More on safety
Even though Realtor Safety Month was September, the month old murder of Arkansas Realtor, Beverly Carter still is fresh in our minds.
It is no wonder that Beverly Carter rushed off to show a home. Those of us in this profession often drop everything to engage a potential buyer. Quick response to an inquiry from a ready buyer can mean a commission check. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median real estate agent earns about $39,000 a year. That means half earn more and half earn less. It is estimated that the average agent sells 4-6 listings per year. This while giving up a "normal" schedule and meeting most prospective buyers and sellers without knowing them in advance. Most feel a sense of urgency to not find themselves in that category somewhere below the median income and closer to the poverty level. Safety, although always a concern is often overlooked in pursuit of that one sale that could make the difference between average income or being the exception.
Carter had called her husband to tell him the address of the home she was showing prior to the appointment. She was to show two other properties that day but failed to make the other appointments. Her husband later reported his wife missing after not hearing from her for several hours. He also went to the address of the home she had provided him and found her car still parked outside with her purse inside. The door to the residence was left open, but she was not inside. When Beverly was found several days later it was after her prospective "buyer" had ended her life.
Let this serve as a sobering reminder to all our peers in real estate. Have a contingency plan when answering calls for spur of the moment showings. Sit down and write out your plan and practice it until it becomes second nature to call and let someone know. Carter did call. She might have carried her plan further by having her husband or office call her periodically or by establishing that if she didn't call between her property showings something was amiss and to notify the authorities.
Beverly Carter is not the first to be murdered plying our trade. Others have been robbed, raped and even murdered. Only we who practice the craft can take measures to make sure we are not also a victim. How are you protecting yourself? You can begin your plan by making sure you dress right, especially your shoes. Make sure the shoes you are wearing are suitable for running in case you need to get away from trouble.
In an article last month we described some processes through which agents and owner/sellers could take protective measures. What we left unsaid was having a means of self-defense at hand. Take a self-defense course. Carry pepper spray, a taser or a firearm if you have a license. It doesn't help just to carry. Whether pepper spray, taser or firearm you must practice. Know how to use it and know how to hit your target. Do not hesitate to defend yourself if you feel you are in danger. Pepper spray and tasers are not likely to kill someone but hesitation to use them may get you killed.
The only thing worse than the terrible tragedy of Beverly Carter will be another victim. One who does not remember her, does not learn from her situation and does nothing to take the necessary steps to avoid becoming next. We pray that is not one of our own.
Trust an expert...call a Realtor. Call your Realtor or visit www.cdarealtors.com to search properties on the Multiple Listing Service or to find a Realtor member who will represent your best interests.
Kim Cooper is a real estate broker and the spokesman for the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors. Kim and the association invite your feedback and input for this column. You may contact them by writing to the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors, 409 W. Neider, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 or by calling (208) 667-0664.