1. Keep a charged cell phone with you at all times. Tell
someone at your office you’ll call every hour, then do it like clockwork
so that person will know right away if something is wrong. Be prepared
to use coded phrases (such as the yellow folder, the red folder) to seek
assistance or prompt a call to 911 or your local police emergency
number.
2. Be careful how you dress. Flashy or expensive jewelry might
attract the wrong kind of attention.
3. Don’t put your home phone number on your business card. Buy a
voice pager or use your cell phone for out-of-office contact.
4. Never advertise a property as vacant.
5. Always take your own car for showings. If you must take one
car, you drive. When you leave your car, lock it. Keep your keys with
you at all times.
6. Let potential buyers take the lead when exploring a home, with
you following behind. Avoid going into the basement or confined areas
with a prospect.
7. Always have prospects meet you at your office the first time.
Ask them for identification. If they question you about it, say it’s
company policy.
8. Find out as much as you can about prospects, such as where
they work and what they do. Ask lots of questions and be a good
listener.
9. Know your sales area. Preview the property.
10. Trust your instincts. If you’re suspicious, it’s better to
walk away from a listing or a showing.
Adapted from a presentation published on REALTOR® Magazine Online.
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