. Meet all clients at the office first. Make sure that many, if not all your co-workers see the person you are meeting.
2. Ask them for identification and make photocopies of them.
3. If you are holding an open house, get a couple of people in there with you. They could be friends or relatives, it does not matter. An assailant will think twice about doing anything with other people around.
4. Do not travel in the client’s vehicle. Take you own vehicle and get the client to follow you.
5. Your gut can often tell you things that your brain can’t. If you get the feeling that something is not right, then take steps to rectify it. Ask another co-worker to go with you if you are going to a location, call someone to come there if you are alone etc. If worst comes to worst, mumble and excuse and just leave.