module 02 / the buyer counseling session
Entering a Vacant or Foreclosed Property
Risks:
• Encountering squatters, former owners, animals, and hazardous conditions.
Precautions: • Inspect for signs of break-in or occupancy. Never confront squatters, occupants, or animals. Visit during daylight hours only. Use the buddy system: a partner can wait in the car and keep in touch by phone. Let coworkers or someone know where you are going and have a predetermined check-in time. Today, many apps provide additional safety measures: they are affordable and simple to use. Some allow you to access information on a new client before the first meeting. Knowledge in situations like this is power—and safety. Other apps send police to your exact location at the touch of a button. Another popular app includes a feature with an automatic way to alert contacts in the case of an unexpected or potentially dangerous situation. Find details on these safety products at https://www.nar.realtor/safety/ resources-for-personal-protection. Overall, the best guide to follow is your intuition. If a situation does not feel right, or if a person makes you feel uncomfortable, leave the situation right away. At worst, you may be overly cautious and could be losing a potential client; at best, you could be avoiding danger. Be proactive—have a safety plan in place for all scenarios and make use of safety measures available through your brokerage. For additional resources for staying safe on the job, go to NAR’s REALTOR® Safety webpage at https://www.nar.realtor/safety/planning-your-safety-strategy. Two videos on personal safety for real estate professionals are especially valuable: • Safety Best Practices for Real Estate Professionals https://www.nar.realtor/window-to-the-law/safety-best-practices-for-real- estate-professionals Personal Safety Tips for Real Estate-Professionals https: //www.nar.real tor/videos/personal-safety-tips-for-real-estate-professionals •
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