Editor's note: The following article was written and produced by Dr. Cindy Scott.
Twenty years ago today, Michelle Anglin, a local real estate agent, was attacked and killed by a sexual predator while showing him a home in North Phoenix. Michelle was not the first agent to be attacked, nor has she been the last.
The following safety tips will help agents sell homes safely:
1. Recognize the Inherent Dangers in the Profession: Sexual Predators are Drawn to Realtors
- Realtors are “accessible” targets, they work alone in isolate areas (e.g., model homes, open houses, vacant homes)
2. Stay Informed: Know How Agents are Attacked
- Predators lure agents to an isolated area, such as a vacant home or isolated model home
- Often appearing as a home buyer, husband and father
- Stay current on crime trends and suspicious people visiting realtors
3. Implement Safety Protocol
- Establish a group of people with whom you can register buyer information and create a safety network
- Use technology to support your network (apps)
- LiveSafe mobile is a well known mobile app
- Never show property without FIRST: asking for identification, taking a photo of the ID with your phone, forwarding that ID to someone in your network or upload to the cloud, call someone in the network when you plan to show the property and when you are finished, share suspicious information with your network and with other realtors
4. Use your Cell Phone as a Virtual Partner
- When you show a home, use your cell phone as a virtual partner and call someone in your network
5. Stay Aware and Follow Your Instincts
- Do not turn your back on the buyer or be prevented from escaping
- Stay close to the front door
- If a situation does not “feel right,” leave immediately
6. Visit www.mlcsafety.com for MLC Safety Matters ™
- Free, research-based safety protocol for real estate agents
