Let’s talk about safety and “situational awareness”

Business is up – and so are safety issues.

Albuquerque REALTORS® have reported an uptick in suspicious behavior this year – something you may have noticed on Flexmls.

Here are few examples of the most common complaint: suspicious activity during showings/open houses.

The Association has received reports about suspicious people at open houses and showings. In one case, a suspicious person told the buyer’s agent that they were the seller. However, the broker became alarmed when the suspicious person asked the broker to lead the way, locked the door behind her, and the broker noticed a broken window near the rear entry. Because the REALTOR® had a safety plan in place, they escaped the situation by calling a relative (under the guise of calling a potential buyer) and giving them their location and told the relative/potential buyer they would be right over to meet about the property. They got out quick and called the police.

We've also received reports that people claiming to be "in the industry" loitering at open houses. Whether or not someone claims to be a real estate professional or contractor, keep your guard up. If you don't know someone – or don't know them well – you don't know their intentions or mindset. If their activity seems suspicious, then it IS suspicious. Get to safety immediately and call the police. If you are not in immediate danger, call 274-COPS.

Remember, "bad guys" are seldom as obvious as the burglar picture posted above. That means you need to increase your "situational awareness."

How to improve your awareness:

  1. Scan the outside of a property before entering. Look for opened doors or windows, broken glass or people loitering on the property.
  2. Do not park your car where you can be blocked in. Never walk in front of a stranger. Have your escape route planned. Always. 
  3. Travel light. Don't get weighed down by purses, brief cases, paperwork, etc. Always have your hands free with your car keys and cell phone in your hands. If you have to run, leave your "stuff." It can be replaced.
  4. Stay focused. Don't be distracted by texts, calls or paperwork. Remain very diligent if there is more than one potential client in the home. Be aware of possible team working together to distract you.

Take the extra time and effort to put your safety first. You're worth it.