When you think about dangerous careers, the ones that immediately come to mind for most people are things like police officer, commercial fisherman, and firefighter; while these are certainly some of the most dangerous careers that you can be in, most people would never suspect that being a realtor could be a dangerous job.
While realtor does not seem like a career that would put you in harm's way anymore than maybe being an office worker might, it can actually be a lethal form of employment.
While it is far from common that realtors are victimized by people in the course of their work, it is unfortunately the case that some unsuspecting agents have fallen prey to unscrupulous violent criminals right across the country.
Because a realtor's job is to show people-usually strangers-homes where no one is home, they can sometimes easily become victims of theft, assault, or worse.
Unlike the recent case of famous New York realtor Linda Stein-who was found to have been murdered by her personal assistant-most realtors who become victims of violence are attacked by people they do not know.
And while many people consider that only women fall victim to this type of tragedy, it is not actually the case; men can be easily overwhelmed and become a victim of violent crime in this kind of situation as well, though it is a little less likely as men can be more difficult to overwhelm.
All realtors need to be aware that even the most normal appearing people can be lunatics, so do not be tempted to trust people based on how they look or sound.
Not every dangerous person will come across like a raving psychopath when you talk to them on the phone or meet them at an open house.
Ted Bundy, prolific serial murderer, looked quite normal and attractive to his victims but was a very dangerous individual.
The best way to protect yourself against violent assault is to take precautions when you will be in vulnerable situations, like:

• Insist in meeting any and all clients at your office before you show them any properties.
  Make sure that your coworkers see the new clients too.
  
• Take photocopies of your clients' ID for your files as a precursor to getting financing, anyone planning on harming you will think twice about doing anything if you have their ID information.
  
• Do not hold open houses by yourself.
  Have at least one other person there with you to deter problems.
  
• Take your own car to show clients houses so that you are in control; have clients follow you.
  
• Trust your instincts! Sometimes we can be more concerned about appearing foolish than our own safety, but it's better to feel foolish than to allow yourself to stay in a dangerous situation.
  

When it comes down to staying safe while still assisting clients in buying new homes, it is all about trying to make it difficult for someone to take advantage of you.
Communicate with the people you work with and assume that you will need to identify your clients at a later date.
If your office works together to develop some good office policies, it will be easy to keep yourselves safe.