This story from the Multi-Housing News blog highlights the reality that faces anyone who demonstrates real estate for a living. Please take the time to read the story and talk to your teams about it. [Click here to read].
Also, if you have any thoughts on the matter, share them in the comments. We are growing our readership rapidly and your comments and ideas really help the community. Thank you.
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Hugely important, thanks for the article. When I’m training new team members or mentoring new leasing consultants, touring safety is one of my top priorities. A few things I’m always sure to share:
1) Never walk in front of your prospect, especially up stairs or inside the unit. Always let them enter first.
2) Always be closest to the front door. Never go ahead of them into an apartment, NEVER into a closet.
3) Keep the deadbolt turned (in the lock position) so the door cannot be shut.
4) Always hold onto your keys; they could be your best defense if someone tries to attack you. (Don’t leave them in a lock or in the golf cart)
5) You can always take another team member on tour with you.
6) Take a radio with you.
7) If you are alone in the office, you can radio to an imaginary maintenance member on the other end “Hey Larry, it’s Jenn, I’m going to 4-102 and will be back in 10 minutes.”
8) You NEVER have to take someone on tour if you have reason to believe they are a threat to you ie: smell of alcohol, violent suggestion or derogatory verbiage.
I once had two guys come into the office who refused to give me their ID’s to go on tour. I told them I couldn’t show them without their ID’s. Then one of the guys said, “Why? In case we rape you and cut you up into pieces and throw you onto the highway?”
Needless to say, that gave me total right not to tour them.
Make sure you document things well in your guest cards to keep your booty covered, but ultimately, keep yourself safe.
J