Brian Johnson: Safety Best Practices for Real Estate | Business

Security concerns in the real estate industry have made headlines lately. Tragic news of the shooting of a construction inspector and the wounding of other real estate professionals in Huntington Beach last week reminds us that showing real estate can be dangerous.

According to a 2020 safety report by the National Association of Realtors, a third of NAR members felt unsafe during an open house or demonstration. For this reason, it is imperative for our members to take safety precautions and have a safety plan in place.

Many of these measures will also make our customers feel more secure and create a better environment for everyone.

A security plan can address common scenarios that put real estate professionals in potentially risky situations, such as: B. meeting new customers, showing real estate or aligning an open house. Elements of a safety plan can include practices such as driving apart from customers, showing up early to unlock doors, and noting down escape routes.

Brokers and clients alike should let someone know where you are going and who you will be with at all times. Brokers should be familiar with your brokerage company’s security protocols.

Technology now offers more solutions for your security. Advances in smartphone technology enable apps and other tools that can confirm someone’s identity, perform an instant background check, or track your location and share that information with people you trust.

Always be aware of the terms and conditions of these tools to ensure that you are using them in a legal and ethical manner. It is a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act to conduct a discriminatory background check on decisions about credit or tenant screening.

Finally, it is imperative to report any incidents that occur to local law enforcement agencies. By doing this, you are helping to protect yourself and others by alerting law enforcement agencies to potential dangers.

The safety of everyone will allow us to continue providing the best service to our customers and to be responsible citizens of the community.

Brian Johnson is the new President of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors. He is a California licensed real estate agent and the managing director of Radius Commercial Real Estate. Brian handles all types of commercial real estate transactions but has a particular focus on multi-family investments. He can be reached at 805.879.9631 or [email protected]

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