Realtor Safety and Self Defence

In this episode Rob and Beth discuss the issue of "creepers" or low-level sexual predators in the real estate industry.

They highlight the importance of setting boundaries and not tolerating inappropriate behaviour, even if it might risk losing a potential client. They recommend the book "Creepology: Self-Defence for Your Social Life" by Anna Baldassari as a resource for dealing with such situations and Rob and Beth  emphasize real estate professionals, regardless of gender, have the right to feel safe and comfortable in their work environment.

Link to AR Banks’ Creepology

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In this episode Rob and Beth discuss the concept of a "process predator" in the real estate industry, based on an article by Lee Goldstein and Dave Ledger.

A process predator is an individual who learns from contacting multiple realtors, becoming more familiar with their routines and language, and developing a process to attack them.

These predators are not opportunistic, but rather plan their attacks, often over weeks, months, or even years. They go through stages of initial focus, focusing behaviour, fantasy, and stage setting before executing their plan. Realtors need to be able to identify these behaviours and red flags to prevent attacks and the industry isn’t helping right now.

Listen For
8:33 The Initial Focus of Predators on Realtors
10:59 When Predators Enter the Research Phase of Their Attack
14:11 Fantasy Development and Stalking
21:46 The Risk of Multiple Appointments

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It’s an odd problem being too polite. But realtors often put their safety at risk by being overly polite and accommodating. Admirable qualities for sure but they can lead to them ignoring their intuition when something feels off. 

Real Estate agents need to control their environment and not be afraid to say no when necessary. 

And an important point, an agent should never lead on a showing. Always position yourself closest to the exit. And listen to your intuition.

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In a discussion about realtor safety mobile apps, Beth and Rob express their skepticism about the effectiveness of these tools. Safety starts with the individual, not with a gadget or app. 

There are limitations with safety apps, such as the delay in response time and the potential for false alarms. And the nature of violent attacks is speed and unpredictability. Safety apps don’t provide adequate protection. 

Education and awareness are the two most important tools you can carry when it comes to your personal safety.

 
Listen For
1:12 Personal Responsibility Over Gadgets for Safety
6:04 Limitations and False Security of Safety Apps
9:47 Challenges in Responding to Safety Alerts
14:14 Rapid Nature of Violent Attacks

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There are misconceptions about self-defence tools… even dangers. And this applies to realtors in particular. 

Carrying such tools, like pepper spray or knives, can escalate situations and potentially put the realtor in more danger. The real self-defence tools are situational, environmental, and self-awareness. 

More than ever there’s a need for proper safety education and mindset. It’s about the before (preparation and prevention), rather than the after (reaction and response). 

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She’s known as “Tracey the Safety Lady.” Tracey Hawkins transitioned from being a real estate agent to becoming a safety expert. In this episode she shares her passion for ensuring the safety of realtors, emphasizing the importance of awareness and preparedness in the face of potential dangers.

The conversation also touches upon the significance of Realtor Safety Month and the challenges faced by realtors in both the U.S. and Canada. Tracey highlights the role of artificial intelligence in the real estate sector, discussing tools like ChatGPT, BARD, and Canva, and how they're revolutionizing the industry.

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Guest Tracey Hawkins
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September is Realtor Safety Month across North America. This episode is dedicated to helping real estate professionals stay safe during open houses. 

Some of these tips, while highly effective, are counter intuitive, tips such as keeping the door UNlocked, never leading clients into rooms (despite what you’ve been taught), and marking on the sign-in sheet the house has hidden security cameras inside (even if it doesn’t).

Stay Safe. 

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Everything about it just felt like another real estate meeting. Kim Wiley had met a prospective client at an open house. She eventually went to the man’s home for an evaluation meeting both his wife and his kids. No red flags.

Eventually they’d gone out looking at possible investment properties twice. The third time they were looking through a home and were in the basement. Kim bent over to look at the expiry date sticker on the furnace… “and then he pulls me toward him…” 

In this episode, how to recognize the hidden signs of danger, what you can do about them, and how to handle yourself afterward.

Guest: Kim Wiley

 Resources
Victim Services Directory (justice.gc.ca)
Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime | CRCVC | Survivor Centre
Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, And Support Services - Ending Violence Association of Canada (endingviolencecanada.org)

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Realtors need to use social media. That’s a given. But in today’s digital age, predators exploit the power of social media to lure and gather information about potential victims, making it a crucial topic for realtors to grasp. 

Real estate agents can’t overlook the inherent risks associated with social media marketing. 

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In real estate a profound understanding of both social violence and anti-social violence is imperative. Social violence, footed in interpersonal conflicts and disputes, can emerge unexpectedly during negotiations or interactions with clients, requiring deft de-escalation and conflict resolution skills. 

Conversely, anti-social violence, driven by predatory intent, demands a heightened sense of situational awareness and the ability to discern potential threats, especially when visiting unfamiliar properties or meeting new clients.

As realtors engage with a diverse array of clients and properties, the ability to differentiate between social conflicts and potentially dangerous situations is paramount.

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