I have been a Realtor for more than 20-years.
During that time I have safely shown thousands of properties to interested parties.
Intermittently during my career, however, there have been reports of crimes against other real estate agents.
These crimes are often committed by potential buyers or renters who lure agents into remote areas with no communications available.
More and more women today are showing commercial and industrial property to potential leasing prospects.
The very nature of vacant or semi-vacant warehouse and industrial property often makes it either remote or physically separated from occupied office space.
The separation from other people can pose a threat, particularly to commercial real estate agents.
Although this is true for both male and female agents, the biggest risk appears to be for the ladies.
Following are Seven Safety Tips from my own experience and adapted from the National Association of Realtors.
Tip #1 Choose to Run and Never to Fight The primary objective in any threatening situation is to escape from the immediate danger and then call for help.
You may fancy yourself as being a great fighter but do not try it!RUN Tip #2 Cary a Charged Cell Phone and Always Rely On It Clip your phone on your belt or carry it in a purse or briefcase.
Your cell phone should always be part of your everyday apparel.
It must be for immediate accessible.
Always make certain your mobile phone is fully charged before showing property.
Tip #3 When you get to your destination, check out potential dangers: o Do you see or sense any questionable or outright suspicious activity in the area? o Is your vehicle parked in a visible spot with plenty of lighting? o Can your car or truck be blockaded and trapped by a prospect's vehicle? Tip #4 Be Prepared at All Times and Dial Before Danger.
Pre-program emergency and important numbers into your mobile phone.
For example, include your office, your roadside assistance service or garage, and even 911.
Tip #5 Never Walk Ahead of a Prospect.
When showing a commercial property, always have your prospect walk in front of you.
Direct them along from a position slightly behind them.
You can gesture for them to go ahead of you and say, for example, "The loading dock is in the back of this area.
" Tip #6 Check Your Cell phone Signal.
When showing commercial and industrial property always remember that thick walls and/or remote locations may interfere with mobile phone reception.
Be sure your phone has a good signal in the area in which you are showing the property.
Tip #7 Saying NO to Vacancy.
When describing a commercial listing, never say that a property is vacant.
Instead, say that you will need to clear a showing time with the people in the area.
Saying a property is vacant may be an invitation to criminals.
By always following these Seven Safety Tips Realtors can bank on staying safe and hopefully banking a nice commission.