I'm a Gun Toting Realtor... and I Won't Apologize! Most of my friends and acquaintances know me as a tall 'girly' girl who has a big heart, a warm smile and a gentle spirit (on most occasions). What many of them don't know is I pack a mighty pistol. I've been a gun owner for more than 20 years and I've taken safety courses and target practice, so I know how to use it. My pistol has become a trusted friend and valuable companion on many real estate appointments. Here's why...
This week, an attractive man presented himself as a cash buyer from Iowa looking for a million dollar property to buy in Southern Oregon. He contacted several female Realtors pretending to be someone he's not. Fortunately, each of the Realtors trusted their intuition and decided not to meet the man alone. They shared their suspicions with their Broker, who in turn, reported the questionable circumstances to the local police. Southern Oregon law enforcement quickly responded by sending out an all points bulletin to all Realtors in the area informing them that the man was not who he said he was... he's a registered sex offender from Wisconsin with a long laundry list of other criminal activity including a warrant for his arrest.
Some smart women trusted their intuition this week, and because of them, a sinister act may have been prevented and perhaps a life saved in Southern Oregon. September is the National Association of Realtors Safety Awareness Month, and with that, there are several important safety tips to remember. Here are a few precautions that we encourage our agents to take to ensure their safety while working in the field.
1. Always meet a new client at the office for the first initial visit. If that isn't possible, choose a public place.
2. Google your client's name to be sure they are who they say (great tip from Wanda Kubat-Nerdin!).
3. Tell a colleague and your broker who you're meeting and where, and consider bringing someone with you.
4. Obtain a copy of the client's driver's license and provide it to your broker.
5. Take a pic from your phone and/or text the license number of their vehicle to your broker (let your client see you doing this and explain why).
6. When opening a door to a vacant home, always step back and allow your client to enter first.
7. Hold your keys in your hand at all times during showings and press the panic button to set off your car alarm if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
8. Last but not least, pack a weapon of choice (you already know what mine is ;), you may never need it, but it might be good insurance... just in case.
I'm a Gun Toting Realtor... and I Won't Apologize!
