The Elite Group Offers Six Safety Tips for Real Estate Agents
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 20, 2013 -- Whether young or old, male or female, every day real estate agents put themselves at risk just doing their job. Accidents happen; it is a fact of life. And just as often, things much more dangerous can happen – that’s why The Elite Group is offering the following tips to keep real estate agents safe and aware and to reduce their risk of becoming a victim:
1. Cell phone – The very bread and butter of your real estate business. A cell phone can also be your greatest asset when it comes to an emergency. Having your cell programmed with a few emergency numbers in your speed dial could very well save your life. Which numbers should be in your speed dial? 911 of course – you’d think that would be a no brainer but very few people think to include it in their cell phone. Also include your office number so if there is a problem you can speak with a live person to get help. And be sure to include an emergency contact. Police/rescue/EMTs often look for an emergency contact in a person’s phone, but having it listed as “Joe” or “Sally” won’t tell them anything. Even if it means adding a duplicate entry, have a contact in your phone labeled Emergency Contact then list the name, relationship, home, office and mobile phone numbers and an address.
2. Keep your cell phone on your person. It won’t do any you good if you fall in the bathroom in the house you’re holding open, if the phone is tucked safely into a kitchen cabinet or in your car. Keep it close at hand, on your belt, in a pocket or on a lanyard around your neck.
3. Trust your gut instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable escorting an unknown person into the basement of a vacant home, don’t do it. Let him go by himself, simply saying “feel free to tour the home, and I’ll answer questions when you’re done” – then take a stroll outside. Talk to a neighbor, call your office or spouse - let someone know your discomfort and make sure someone knows where you are.
4. Use the buddy system. If you are meeting someone for the first time and you’re uncomfortable or have a bad feeling either skip the meeting all together or take someone with you - a friend from the office, your spouse, etc.
5. Don’t look like a victim. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to what is going on around you. Look people in the eye when you meet them. Carry your keys threaded through your fingers (like brass knuckles). Stand up straight, don’t hunch down, or look at the ground when around strangers. Look people in the eye; if you are looking at a person instead of the ground, it is much more likely that you could give a full description of that person to the police.
6. Use common sense. Stay out of questionable neighborhoods after dark. Keep your gas tank filled. Keep jewelry to a minimum. Don’t flash wads of cash around. If you use an MP3 player, make sure the volume is set so you can hear someone coming up behind you. Let someone know where you’re going and when you are expected back. Keep your risk taking to investment - don’t risk your safety.
“These tips aren’t meant to frighten but rather to inform. They’re just a few ways to keep yourself safe on the job and off,” says Chad Hett, Vice President of The Elite Group. “Every year real estate agents fall victim to foul play at the hands of someone looking at houses. Don’t become a statistic. Ask your broker about your office safety policy. Contact your local Board of Realtors (real estate commission) for additional safety tips. Most of all be aware, be prepared and be safe.
This safety message was brought to you by the leading real estate license resource, Real Estate License Direct. (if they are the source, you should add their boilerplate at the end, and change the references from The Elite Group to Real Estate License Direct).
About The Elite Group
The Elite Group employs 35 Certified Master Inspectors who have performed more than 350,000 inspections to date in Southern California. It is the largest independently owned inspection company in North America. Elite provides three innovative types of home and commercial property inspections, including additional inspections for termites and mold. Visit their http://www.eliteinspections.com for more information, or call them at 1-800-494-8998.
Chad Hett, The Elite Group, http://www.eliteinspections.com, 714-331-9473, [email protected]
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