By Sue Monson
President of the Fayette County Board of Realtors

The week of September 10th has been designated by the National Association of REALTORS® as “REALTOR® Safety Week”. We are deeply committed to Public Safety and the safety of our agents. We strongly stress to our REALTORS® that no measure of material success can equal the value of their lives.

We also feel that these simple safety “strategies” can help to safeguard you as you go about your daily activities.

1) First and foremost if you have an uneasy feeling about a person or persons you have encountered, “trust” that gut level feeling and take whatever precaution is necessary.

2) Make certain that when anyone wants to enter your home, who is not familiar to you, such as contractors, sales people, utility companies, that you ask for identification. This applies even if you have set up the appointments.

3) Always carry your cell phone when shopping and have 911 ready to dial when you are walking to your vehicle.

4) Always let someone know where you are going and when they can anticipate your return. If you don’t want to call, at the very least leave a note in your kitchen.

Safety is also a good reason to consider using a REALTOR® when you are ready to sell your home. If you decide that you want to try listing your home “For Sale by Owner”, please give serious thought to the safety factors of that endeavor if you live alone or your spouse travels. If you decide that this is the best route for you, advise friends when you will be showing your home.

We, of course believe hiring the professional services of a REALTOR® holds great value for you. Also, when interviewing a REALTOR®, please be certain they are REALTORS® (A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics).

The Fayette County Board of REALTORS‚ is one of nearly 1,600 local boards and associations of Realtors® nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors®. As the nation’s largest trade association, NAR is “The Voice for Real Estate,” representing more than 1,300,000 members involved in all aspects of the real estate industry.

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