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But as many realtors will probably tell you, that's the exception and not the rule. As a buyer's agent, you are required to: see multiple properties, arrange viewings that work for the seller and potential buyers, drive all over town, work long hours, and spend lots of time away from your family. So yes, there is some work there that we don't always think about. But here's the kicker: what about safety?
When people are thinking about changing careers and they think about real estate, they don't necessarily think "oh, but that's a dangerous profession." That kind of statement is generally limited to police officers, fire fighters, crab fisherman (know the show "Deadliest Catch"?), and miners. Well, guess what? Real Estate is a dangerous business, too.
This week, a man was convicted for sexually assaulting a real estate agent (read about it here) back in March. He acted like he was looking to buy property, and assaulted her when they were alone. This was not an isolated incident... he had been trying to set up other agents, too.
Other sources confirm this alarming trend about violence against realtors. From Impact Safety:
"Violence in High Risk Professions:
An alarming trend of violence against real estate agents has emerged throughout the country in the last decade. Agent safety was cited as an important issue by nearly 90 percent of respondents in a 2003 Ohio Association of Realtors member survey. By comparison, safety concerns received no mention in a 1997 survey."
The bottom line is that we all, regardless of the 'perception' of safety (or lack thereof), need to do what we can to stay safe and think about prevention. Have a strategy/back up plan wherever you are -- and, maybe get SOS LINK, too.
Cheers,
Jill
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