This blog is usually focused on real estate marketing tips.  So, where does safety fit in?  Well, the end result of marketing your real estate services is obtaining clients.  And, when you do that, you can open yourself to a lot of safety issues.

It may be an old topic, but I recently came across a great article that was published in the recent issue of the San Diego REALTOR® Magazine.  It discusses some simple but powerful ideas for protecting yourself when you’re meeting a client for the first time, showing houses and holding open houses.  I think it’s one of those topics that deserves periodic review.  It’s much too easy to drop your guard in the heat of the day’s activities.

For example, do you let your office know where you will be when you’re meeting someone you don’t know well?  Does your office have a distress code to provide you with assistance if you are in a threatening situation?  Do you listen to your gut?  Do you stop by the neighbors’ homes to let them know you’ll be holding an open house?  It makes sense to remember that just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean someone isn’t out to get you.

One of the tips in the article is to market yourself professionally.  That’s where a real estate brand, logo, a professional photograph on a professional-looking website and brochure can come in handy.

In fact, when the staff was discussing publishing the article, one person was concerned that the information might go overboard in scaring the Board’s members.  After further discussion, the Board decided that the best result they could achieve was making everyone a bit more scared.  It might save a life or avoid a life-changing experience.

So, don’t delay.  Brush up on the safety tips for agents and brokers.  And, have a safe, pleasant and successful day!