 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
Could a photo save your life?
For most criminals, the higher the likelihood of getting caught, the larger the deterrent. You can increase that likelihood with a camera phone.
Even if you don’t meet a prospect at your office, take a photo of that person (they will appreciate if you ask first) and let them know you are sending it to your assistant. Be sure to tell the person that you are doing this for your own safety and that you won’t use the picture for any other purpose. Or, if you’d like to include the photo in your contact database to help you put a face to the name, ask them if they mind this additional, limited use.
Agents who prefer a more formal system can pay $6.50 per month for a subscription to RealSafe.net’s Mobile Security Service, which stores photos on a server that can only be accessed by law enforcement officials.
If you take photos of prospects for your safety, be sure to do so for all prospects you meet in similar circumstances. Treating prospects substantially the same is one of the best ways to comply with fair-housing laws.
Just because you are able to take a prospect’s photo and send it over the phone doesn’t mean you should abandon other safety procedures. When possible, it’s a good idea to meet people at your office in the presence of others, get information such as a copy of a driver’s license, let others know your itinerary, copy down the make and license plate of the person’s car, and decide ahead of time whom you would call for help and set up a prearranged distress signal.
If it sounds like a lot to keep track of, keep in mind that the goal is to protect yourself from harm.
Photos © Comstock & Bananastock.
home current issue top 10 resources
Buyers & sellers, visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.texasrealtors.com.
