Real Estate Articles

Realtors train in self-defense

The business of real estate is risky because unlike other jobs, most real estate agents work alone and show properties to strangers. As such, they become targets of crime. According to the National Association of Realtors, 48 percent of all Realtors have felt physically threatened and uncomfortable during a showing. To help members stay safe on the job and at home, the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors offers Realtors self-defense training each year.

"Training saves lives," said Karen Trolan, past president and current Region 9 chair of the local trade association. Trolan, who is wheelchair bound as a result of an accident many years ago, hasn't let that stop her from undergoing specialized training in jujitsu, taekwondo and other self-defense techniques. She teaches the self-defense training classes to Realtors each year.

"Many agents don't think they need this training because they think they will never be attacked, but Realtors are often put in potentially bad situations, whether it is at an open house, showing a vacant home, or walking to their car late at night," said Trolan. "Every agent whether male or female should know some self-defense. It's good to learn some techniques that you can use if you ever need to."

Last week, assisted by her husband Steve, who has training in advanced nerve strike fighting, Trolan taught 20 Realtors and affiliated professionals how to use their hands to strike a potential assailant on the upper half of their body and how to aim at parts of the body where they can do the most damage easily.

"The best thing you can do is run away screaming, but unfortunately, there have been agents that haven't been able to get away. Talking your way out of it might work, but be ready with self-defense. Being able to fight back or getting out of a choke hold could mean life or death," Trolan told the class.

Trolan also shared the following safety tips with Realtors and urged them to share the tips with their clients. "Prevention is the best self-defense," said Trolan.

• Let people know WHERE you are going, WHO you will be meeting, WHEN you will be back. What to do if you don't return and the ACTION to take if they cannot contact you.
   
• Always meet a new person in a public place and get their ID.
   
• Show strength in whatever you do. When you're walking, look around; don't look down. Always make eye contact. Speak in a loud voice because this gives the appearance of strength.
   
• Refrain from announcing open houses and where you will be on social media.
   
• Tell your clients not to show their home by themselves. Alert them that not all agents, buyers and sellers are who they say they are. Tell your sellers to refer all inquiries to you.
   
• Remind your clients that strangers will be walking through their home during showings or open houses. Tell them to hide any valuables in a safe place. For security's sake, remember to remove keys, credit cards, jewelry, crystal, furs and other valuables from the home or lock them away during showings. Also remove prescription drugs.
• Pre-program important numbers into your cell phone. These may include your office, your roadside assistance service or garage, and 9-1-1.
   
• Inform clients who are selling that while you are taking safety precautions, and that you've checked and locked the home before leaving, they should double-check all locks and scout for missing items immediately upon their return.

The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.

For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.

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