Interesting article on armed Realtors. It also points out my concerns relating to close proximity altercations or attacks. There is no time to react. This is why I push awareness. Easier to STAY out of trouble, than to get out of it.

foxsanantonio.com/news/nation-world/real-estate-agents-arming-themselves-for-safety?fbclid=IwAR3b0Kne-vpXBjFNy9pr8ipKMRiosCppmv7ysKQl7qyJZky0QkXzlOLEhqE

I work with a realtor who always gives me the lockbox code. Now he and I know each other so I assumed it was because of that, but he may be doing it with everyone for safety reasons as well. Before meeting a prospective tenant, I'm vetting them first. Realtors need to do the same and limit showings to a combination of lockboxes and videos.

LTD,

Interesting article. I wonder about any hesitancy or backlash from anti-gun prospects.

"I'd like to sell you this house. Pardon me while I strap on my gun in case you attack me."

Or "Is this neighborhood safe?" "Sure, that's why I carry a gun."

Me? Lockbox showings, code given to only the 2-3 with approved apps.

Unless the house is priced super low or it is a clear marketed OPEN HOUSE, the realtor would be doing only private showings with her client. When I'm at a showing and other buyers are there, courtesy is given to wait outside or in car for the person already there to finish and exit.

So in the vast majority of cases, the only person a realtor should be in proximity to at a showing is their own client. Perhaps the realtor should be asking herself if they're in the right business if they are afraid of the clients they get then assaulting her.

Thank you for sharing LTD.

I take it you carry.

Do you have a gun range on your property? I am wanting to set one up on my farm.

LTD, agreed. An ounce of prevention better than a pound of cure.

I've long been a fan of not LOOKING like a victim. Criminals are lazy, by definition, preferring the quick 'n easy buck to working for it honestly. So make the job HARD for them and they're less likely to proceed with committing a crime.

Present yourself with an air of confidence. Walk briskly. Look people in the eyes. Give a firm handshake. Use solid vocal tone. Make statements using a "command voice" (military term) from the gut vs. a wispy, mushing sounding voice. Smile, but with a confidence in the eyes that you could kick a door down if needed.

Ladies, I love ya, but don't go into a home by yourself. Yes, yes, woman power, equality, Hooah! But society has a (false) perception that women are weaker than men. Not your fault. Just the way it is. Do something extra to ensure that you do NOT look weak. Alone = weak. Even if someone else is just sitting in your car, you are no longer alone. It stinks that we still have such a perception. No matter. Your life isn't worth proving a political or gender equality point. Don't be alone. If all else fails, unlock the front door and let the people walk inside. You stay outside. Let them know you are happy to answer any questions when they are done. Make up a reason. Say you're expecting a call from your adult son / manager / business partner. Anything to create the impression that someone is watching out for you.

Also....LOCKBOX SHOWINGS! Your LIFE is not worth risking on a knucklehead who might be high or who has an ax to grind and decides your body is going to be the recipient of their rage. The risk of squatters can be managed. Damages/thefts can be repaired or replaced. Dirt can be cleaned. In-person interviews can (and should!) be done during the 2-minute in home inspection. Do your due diligence before giving out the lock box code, create the right atmosphere that the property is being watched and tended to, and you will eliminate almost all the risk. All that plus the time and money you'll save makes this strategy a must!

I don't see the point of giving a lockbox code to someone who you think is "knucklehead who might be high or who has an ax to grind and decides your body is going to be the recipient of their rage."

I have had my son-in-law sit in the corner during screening process. He used to work for a security company, so knows how to look menacing, if needed. He admits though, in a fight, mom would probably be the one to be afraid of.

I can't complete a records screening for everyone depending on where they may be from. For the types of rentals I have, anyone from out of area is suspect so I'm considering just passing on anyone who I can't look up via PA Courts.

I don't think you need to intimidate prospective tenants or buyers. I know I come off online as a bit intimidating but in real life I'm pretty nice and don't run around with a hogleg strapped to my leg, at least not one you can see.

Obviously we want our prospects to feel comfortable both with us and the property. We can do subtle things to reduce risk without making others uncomfortable.

Getting ID can be helpful, but not always easily accomplished. Taking a photo then emailing it to another address is good. Don't send to your phone email, they can take your phone, access your mail and erase the image. It is fairly standard in some RE offices to photocopy client IDs before going on showings.

Have a second person who waits in the car or hangs back. My spouse and I used to do some showings together to get additional feedback from her on a tenant. We'd tag team, I'd show, then she'd take over, our security looked casual, not like a guard was standing by the door.

Be casual, open the door and politely let the prospect enter first, then casually keep yourself between them and any exit. Your second person is outside, if a confederate arrives to block the door, YOUR confederate is behind THEM!

Clearing yourself in and out with phone calls can be wise. I used to call my spouse when the prospect showed up, I'd let them hear me say, "I'll call you when we are done." Then explain that I had another appointment afterward. Served the dual purpose of letting a nefarious person know I was expected somewhere and gave me an excuse to cut poor prospects short and end the showing. "Oh my, look at the time! Here's an app. I gotta run!"

We slacked off on all this in recent years by changing our demographics to senior living. Not too many 70 year olds are interested in kidnapping landlords. Though I've had a 62 year old drug dealer. Sigh.

I have also occasionally used intimidation to my benefit. Before, when we had more units and were dealing with a horrible tenant pool I sometimes pulled up in my big truck with our security company graphics. I'd wear my uniform and pistol belt and explain my other line of work. A couple of folks on realizing we weren't going to be flim flammed suddenly remembered their sock drawer needed immediate attention.

The best thing is being aware and acting on your gut feelings. If something feels "off," it is. Get out, regroup, put the other party off their game and they will usually break off and look for another victim. And if they don't then you have your tools and defense training as a last resort.

Find the happy medium. Where you are protected but it isn't intimidating to the other party.

Don't park in the driveway. I always park 1-2 houses down the street. Gives people coming space to par and allows me to avoid being boxed in.

I used to show houses after work. In winter, that would be in the dark. No longer, now I only show houses at 3pm on the weekends where even at solstice its still bright outside