Stay Safe!

It’s the nature of the real estate business to meet people from all walks of life and enter into what can be very isolated situations. Unfortunately there has been a lot of scary news regarding agents being robbed, attacked or tragically killed, mainly females.  At ChangingStreets.com, we have taken the initiative to set up a self-defense training class for our employees and other agents in the area. There are certain precautions one should always take. Even if you are not a real estate agent some of these safety tips could possibly save your life.

• Always follow your gut instinct. It’s our body’s built in self-defense mechanism. Don’t ignore those uneasy feelings, they are usually on point.
•  If possible have your buyer meet you in your office first. Make a copy of their driver’s license and write down their license plate number. Leave this information with somebody in your office and let them know where you are going.
•  If you are meeting your client at the home you are showing, always have them enter a room in front of you. Don’t turn your back on them. If possible have someone else go with you.
•  Carry some kind of self-defense apparatus such as pepper spray. There are many products on the market that are discreet but effective.
• For agents and non-agents alike, always be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for people sitting in parked cars. Take note of the people around you, what do they look like, what are they wearing, how are they behaving?
•  Many times, women are taught to be “nice”. Forget the ladylike behavior and use your voice, be loud if the situation becomes dire. The more noise you make, the more attention you call to yourself and your attacker may back off.

·        Take a self-defense course. As I mentioned before ChangingStreets.com will be hosting a self-defense course for our agents and any agent in the area who is interested.  It will be taught by a local martial arts expert. I have taken a self-defense class in the past and can say with certainty that I felt more empowered afterwards. It’s well worth the time and effort. We all are at risk to some extent as we make our way in this world but we can take steps such as the one’s listed above to protect ourselves and lesson the possibility of becoming a criminal’s next target.

(Source:  http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/66289/real_estate/self_defense_tips_for_female_real_estate_agents.html)