I came across an article in  Chicago Agent Magazine regarding a Realtor who was murdered last week in Iowa. She was 27 years old and shot while working an open house.  Articles such as these serve as grim reminders that we as Realtors need to take precautions when working in the field with the public.  Certain precautions go without saying:

-Always keep your cell phone near you, and have emergency numbers programmed into your speed dial.

-Always let someone know where you are, who you are with, and how long you expect to be

- If possible, have another agent accompany you

- Set up a Code Word, so that when calling you can alert your assistant, office, or significant other, that you are possibly in danger

- If you are showing properties all day long, check in at least a few times, to ensure that someone knows that you are okay

It is important to keep your personal safety top of mind these days, and always go with your gut instinct, if something doesn’t feel right or safe.  What safety measures do you have in practice?  Do you have any suggestions for the Realtors out there on habits they should be adopting to ensure their personal safety?

You can find the article in it’s entirety here :  Iowa Associations Heighten Safety As Police Seek Suspect In Murder

Analysis of Article has been provided by : Charles Rutenberg Realty