Denver Real Estate
THE 10 SECOND RULE
October 13, 2009 by Jerry · 9 Comments
TEN SECOND RULE
In real estate, every day presents itself with visiting property; sometimes alone-sometimes with clients. As realtors were are made aware of the 10 Second Rule to survey our surroundings and ensure personal safety. I thought this might be useful to everyone.
Inattention is one of the main reasons people find themselves in danger. Use the 10-second rule each day to assess your surroundings and make sure that you’re taking the right precautions in case an emergency or an uncomfortable situation arises.
Here’s how the 10-second rule works:
Take two seconds when you arrive at your destination to ask yourself:
Is there any questionable activity in the area?
Am I parked in a well-lit, visible location?
Can I be blocked in the driveway by someone’s vehicle?
Take two seconds after you step out of your car to ask yourself:
Are there suspicious people around?
Do I know exactly where I’m going?
Take two seconds as you walk towards your destination to ask yourself:
Are people coming and going or is the area unusually quiet?
Do I observe any obstacles or hiding places in the parking lot or along the street?
Is anyone loitering in the area?
Take two seconds at the door to ask yourself:
Do I have an uneasy feeling as I’m walking in?
Is someone following me in?
Take two seconds as soon as you enter your destination to ask yourself:
Does anything seem out of place?
Is anyone present who shouldn’t be there or who isn’t expected?
In just 10 seconds total, you will have taken in your surroundings so you could spot and avoid danger, whether you’re shopping, visiting someone, and especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Make the 10-second rule a habit, and share it with your friends and family.
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Great post! It’s one of those things that usually goes unsaid and isn’t said enough. No commission or house is worth risking your life for.
I also carry a small can of pepper spray on my key chain, just in case….
If you’re previewing a house you should carry a flashlight and pepper spray. Have the pepper spray at the ready when you walk in. The flashlight is needed for basements where I found half the lights don’t work. Of course up here in Summit County, there aren’t too many basements.
Having been lapd for 17 years and as a full line reserve now, your words
Ring oh so true.
Great article. This is true no matter where you are… showing a listing or going to the shopping center. I even look around prior exiting my office building or getting out of the car at the grocery store.
On an unrelated note, I found a cool app on the iPhone. Called eMail Mania, makes it really easy to send pics and videos all in one email, text or voice too. I use it daily to send pics of my rental properties and new listings.
Excellent info.
I was taught by my mentor to always know where your exit is. When I have an open house I never let myself be cornered or shut off from an exit. the back door is always unlocked for a quick escape if need be.
Just like Bob above, I’m in Summit County — and I would have to say we’re very fortunate that we don’t have to be overly concerned about many of the issues Realtors who work in metro areas must constantly keep in mind.
And I do agree with Bob that carrying a flashlight when visiting properties can absolutely come in handy.
Being in Summit County as well, people tend to be more lax about locking doors, leaving keys in cars, etc… and unscrupulous people try to take advantage of this. I have had tracks in the overnight snow up to my vehicle and all around it. People look for opportunities in out of the way places where we would ordinarily think we are safe.
Fantastic advice. One should always be aware of the surroundings, no matter where you are. This is especially useful for Metro area listings, but there is no such thing as being too careful. As Jo-Ann said too, always know your exits! 10 seconds is not much time to waste to prevent possible danger.
I think a big flashlight is important and can also be used as a weapon. You should also try to meet all your potential clients at the office. If they are willing to show up at the office it’s unlikely they are going to do anything to you.