Avoiding Danger: Ten Tips to Keep You Safe Release date: 09/01/03 Have you ever been asked to meet an unfamiliar client at a remote location during the evening? Or perhaps you’ve had visitors to an open house who acted unusual or asked inappropriate questions. These are situations that could lead to tragic consequences for both male and female real estate agents, but they don’t have to. Instead, keep your safety radar tuned by following these ten tips taken from the REALTOR® Safety Week Kit provided by the National Association of REALTORS®. For more information and additional safety resources, contact your local association or visit www.realtor.org/safety.   1. Keep a charged cell phone with you at all times. Tell someone at your office you’ll call every hour, and then do it like clockwork so that they’ll know right away if something is wrong. Be prepared to use coded phrases, such as "it’s in the red folder," to seek assistance or prompt a call to police. 2. Be careful how you dress. Flashy or expensive jewelry might attract the wrong kind of attention. 3. Don’t put your home phone number on your business card. 4. Never advertise a property as vacant. 5. Always take your own car for showings. If you must take one car, you drive. When you leave your car, lock it and keep your keys with you. 6. Let potential buyers take the lead when exploring a home, with you following behind. Avoid going into the basement or confined areas with a prospect. 7. Always have prospects meet you at your office the first time. Ask them for identification. If they question you about it, say it’s company policy. 8. Find out as much as you can about prospects, such as where they work and what they do. Ask lots of questions and be a good listener. 9. Know your sales area. Preview the property. 10. Trust your instincts. If you’re suspicious, it’s better to walk away from a listing or a showing.