A property manager is always on the go. If you look at the list of most dangerous jobs, there likely won’t be any mention of the property management industry. The truth, however, is that every job has a set of potential threats to workers and property management is no exception here.
When we were kids, we were always told 'don’t interact with strangers'. But in the professional world, especially in the real estate industry, this phrase has no place. To avoid such issues, you should know some useful tips. Read our handy property manager safety guide and get informed.
Know your client
It is crucial that you know who you are going to meet for a business deal or transaction. You can ask for their residence and other information which can help you understand the client better. Consider looking a person up on social media and make sure you have a copy of their photo identity cards in your possession just in case something happens. This can be helpful for you and your client as well.
Take your client to your office first
When first meeting a client, never rush to a property privately. Instead, arrange a meeting at your office to discuss the property so they can decide if it is of interest or not. You can ensure your safety against any unpredictable or potential threats. When taking your clients to the property, make sure you have someone from your organisation accompany you.
Avoid keeping cash
Real estate businesses can hold quite about a lot of money. And where there is significant amount of money, there always remains an attractive force for criminals. As a modern property manager, you should be keeping less cash on site and be conducting more online transactions to avoid any safety issues.
Download a personal safety app
There's no excuse for not having one because everyone today has a smartphone. When you are in the business of property management, you meet a lot of strangers and majority of the time you will have zero issues however, there’s no way you should operate open houses without it a safety app downloaded to your phone. Simply download a safety app for your local emergency departments to be prepared in the unlikely event of a safety breach and don’t worry; it won't eat up much of a space either.
Never compromise your security for a few dollars. CCTV cameras are of real help when it comes to safety. They help recognise the face of the culprit, if something were to happen. You can ensure the safety of your valuables against theft as well. After all, you don’t know the people you might find yourself doing business with. Prepare yourself for every problem that could potentially occur.
For more property management advice, sign up to our newsletter below!