Real Estate Articles
Realtors share tips to stay safe at conventions
More Realtors and other professionals are attending conventions around the U.S. and abroad this year. Safety at these settings is important, especially if you are traveling alone. "Protecting yourself while you're attending conventions, while in hotels and visiting new cities, is just as important as safety at home or in the workplace," says Silicon Valley Association of Realtors President Brett Caviness.
In recognition of Realtor Safety Month, the local Realtor group shares a recap of safety tips from the National Association of Realtors Realtor Safety site that can help keep Realtors and other professionals stay safe while attending a convention.
Listen to your gut.
If you have a bad feeling about a hotel, listen to your gut. If hotel staff or other visitors cause you concern, or if you don't feel your room is not in a secure location or if it is in an isolated part of the facility, ask for another room or change hotels. Respect and listen to your gut feeling. It is your built-in survival mechanism.
Pay attention to the emergency escape route.
Take the time to look at the map located on the back of every hotel/motel room door and walk out into the hallway and look for the exit doors. Make sure you know exactly where they are located so you can find them in a crisis situation.
Inform a friend or relative.
Have at least one contact who will know your itinerary from the time you leave your local airport to your destination hotel, your event/trip schedule, until the time you return home. They should have the phone number and address of your hotel. Leave them a copy of your schedule and update them on where you are and your plans for the day. If there is a disaster wherever you are, make sure friends and family know that they can reach your contact for updated information on your health and whereabouts.
Keep valuables safe.
Utilize the hotel room safe or a diversion safe or any other item that hides your valuables. When inside your room, use all of the locks, especially the deadbolt.
When you leave your hotel room, give the impression that you are still inside the room. Leave the television on, or put the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door. Make separate arrangements with housekeeping if you want your room serviced.
When you are out and about outside the convention hall, remember to remove your badge. Also carry as few credit or debit cards on you as possible. Remember to carry a copy of your passport and your ID.
Do not travel with expensive jewelry or openly flaunt or use your expensive electronics. Criminals snatch these items from you the minute you get distracted.
Stay safe while attending the convention.
Make sure your cell phone is charged at all times. You do not want to be stuck in a new town with no phone service.
Some convention sessions may be held in places other than your hotel. Before you leave your hotel, know where you are going. Load your locations in advance on your smartphone.
Consider traveling in a group. If you happen to be alone and get lost, ask someone trustworthy for directions, such as a security guard or a hotel concierge.
Your health is important.
Always keep your personal health safety in mind. "While the Covid threat has somewhat dissipated, it is still with us. Many convention-goers have reported testing positive for Covid after arriving home from a convention or trip where they have mingled with many people," said Caviness. "Remember to practice Covid health guidelines. Always wear your mask, especially if you have a serious health condition or are immunocompromised."
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.