7 Safety Tips Every Realtor Should Know

Always let someone know where you are, who you'll be with, and how long you'll be gone. This may seem like a given for realtors who live with a parent, spouse, or older children; but do you really provide all that information to your loved ones before you show a house?

Post your schedule in an easily accessible place. Think about it this way: If someone wondered where you were, how would they find you? The people closest to you should be able to answer that instantly with something like: "Her calendar is on the wall" or "I know the password to her Google calendar".

Create a "realtor check-in network" for realtors who live alone. Do some internal networking at work and find out who lives alone, or may be alone every other weekend because of child custody agreements, or may often be alone because a spouse travels or works an opposite schedule. Network with each other by having a "safety buddy" who always knows when your showing a house, or alternate weeks where all the realtors involved check in with one "Check-in Chief".

Photocopy the driver's license or ID of the person you're showing the house to. This isn't standard practice when showing houses but it should be. When I sold cars years ago we always photocopied the driver's license of the person we were with before getting in a car with him or her. Anyone honestly searching for a house will not object to a realtor knowing their identity.

Make sure your cell phone is on your person and charged. Sounds simple, but I know that I've either forgotten my phone or forgotten to charge my phone many times. Make sure to put this on your to-do list each and every time you show a house.

Be friendly toward the neighbors. The neighbors are probably watching the goings-on "over there" anyway, so wave and smile at them as you come and go. Go over and introduce yourself- do as much as you can to make them aware of your presence in their neighborhood. Good people watch out for other people. If you're in the house too long or something seems suspicious, good neighbors will be likely to check in or call 911.

If you have a sixth sense that something may be wrong, leave. I know I'm going to sound like everyone's mother but listen to me: There are a lot of jobs out there and only one you. If you don't feel safe, get out of there. Make up an excuse, or make no excuse and just leave. You- your safety, your physical and mental health, what you mean to others- YOU are more important than a sale.

It's essential that realtors follow these simple safety tips when they show a house.