Among the female real estate agents practising in the busy district of Puchong, there is a common trope that puts their need to be visible against the as-yet unknown (but certainly depraved) ambitions of one man.
Photo by Mike Wilson on Unsplash
When we last sat down with a real estate negotiator to get some insight on what it takes to succeed in the property industry, she relayed to us a disturbing tale – one which we will recount here in the interest of public safety. Female real estate negotiators operating in Puchong share similar accounts of the same man – he does his research from afar, utilising various phone numbers to contact the offices of real estate agencies in order to secure the attentions of female negotiators.
He often gives his name as “William”, and apparently follows a script to weave an introduction that is not uncommon in the property industry. The introductions largely follow the same format: he contacts female real estate agents, acquiring their numbers online through various social media and property platforms, nominates a preferred area – usually within the vicinity of Puchong or Bandar Sunway – and perhaps most telling of all, he claims to be financially well-endowed.
It is usually at this point of the introduction that seasoned practitioners get suspicious – home-buyers who count themselves as wealthy rarely advertise their fortunes so blatantly and legitimate investors with capital would usually stand to get better deals with more incentives attached from property developers directly. If the lure of a sizeable commission proves too appealing for novice negotiators at this point, the stalker advances tentatively to deeper levels of depravity.
He typically begins with simple demands that would not raise many eyebrows – a business card, a meeting to view a property, or even a request to be driven around – but his concerted approach eventually breaks down under the weight of desperation. Once comfort in close proximity is established, his demands become far more inappropriate – often straying into the realm of dictating the quality of undergarments to be worn by the agents he intends to meet.
As with most other professions, real estate negotiators rely on a steady stream of new faces for them to attend to, and erring on the side of caution may damage relationships before a legitimate deal can be made – which may compel novice negotiators to ignore signs of danger for a chance at a commission that would make all the preceding moments of concern worthwhile. It is our belief that with more female negotiators being made aware of the potential hazards that exist, and the forms they may take, this line of work can be assured the same standards of safety enjoyed almost everywhere else in the 21st century.
Shamir R., a crime and safety consultant from PreventCrimeNow.com, shares five ideas on how real estate negotiators can protect themselves.
Real estate agencies need to be proactive
Real estate agencies need to be proactive and take the first move in addressing these issues. The safety and security of personnel should be taken seriously. Agencies should have a check-out board or system that has client details, negotiator destinations, and expected return times. It would also be a good idea to conduct safety courses occasionally to remind employees about the hazards they may face.
Ask the client to send a copy of their identification
Photo by Andrew Worley on Unsplash
Before making any deal, negotiators should ask potential clients to send a copy of their identification. This is a precautionary measure to identify the client beforehand – and in case something happens to a negotiator, colleagues will be able to make a police report on their behalf.
Avoid showing properties at night
Photo by Adhitya Andanu from Pexels
Negotiators should avoid showing properties to client during the night as it would make the negotiator an easier target for criminals. The risk is higher when the negotiator is alone with the client at night. If the client insists on meeting at night, negotiators should bring a colleague along for safety. While showing a property, always walk behind the prospect as it’s safer to follow them so you always have them in your full view.
Follow your instincts
Photo by A L L E F . V I N I C I U S Δ on Unsplash
If you should ever feel like something is out of place, you should always trust your instincts. Don’t hesitate to stop showing a property and leave immediately. Negotiators should put their personal safety first and never take too much risk for a deal.
Keep your social media privacy settings to high
Social media plays a huge role in the work of a real estate negotiator. Stalkers and criminals find their prey via the same platforms that we use to share photos of food and pets. Negotiators should keep their personal lives private so that stalkers can't pry into their lives and make them their next target.
Click here to visit R.AGE's 'The Couch' to join the discussion on stalking and domestic violence.
