Real Estate Agent Safety: Navigating Potentially Dangerous Situations

As a real estate agent, the safety of clients and oneself is of utmost importance. Over the years, I've encountered various situations that could have been dire, yet through awareness and proper safety measures, we managed to navigate them successfully. Here are some detailed accounts and tips:

A Potentially Hazardous Buyer Visit

One event that left me concerned occurred prior to showing a property. The buyer was inquisitive about whether the house was vacant. While this question is common and odd, it set off alarm bells. After confirming the house wasn't vacant and that the current occupants were present, the buyer insisted on visiting the property fifteen minutes after the Open House had ended and before the owners likely returned. This raised my suspicions, and I prepared for the worst by having an agent called to monitor the situation and ready to dial 911 if necessary.

Unsafely Placed Furniture in a Basement

In another incident, a potential buyer followed me down the steps to the basement during an Open House. The house was quiet, and as we reached the bottom, I noticed that the furniture was placed in such a way that it trapped me into a room with no clear exit route. My heart racing, I realized that to leave, I would have had to pass the buyer. Thankfully, everything turned out alright, but this experience highlighted the importance of proper furniture placement for safety.

Stager Misplacement

A recent argument with a stager also brought to light the issue of overstepping boundaries in property staging. This particular stager enforced rigid rules, claiming that no furniture could be moved as it was part of the contract. I learned the hard way that proper placement for both aesthetics and safety is crucial. Moving furniture to allow for safe and smooth room navigation is a must. One must be able to walk through a room in a straight line without having to circle back, and there must be at least two exit routes, or simply avoid those rooms duringshowings.

Proactive Safety Measures

My experience spans 30 years across five states on both coasts, and one of the key strategies I've adopted is to always work in the safest and priciest areas. These areas, though expensive, offer a higher level of security. Not 100% foolproof, but it provides a significant level of safety. Always be aware of your surroundings, prepare for potential dangers, and never back yourself into a corner. This becomes second nature, and one learns to conduct oneself in a way that prioritizes safety.

Conclusion

As a real estate agent, one must always be vigilant and prepared for the unexpected. From securing the immediate response of colleagues to monitoring potentially dangerous situations, safety measures are crucial. By fostering an environment of awareness and taking proactive steps, one can mitigate risks and ensure a safer experience for all.