Every day REALTORS® across the nation put themselves in positions where they can be victims of dangerous crimes. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) have worked hard to keep REALTOR® safety foremost in everyone's mind. REALOTRS® designate the month of September "REALTOR® Safety Month."
"September is REALTOR® Safety Month and a time our association issues safety tips for our members, which they can also share with their clients," said SILVAR president Suzanne Yost.
Yost said a common reason people find themselves in dangerous situations is because they aren't paying attention to their surroundings. "It can take just 10 seconds to check out your surroundings and avoid danger. We ask our members to use the '10-Second Rule' in their everyday work in real estate and share this rule with their clients."
The 10-Second Rule:
Take 2 seconds when you arrive at your destination.
• Is there any questionable activity in the area?
• Are you parked in a well-lit, visible location?
• Can you be blocked in the driveway by a prospect's vehicle?
Take 2 seconds after you step out of your car.
• Are there suspicious people around?
• Do you know exactly where you're going?
Take 2 seconds as you walk toward your destination.
• Are people coming and going or is the area unusually quiet?
• Do you observe any obstacles or hiding places in the parking lot or along the street?
• Is anyone loitering in the area?
Take 2 seconds at the door.
• Do you have an uneasy feeling as you're walking in?
• Is someone following you in?
Take 2 seconds as soon as you enter your destination.
• Does anything seem out of place?
• Is anyone present who shouldn't be there or who isn't expected?
This article is part of NAR's REALTOR® Safety Resource Kit. For more safety tips, visit www.realtor.org/safety.
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.