Being a Realtor® allows you to meet many interesting people while on the job. However, it’s because Realtors deal with strangers on a daily basis that they should be extra careful. The following are six basic tips that will help you stay safe as a Realtor:

Schedule showings during the day – Avoid showing homes at night whenever possible. If you must, make sure all the blinds and curtains are open and that you turn on all the lights, inside and out, before the showing.

Always bring up the rear – When showing homes, let the clients walk in front of you. Direct them where to go instead of leading the way.

Instruct homeowners not to show alone – When you’re working with sellers, instruct them never to show their house to someone by themselves. There should always be someone with them; their Realtor, when possible.

Be careful about the information you share – As a Realtor, odds are you market your listings online. This is an effective way to do your job and usually necessary, but you don’t want to give out too much information about yourself. For example, avoid having your personal address listed, even if you work out of your home. Additionally, don’t advertise the property as “vacant;” this could attract thieves.

Be thorough when finishing an open house – Once you’ve ended an open house, make sure that you check every room to make sure everyone is gone. Be alert when you do so. If someone stayed behind, it may have been in an attempt to rob the house. When you’ve cleared the house, make sure you lock up behind you.

Make new clients check in – Before you begin showing new clients around, ask them to visit your office and make copies of their driver’s licenses and ask them to complete a prospect identification form. This ensures you’re not dealing with a potential predator.

Follow these six tips for greater safety as a Realtor. For more safety tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.