Show Notes for Episode 25 of the Maine Real Estate Roundtable Podcast
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Episode Title: Realtor Safety Month Special: Staying Safe in the Field with Autumn Clifford
Release Date: September 18, 2024
Host: Bobbie Grenier
Guest: Autumn Clifford – Safety Expert & Founder of "She’s an Asset"
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Episode Summary:
In this special episode of the Maine Real Estate Roundtable podcast, host Bobbie Grenier speaks with Autumn Clifford, a seasoned safety expert and former law enforcement officer, in honor of "REALTOR Safety Month". Autumn, who is also the founder of "She’s an Asset", brings her expertise to discuss critical safety practices that every real estate agent should implement, especially when working alone in the field.
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Drawing on her extensive background in policing and personal safety training, Autumn explains how real estate agents can protect themselves from potential threats, whether they're meeting clients, showing properties in remote areas, or handling sensitive transactions. She emphasizes that safety is not just about physical preparedness but also mental awareness and setting firm boundaries with clients to avoid compromising situations.
Autumn also addresses the unique challenges female agents often face and shares actionable steps to build confidence, minimize risks, and enhance safety without sacrificing professionalism.
This episode is packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and technological tools that can help agents stay safe while doing their job effectively. Whether you're a new agent or a veteran in the industry, this episode will provide valuable insights into how to keep safety top of mind in every transaction.
Key Topics Covered:
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1. Understanding the Safety Risks for Realtors:
- Real estate agents face unique safety concerns, especially when meeting with unknown clients and entering unfamiliar properties alone. Autumn outlines common scenarios that can escalate into dangerous situations, such as meeting strangers at vacant homes, showings in isolated areas, and late-night appointments.
- She emphasizes that safety risks are often underestimated in real estate because agents are so focused on closing deals, but it’s crucial to maintain vigilance and awareness.
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2. Building Situational Awareness:
- Autumn shares her law enforcement training on the importance of situational awareness—always knowing your surroundings and identifying potential escape routes. She offers advice on how real estate agents can develop this skill, from scanning a property before entering to staying conscious of your environment when walking through unfamiliar homes.
- Key strategies include positioning yourself near exits, avoiding basements or closed-off rooms, and keeping your car easily accessible.
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3. Red Flags to Watch For When Meeting New Clients:
- Autumn discusses the red flags agents should watch for when dealing with new clients, such as overly demanding behavior, reluctance to provide identification, or insisting on last-minute showings at odd hours.
- She emphasizes trusting your gut if something feels off, noting that intuition is a powerful safety tool. If a client makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to walk away or reschedule under safer circumstances.
4. Practical Safety Tips for Showings:
- Autumn offers a series of practical tips to stay safe during property showings, including:
- Meeting in public: Arrange to meet clients at an office or public place before heading to a property.
- Bring a buddy: Whenever possible, bring a colleague or notify someone of your location.
- Keep control of the situation: You should always be the last person to enter a room and the first to leave. Never let a client block your exit.
- Stay near the door: Position yourself near an exit at all times in case you need to leave quickly.
5. Using Safety Apps and Technology:
- Autumn explains how technology can be a powerful tool for personal safety, sharing her top recommendations for safety apps that real estate agents can use:
- SafeShowings: An app that allows agents to take and store pictures of clients' IDs, and sends automatic alerts if they fail to check in after a showing.
- Forewarn: A safety app that provides instant background checks on potential clients to assess risk levels.
- Life360: A family locator and safety app that tracks your location in real-time and shares it with trusted contacts.
- She also suggests setting up quick access to emergency contacts and sharing your schedule with someone you trust.
6. The Power of Setting Boundaries:
- Autumn stresses the importance of setting clear boundaries with clients. Realtors often feel pressured to be available 24/7, which can lead to risky situations like late-night showings. Setting professional boundaries not only protects your time and energy but also ensures you don’t end up in a vulnerable position.
- She encourages agents to trust their instincts if a client’s requests seem unreasonable or if they pressure you to meet in less-than-ideal conditions.
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7. Mental Preparedness for Safety:
- In addition to physical precautions, Autumn highlights the importance of mental readiness. She discusses how maintaining a strong, confident mindset can deter would-be criminals and help you stay in control in difficult situations.
- Autumn explains how staying calm under pressure and having a plan in place can make all the difference in a high-stakes scenario. She walks through mental exercises and strategies to build confidence and mental resilience.
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Key Takeaways:
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- Situational Awareness is Critical: Always be aware of your surroundings, and never take your safety for granted. Identify exits, stay close to doors, and avoid secluded areas when showing properties.
- Trust Your Gut: If a client or situation doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to remove yourself. Your instincts are often your first line of defense.
- Utilize Safety Technology: Apps like SafeShowings and Forewarn can provide peace of mind and act as a safety net, especially when working alone.
- Set Boundaries with Clients: It’s important to establish clear boundaries regarding meeting times, locations, and behaviors to protect your personal safety.
- Confidence Deters Danger: A confident, prepared mindset can help prevent dangerous situations. Stay calm and assertive when dealing with clients or navigating tricky scenarios.
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Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:
- She’s an Asset
- SafeShowings App
- Forewarn App
- Life360 App
- National Association of Realtors Safety Program
- Maine Association of Realtors Safety Resources
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About the Guest:
Autumn Clifford is the founder of "She’s an Asset" and a former police officer with a passion for empowering women through personal safety training and self-defense. Her mission is to help women, especially those in high-risk professions like real estate, feel confident and secure in their daily lives. She offers training programs, workshops, and one-on-one coaching to build situational awareness, mental resilience, and physical safety skills.
- Connect with Autumn Clifford:
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About the Host:
Bobbie Grenier is the host of the "Maine Real Estate Roundtable Podcast", where she explores key topics in the real estate industry with a focus on Maine’s market. Bobbie brings her deep industry knowledge and conversational style to create engaging and informative content for real estate professionals.
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