The housing market may not be the “Goose that laid the Golden Egg” that it used to be, and sales may be harder to come by these days, but that is no reason to put yourself in danger for a real estate commission. Though there is no clear connection between economic slowdowns and the national crime rate, we have seen attacks on real estate agents increase in alarming numbers over the last 12 months.

In December a real estate agent in New Mexico was showing some properties to a prospective buyers. The agent thought that the buyer was a wealthy woman looking for a property for her daughter, but the lady was a thief and pulled a gun on the agent. After being made to drive to her bank and make a substantial withdrawal, the robber took the money and fled.

Less than 30 days ago a real estate agent in Corona, California received a call to show a house at approximately 10:00am. While greeting her prospective client outside the home, he brandished a firearm an lead the agent inside. Once inside the property he raped and stabbed the woman several times. In her defense, she fought back and her screams alerted neighbors that called the police.

In February, a 24 year old real estate agent went to show a home in a up-scale area of Victoria, Canada. She was contacted by a woman that morning that wanted to see homes in the $1 million dollar range. She was told by the woman caller that she wanted to purchase something “that day”. Before the appointment, a man called back saying that he would be meeting the agent alone. Before going to the appointment, the agent told friends that she was felt “uncomfortable” about the showing. Later that night Lindsay Buziak was found stabbed to death in an upstairs bedroom of the vacant home she was showing.

Because of their work, real estate agents are prime potential victims to many criminals. They often work alone. They place themselves in remote surroundings. They are eager to please a potential “customer” so they let their guard down. They often give personal information to strangers as a part of their marketing campaign, and they will often meet at odd hours including evenings when it is dark.

Here are some great tips to remember about your personal safety complied from a number of sources: (Thanks to the NAR)

1. Never have a first meeting with a customer at a property. Always meet customers in the office, where you can introduce them to the broker, manager or other colleagues. If you must, meet them at a public place to introduce yourself and conduct a buyer interview.

2. Leave an itinerary with the office. Let someone know what houses you will be viewing-and be sure the customer knows there is a schedule you’ll be following.

3. Carry a cell phone. Stay in contact with someone while you’re out in the field.

4. Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry several credit cards. Carry only a small amount of cash or one credit card, and have a key ring with just your car key and lockbox key on it.

5. Use your own car. Be in control of the presentation and be the guide. If a customer wants to drive, have him or her follow you. And don’t park where you can be blocked in.

6. Always enter through the front door. If you have to use a side door, have the customers wait at the front door and let them in that way.

7. Inside the house, stay between the customer and an exit. Don’t ever walk into a room first. It’s safer and a better experience for the customer.

8. Have a secret code. Create a code word or phrase to let your colleagues know that you’re in need of help. Then, if you feel threatened, you could call your office and say, “Could you please call Mr. CODEWORD to cancel my appointment?” This let’s the office know that you need help without giving any indication to the listener.

9. Carry pepper spray if it’s legal in your area. This may be used for defense from animals, snakes or any predators and give you time to get to safety.

There are a multitude of resources available at local real estate associations as well as across the internet. By far the MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember about your safety is to be prepared and trust your instincts. That hair standing up on the back of your neck or that feeling that “something isn’t quite right” may literally save your life one day.