The recent terrible slaying of a real estate broker working at an open house in McKinney, Texas brings the issue of individual safety to the forefront. It’s a sad fact that some of the activities required for prosperous real property investing, such as showing houses to potential buyers or tenants, have some degree of risk. You may typically be alone with individuals you do not know, making a possibly perilous position.
Although statistical data by occupation have not been kept, house agents have been slain, sexually attacked, fleeced, and carjacked in the course of doing business. It’s reasonable to believe that a real property investor can fall victim to the same offenses, but with awareness and by exercising several easy precautions, you can be able to protect yourself.
Don’t forget to keep these safety pieces of advice in mind:
-Whenever achievable, meet potential purchasers and home sellers in a public site. Fast food dining places are terrific places to examine paperwork. The meeting likewise grants you an opportunity to find out as much as you can about the prospect, including where they work, what they do for a living, how much salary take in, and so forth. This helps you measure up the individual as a likely property buyer or property seller and also gives you a sense of whether the individual’s legitimate or not.
-Do not presume that just because the potential client is a female that she means no damage. Increasingly, women are being employed to set up a victim for a masculine perpetrator – or women are really perpetrating the crimes. Be as every bit as careful with both women and men.
-Always bring a cellular phone and keep it accessible. Carry it in your hand, clip it to your belt, or keep it in a pocket – never leave it in the car or let it settle at the bottom of your purse or briefcase. Put it emergency numbers in your speed dial. Keep your mobile phone charged. Make sure you have a car charger to use if needed.
-Always drive your own car when you are showing or looking at houses, and lock your vehicle when you leave it, even if you are only going to be a few meters away. Also, keep it locked at all times while you’re driving.
-When you are showing a home, walk behind rather than lead the client through the home, and don’t let him get between you and the doorway. Avoid going down the basement or other confined areas with someone you do not know well.
-Let another person know where you will be. If you’re inspecting or showing houses, or meeting with prospective clients, ensure someone knows where you are and what time you expect to be back. Have a plan prepared in case you do not come back on schedule.
-Carry pepper spray and know how to use it. Looking into taking a personal safety course so you’ll be aware of what you should do in the event you are assailed.
-Dress for safety. Never wear high-priced jewelry. Wear clothing proper for the conditions. If your vehicle chokes or you need to elude a precarious situation on foot, you may discover yourself open to dreadful conditions for a while, so keep a jacket handy during the wintertime. Select shoes that will permit you to move quickly if needed.
-If anything makes you uncomfortable, escape from the situation. No deal is worth your life. Much better to feel a little silly than to be a crime victim.
