Make safety a priority at the office

Todd Polinchock, Treasurer

By now, you are aware of the potential dangers that face real estate agents when they are meeting clients, showing properties or hosting open houses. There is one more place to consider: the office where you work.

A safe office is good business. Making your workplace more secure will make your clients feel safe and increase productivity.

You can help safeguard your business’s property, and the safety of all who work in the office, with a few simple procedures and precautions. Implementing some of these actions can help you make Realtor® safety a prime concern for your office.

• Always meet new clients in your office, and be sure to introduce them to at least three different people.
• Have all clients fill out a prospect identification form with name, address, work information, phone numbers, and vehicle information-and verify all information provided before you head out the door with them.
• Always tell someone in your office where you’re going, who you’re meeting and when to expect you back. Create an electronic or paper form for this, or use a white-board that others can check.
• Be sure your office has up-to-date contact information on you in case of an emergency.

If you must work alone in the office at night, be prepared. Have your broker walk the entire office with you before everyone else leaves, and make sure all the windows and doors are locked. It’s also important that all entranceways and sidewalks are well lit and that you can see your car.

You can increase the service you bring to your clients by being more aware and comfortable in even the most familiar surroundings. Don’t let your focus on a potential sale distract you from being safe.