In light of the recent information released by the Carlsbad Police Department in March of 2005 regarding threatening phone calls directed at local real estate professionals, the Carlsbad Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit is suggesting the following safety tips for business people who in the public eye. Many of these safety tips can be found at www.sdar.com by selecting “News Center” and then “Realtor Safety.”
Check first- meet later
First obtain a call back number and verify the prospective client has given you valid information. Without notification, verify the phone number by calling it before the first office meeting.
Meet first in the office
There is safety in numbers. Make initial appointments with prospective clients in the office when others will be around.
Verify identities
Get several forms of identification including a California Drivers License Number and crosscheck them. Make a log attaching a copy of the identification for future reference and leave this information behind in the office.
Get vehicle license numbers
Record car models and license numbers of vehicles before you leave with the client and leave this information behind in the office.
Teamwork
Give the appearance of teamwork. Introduce prospective clients to others in the office who are part of your “team.” Have team pictures taken instead of individual pictures.
Communicate
In front of the prospective client, tell others where you are going and when you will be back. Make a log showing the address of the house and the time it is visited. If possible go with another team member. There is safety in numbers. If someone cannot go with you, call someone when you get there and let them know how long you will be. Call again when you are leaving. You can even leave an open cell phone line. Let the client know you have another appointment shortly and that someone will be waiting.
Drive safely
Use two separate cars to go to the listing. Until you are well acquainted with the client, don't get trapped in their car or in yours.
How are you marketing yourself?
Group team photos are better than single “glamour” shots.
Don't advertise personal phone numbers like cell phones.
Give office numbers instead of cell phone or personal numbers until you can verify the validity a potential client.
Don't “over do” glamour in photos with excess jewelry or revealing clothes.
Think about your personal safety before you act. Take a few precautions in the beginning and you will significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. If you have been a victim of threatening or harassing phone calls, please call the Carlsbad Police Department at (760) 931-2197 and report the crime.
Jodee Sasway is a Crime Prevention Specialist with the Carlsbad Police Department.
Check first- meet later
First obtain a call back number and verify the prospective client has given you valid information. Without notification, verify the phone number by calling it before the first office meeting.
Meet first in the office
There is safety in numbers. Make initial appointments with prospective clients in the office when others will be around.
Verify identities
Get several forms of identification including a California Drivers License Number and crosscheck them. Make a log attaching a copy of the identification for future reference and leave this information behind in the office.
Get vehicle license numbers
Record car models and license numbers of vehicles before you leave with the client and leave this information behind in the office.
Teamwork
Give the appearance of teamwork. Introduce prospective clients to others in the office who are part of your “team.” Have team pictures taken instead of individual pictures.
Communicate
In front of the prospective client, tell others where you are going and when you will be back. Make a log showing the address of the house and the time it is visited. If possible go with another team member. There is safety in numbers. If someone cannot go with you, call someone when you get there and let them know how long you will be. Call again when you are leaving. You can even leave an open cell phone line. Let the client know you have another appointment shortly and that someone will be waiting.
Drive safely
Use two separate cars to go to the listing. Until you are well acquainted with the client, don't get trapped in their car or in yours.
How are you marketing yourself?
Group team photos are better than single “glamour” shots.
Don't advertise personal phone numbers like cell phones.
Give office numbers instead of cell phone or personal numbers until you can verify the validity a potential client.
Don't “over do” glamour in photos with excess jewelry or revealing clothes.
Think about your personal safety before you act. Take a few precautions in the beginning and you will significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. If you have been a victim of threatening or harassing phone calls, please call the Carlsbad Police Department at (760) 931-2197 and report the crime.
Jodee Sasway is a Crime Prevention Specialist with the Carlsbad Police Department.