Read this very good Dojo.com article, "Florida Realtor Survives Hammer Attack - Agent who fought back recalled self-defense training!" I have often marveled at the courage (or stupidity) of those in the real estate profession, male or female, who lead complete strangers to private, unoccupied homes and offices alone. As someone who has taught women's self-defense since the mid-80's, I know that the riskiest thing to do is go to a quiet place away from the public with someone. Is he armed? What is his mental state? Does he have a criminal background? Come to think of it, I should offer a free seminar to realtors in my area, and I challenge other instructors to do the same. I will post back when I have done this. I usually charge a nominal fee to ensure attendance (those who commit with even a small pre-registration fee are more likely to show up). If anyone has any information on what realtors do to protect themselves, please email me(don't post a comment with it!).
Some good tips and information from the article:
"According to a safety guide for real estate professionals that was prepared by the North Carolina Association of Realtors and North Carolina Real Estate Commission, 21 U.S. real estate professionals were murdered while on the job in 2000, and 206 agents died as a result of violent assaults from 1982-2000. The guide, based on the Washington Real Estate Safety Council's Personal Safety Guide, offers several tips designed to minimize the risk of a potentially dangerous situation.
Among the tips: Keep a cell phone at your side, with emergency numbers set to speed dial; tell someone where you are going, who you are with and when you will be back; meet new clients or customers at your office, verify their identities, photocopy their driver's licenses; don't wear expensive jewelry; wear shoes that allow you to run; and have a 'buddy' who you can call when your instincts tell you that something is awry."
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