Designation and Safety Program Overview
I have been a real estate agent. I have been speaking professionally and teach-
ing real estate agents how to work safely since 1995. I have webinars,
several non-credit programs and 2 CE programs. Being contracted
with NAR as a real estate agent safety expert in 2013 allowed my safety articles
on realtor.org reach thousands of agents. The webinar reached almost 700
agents who wanted to learn to work safely in the distressed property market. I have
traveled the U.S. teaching agents how to work safely. Safety is my expertise.
Getting agents interested in safety training is always an uphill battle unless there has
been recent news of a crime against an agent. Then… I am popular!
My goal is to change that reality. I believe that I have found a way to get agents
interested in safety in a proactive manner.
This crime-prevention and life-saving information is invaluable for agents. The
designation shows their clients that they have gone above and beyond to help them.
This designation is not affiliated with NAR.
SAFETY FACTS
According to an industry survey:
Over 50% of agents feel unsafe in vacant houses.*
-
31% feel unsafe during private showings.**
Crimes against agents happen frequently
and don’t always get a lot of attention.***
There is no disputing that real estate
sales is a dangerous job. The Department of Labor
classifies it as a dangerous occupation.
* ** SG Beat, S.A.F.E and My Moby
*** Real Estate Agent Safety Forum group on Linked In (my group)
WHAT ARE AGENTS
INTERESTED IN?
When I contacted a real estate association about safety training for
their agents, the Professional Development Director was blunt and
simply replied, “If it doesn’t teach agents how to make more
money, they won’t come!”
That was my wake-up call.
I needed to determine how to combine safety training with helping
agents be more productive and profitable.
Real estate companies, boards and associations have a vested
interest in protecting their agents against danger. I have heard
agents refer to an implied liability if a crime happens and there is
no safety training offered until after the fact. I have heard agents
gush about how great it is when training is offered in a proactive
manner.
I know, I know, E.D.s are discouraged when they offer safety training
and no one signs up!
AGENTS LOVE DESIGNATIONS
I paid attention to how many agents had the alphabet soup
behind their names.
A lot of them do.
I researched designations.
There are several.
You can earn a designation for being “green”, working with
the elderly, working with military families, being an expert
negotiator and more. Obviously, the consumer focus is
clear and a clear benefit.
COMBINING SAFETY AND CLIENT
DEVELOPMENT
I am excited about having created what is believed to be one of,
(if not the only), social media, internet, smart phone and
technology focused safety class approved by a real estate
commission for CE credit! (Note: The State Auditor* gave the
course great reviews, as did the agents!)
I found a relevant topic and met agents where they live…
Online, on their computers, on their smart phones and in
cyberspace. This class is a great compliment to my safety
class that focuses on safe work practices.
* Alabama Real Estate Commission.
THE MAGIC OF CONSUMER
FOCUS
Real Estate Commissions are in the
business of protecting the consumers
from bad real estate agents and bad
practices.
Continuing education classes must meet a high threshold of
consumer protection information in order to get approved for CE
credit.
I will be honest, it took a re-write to meet the high threshold for my
two newest real estate agent safety programs. I had to balance
giving agents real tools to work safely and help their clients.
But that was the best thing to happen to me and the real estate agent
safety and security field.
THE CLASSES AND WHAT
AGENTS LEARN
Class #1 (3 CE credits)
TECHNOLOGY, SOCIAL MEDIA AND SMARTPHONE SAFETY,
PROTECTING AGENTS AND CONSUMERS. Agents learn how to:
-
Combat the myth of privacy settings
-
Research their cyber reputation- How to know what is out there about them so that
they can act accordingly and safely
-
Monitor what not to say online, (especially on social media while working)
-
Educate their Sellers about what they (and their families) should not share in
cyberspace while their house is on the market
-
Determine which pictures can endanger them and their clients
-
Utilize technology to protect themselves and their Sellers
-
Access online resources to share with Buyers about researching
-
dangerous neighborhoods and contaminated houses
-
Guard their smart phones and the Client info contained on it
-
Discover safety apps and new technology to keep agents safe and ways to secure
Seller’s valuables
THE CLASSES AND WHAT
AGENTS LEARN
Class #2 (3 CE credits)
REAL ESTATE SAFE PRACTICES: WORK SAFELY AND PROTECT
YOUR CLIENTS. Agents learn how to:
Safely screen new clients
-
-
-
-
-
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Safely show a house
Host a safe open house. Including sharing security information with
Sellers to keep their valuables safe
Even how helping FSBOs is good for business
Practice safety when showing distressed properties. Educate Buyers
about specific dangers when viewing these properties
How their picture can get them into trouble. And how Seller’s photos can
cause safety and security issues while their home is listed
Social media safety for Agents and Sellers- what not to do online and what
not to say
Tips to teach Sellers how to secure their homes while it is listed
WHAT EARNING THE CSSS
DESIGNATION MEANS
Agents were excited when they learned how the education they received after taking both of these
CE classes could help get new clients and keep existing ones. The E.D. said attendance
increased when the designation was announced!
How?
No other agents have talked to them about this life-saving, crime prevention
information!
When armed with a specific safety plan, agents could stand out from other agents when on listing appointments,
talking to FSBOs and working with Buyers:
1.
They would be talking to Sellers about specific ways to protect their families now that their house is open to
the public, so to speak
2.
They can speak to their Sellers about how to protect their valuables
3.
They will educate their Sellers about the precautions they must exercise when using social media while their
homes are on the market. They learn what to say and what not to say
4.
They will give safety tips on how to safely share financial information on their smart phones
5.
Agents will be able to share online resources with Buyers about how to research and avoid dangerous
neighborhoods and contaminated, hazardous houses
6.
They will educate their Sellers about the photos that can make them crime victims
7.
They will share safety and security information with FSBOs and utilize that as a business development tool
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO OFFER THIS
DESIGNATION AND GET YOUR AGENTS EXCITED
ABOUT SAFETY?
Decide if you need a former real estate agent and dynamic speaker with over
19 years of safety training, to cover an important and serious topic. Agent
Safety. Perfect for any upcoming event; luncheon, conference, training
program, education event, CE calendar, etc.
Remember to ask about my list of highly-rated, non-credit safety programs, too.
They are 60-90 minutes. Request information on getting these 2 innovative,
Continuing Education programs approved in your State if they aren’t already.
Then… get ready to show your Agents how safety is good for business!
CALL OR E-MAIL “Tracey, the Safety Lady” for a speaker’s
packet, fee sheet and available dates for 2014.
Thank you and be safe!
816.372.0939. E-Mail me: [email protected]
www.safetyandsecuritysource.com