Realtor Safety in a Changing World...Fear No Evil
and Protect Against it
October 15, 2014
By Kay Wilson-Bolton
Columnist
The recent tragic murder of 49 year old real estate agent, Beverly Carter in Little Rock Arkansas, is an urgent reminder of the need to fear evil-and take correction action against it. Realtors live the American dream. We are not tied to a rigid schedule except that which we impose on ourselves. We are not limited to wage restrictions, we meet the public where they need us to be-and we love what we do.
We share our knowledge and skills with anyone who asks. We are the gatekeepers of an industry that has outpaced anyone who did not embrace the changes that come with technology. We go where we need to go at often the whims and needs of the public to serve them and complete our tasks. It is time for all of us to examine our “open door” business practices and begin to “fear evil” with wisdom.
The world has never been a safe place, but there was a time when we were considered unlucky if something bad happened to us. Now it seems we are lucky if something bad doesn’t happen.
Our new personal commitments to safety will vary within offices and with practitioners. It is clear that the consent and cooperation of the public will be needed to help us stay safe.
For example, some may begin to ask you for copies of your ID before embarking on a business relationship. Please don’t be offended. While we don’t think you would cause harm, we know that someone out there could.
Some may ask for the first meeting to be at the office. Buddy systems should become standard operating procedure. Agents will check in and out of offices and destinations will be left with the administrator. 911 will be saved as a “favorite” on the phone.
Open houses will not be held without another realtor or lender partner in place. We will be more vigilant and we won’t carry money or purses. We may carry pepper spray and other protective devices. Vacant homes create a different kind of opportunities for mayhem and should be avoided, particularly in isolated areas.
We will re-think our willingness to share our success stories with the public. Prosperity is a coveted thing in our society but is often viewed with contempt. We should not be judged by our financial success anyway, but by our skills and commitment to serving well. Many will be more circumspect about how we promote our services.
Wisdom will require we not work at the office at night alone unless doors are locked and the car is parked in a lighted area. We will not take chances. There has always been wisdom in using caution. Soldiers do that by nature. This view of life is common in almost every country but we in America feel secure in light of all the freedoms we enjoy. The goal is to balance fear with wisdom.
Changes, if any, will be individual but there will likely be a generally rising of the tide. We will ask you to help us. We are your sisters, brothers, sons and daughters, friends and colleagues. These are different times and there is a new call to action. Only the foolish will think business is usual is acceptable.
