In a few short weeks, we will mark the beginning of REALTOR® Safety Month which we observe every September. In the rush to grow your business and serve your clients, it can be too easy to find yourself in situations where your personal safety may be at risk.
This is what REALTOR® Safety Month is about: We want you to be safe as a working REALTOR® and take charge of your personal security. Today, we have to share with you the devastating news of REALTOR® Yuk-Ying (Anita) Mui of Toronto, Canada, whose body was found this week after being reported missing on August 9. Police investigators believe that Ms. Mui was targeted, possibly while at a large rural property related to a potential transaction.
This heartbreaking case is a sobering reminder of the need to take charge of your safety and help ensure the safety of your colleagues and clients. You have the power to make a difference. Check out these resources and share them with agents in your office:
- NAR REALTOR® Safety Tips
- Print and Share: 56 things to do now for your safety, including client meetings, open houses, cyber security, and more.
- C.A.R. Self-Defense training and safety program
During all times of the year, we sincerely hope you incorporate these practices in your work routine every day:
- Meet new clients at the office or in a neutral location, like a coffee shop
- Share your schedule with a colleague, assistant, or family member
- Do not overshare about your personal life
- Do not host open houses alone
- Check your cell phone battery and signal before heading to an appointment
- Direct clients to walk in front of you when touring a property; do not lead them
- Never go into attics, crawl spaces, or garages where you could be trapped
- Show properties before dark
- Don’t assume that everyone has left once you are done with an open house; have a colleague help you check the rooms and yard before locking the doors
- Carry only non-valuable items with you to meet clients or show property
- Park your car on the street rather than the driveway to not get boxed in
We look forward to learning more about safety, so please mark your calendar to attend next month’s Safety Webinar.
Watch for upcoming communications throughout September on what you can do to improve your personal safety and security. Stay tuned to our social media channels where we will share everything related to safety.
