Becoming a real estate agent can be a powerful way to create your own income, become self-employed, and have nearly limitless income potential. After all, full time real estate agents make an average of $46,000 to $80,000, and often more when they target high-end or luxury markets. Plus, there are no education requirements to get started with this profession.
However, with these lifestyle and employment benefits come a few (albeit small) risks.
One of these risks that is not often discussed is safety. When you’re driving and meeting with up clients, which can include both prospective buyers and tenants, these individuals will usually start as strangers. Unless you’re lucky enough to be dealing with a friend or family member, you’ll know very little about your first-time clients.
This means that sensible measures should be taken to keep yourself safe. The next time you visit a property with a new client, keep the following information in mind.
Accidents En Route to Listed Properties
Accidents can happen nearly anywhere at any time, and at a greater frequency than you might expect. For example, Las Vegas accidents are common with over 12,000 annually resulting in over 100 fatalities. Regardless of where you live, you are not exempt from these accidents happening and the rates in most metropolitan areas are high.
Sadly, accidents can happen when you’re driving in a professional capacity, possibly with a client on board.
If the worst should happen and you get in a wreck, first check that your passenger is unharmed. Then confirm that any other drivers involved are safe. It’s also crucial to call emergency services, who can create an accident report, tend to the injured, and secure the scene.
Take as many photos as possible, including any injuries you have and property damage. If there are witnesses, request their contact information. This information may prove useful if you decide to hire a car accident attorney to represent your case in court.
Tell Your Real Estate Office Where You Are
If you plan to meet a client at a property listed for sale or are driving a client to the property, tell your real estate office where you’re going to be.
This way, if something happens to you on the way to the house or once you get there, the authorities will know where to find you.
Take a Self-Defense Course
Unfortunately, it is wishful thinking to assume that everyone could you take to a property viewing will have pure intentions. Given the realities of life, consider taking a self-defense course, if not for your job, then for your personal safety and fitness.
In these courses, you learn how to defend yourself if someone tries to hurt you or force you to do something against your will. If you’re a fast learner, you’ll quickly learn some effective ways to defend yourself.
Bring Someone With You
While you can screen tenants to make sure they’re suitable for a property, but you can’t do the same with potential homeowners. When it comes to being a real estate agent, there’s unfortunately very little screening you can do before taking someone on as a prospective homebuyer.
If you’re unsure about someone you’re picking up to take to a property, tell them you’re bringing someone with you, even if you’re not. If they object, that can be a red flag. For your peace of mind, you might want to take another real estate agent with you, anyway. As the saying goes, there’s safety in numbers.
Real estate isn’t known to be a risky or dangerous industry. As a result, it can be easy to get lulled into a false sense of security. Whether you’re driving with clients or meeting them at a house alone, it’s a good idea to put safety measures in place.
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