PROTECTING SALES AGENTS: Realtor event promotes personal safety

As a rule, homeowners would never think about leaving their valuables out in the open when selling their houses. Due to the nature of their jobs, Realtors, however, often leave themselves vulnerable when showing homes to potential buyers.

Raising awareness of potentially dangerous situations is the goal of the second annual Realtor Safety Week, observed today through Saturday, according to Lee Barrett, president of the Greater Association of Las Vegas Realtors.

"Our members are put into situations where they meet complete strangers," Barrett said. "And in meeting complete strangers, they have to have systems in place to protect themselves."

Barrett said it is important for realty agents to communicate with their offices and families about their plans when dealing with clients, particularly where they will be going and how long they expect to be gone.

The most recent statistics from the National Safety Council report 57 violent crimes, six of which were fatal, committed against real estate agents in 2001. In addition, a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors revealed that 67 percent of respondents experienced safety issues, incidents or a harassing situation.

The local association is sponsoring a self-defense class through the Modern Martial Arts Studio. The two-hour class, which costs $5 for members, is scheduled for Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The national association provides safety information through various media.

Information is provided for working at the office and at home, during open houses and property showings, and while on the road.

In a letter to fellow members of the national association, President Walter McDonald wrote the information was designed "to promote learning and discussion among Realtors about the safety challenges they face ... and to offer possible solutions for avoiding high-risk situations and dealing with unexpected danger."

Among the precautions suggested: have clients complete identification forms before a property showing; check all rooms of a home and determine an "escape" route; keep offices well lighted; lock car doors when on the road; and keep cell phones fully charged and preprogrammed with emergency numbers.

"Our industry doesn't have any more safety issues than any other industry, but we do have to be careful," Barrett said. "It's sad that we only have one week to remind them (realty agents). They should be on guard all the time."

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