September 30th, 2019 at 11:20 am
Last week, a man was arrested in Encino for allegedly attacking a real estate agent who was hosting an Open House. The man apparently shoved the agent to the ground and then groped her. The incident was caught on security video. Authorities said that 4 other women, including another real estate agent, have come forward accusing the same man of assault.
These incidents are a good reminder for real estate agents to be careful when holding Open Houses and engaging in other activities. Here are 10 Open House safety tips to consider:
- Secure Valuables: Advise sellers to put away their valuables, including jewelry, cash, guns, and prescription drugs. The concern is not just deterring theft. You also want, for your own safety, to avoid any altercations with crooks.
- Identify Escape Routes: Inspect the house beforehand to figure out several escape routes. Make sure the doors and gates of your escape routes are not locked.
- Ready Your Car: Make sure your car is parked in such a way that you can get away quickly if needed, e.g. it faces the street, it cannot be blocked by another car, and it’s not too far away.
- Ready Your Phone: Make sure you have cell phone service and your phone is charged.
- Carry With You: Make sure you have your cell phone and car keys on your person at all times during the entire Open House.
- Work in Pairs: Have someone else at the Open House with you or let a loved one know where you will be and when you will be calling in, e.g. every hour on the hour.
- Appear to Work in Pairs: Even if no one is with you at the Open House, you can still make it appear as if there’s another person with you, e.g. display a co-worker’s business cards along with yours, and have 2 sets of bags, jackets, and water bottles.
- Invite People: Invite your co-workers, family, and friends to drop in to check up on you.
- Track Everyone: Keep track of everyone visiting the home, and make sure they leave before the end of the Open House.
- Emergencies: When in doubt, do not hesitate to call 911.
Copyright© 2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP). All rights reserved. Any unauthorized reproduction or use of this material is strictly prohibited. This information is believed to be accurate as of September 30, 2019. It is not intended as a substitute for legal advice in individual situations, and is not intended to nor does it create a standard of care for real estate professionals.
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