Safety and “Situational Awareness”

When business goes up – so do safety issues.

Each spring, Albuquerque REALTORS® report an uptick in suspicious behavior.

Developing a Safety Plan makes a difference

A GAAR Member's Success Story: Last year, a suspicious person told the GAAR REALTOR®, a buyer’s agent, that they were the seller. However, the member became alarmed when the suspicious person asked them to lead the way and locked the door behind her. The REALTOR® noticed a broken window near the rear entry. Because the REALTOR® had a safety plan in place, they escaped the situation by calling a relative (under the guise of calling a potential buyer) and giving them their location and told their relative as the "potential buyer" they would be right over to meet about the property. The REALTOR® got out quick and called the police.

Open Houses present multiple safety concerns

Open Houses are a good way to show a property to multiple prospects and a way to attract more buyers you can represent. Below is a GAAR video on quick tips on holding a safe Open House or showing a house to a potential buyer you do not know well.

Another common complaint is people claiming to be "in the industry" loitering at open houses. Whether or not someone claims to be a real estate professional or contractor, keep your guard up. If you don't know someone – or don't know them well – you don't know their intentions or mindset.

If their activity seems suspicious, then it IS suspicious. Get to safety immediately and call the police. If you are not in immediate danger, call 274-COPS. Always report suspicious behavior.

Remember, "bad guys" are seldom as obvious as the burglar picture posted above. That means you need to increase your "situational awareness."

How to improve your awareness:

  1. Scan the outside of a property before entering. Look for opened doors or windows, broken glass or people loitering on the property.
  2. Do not park your car where you can be blocked in. Never walk in front of a stranger. Have your escape route planned. Always. 
  3. Travel light. Don't get weighed down by purses, brief cases, paperwork, etc. Always have your hands free with your car keys and cell phone in your hands. If you have to run, leave your "stuff." It can be replaced.
  4. Stay focused. Don't be distracted by texts, calls or paperwork. Remain very vigilant if there is more than one potential client in the home. Be aware they could be a  team working together to distract you.
  5. Take the extra time and effort to put your safety first. You're worth it.