This month's general membership meeting featured Mason County Deputy Sheriff Matt Colenson with a presentation on Realtor Safety.
 
Deputy Matt covered quite a few bases today on how to be as safe as possible while you are out showing homes.  Basically, always trust your gut, pay attention to your surroundings and keep an eye out for any evidence of human presence.  Never confront a squatter.  Leave and contact the authorities.  Never turn your back on a client or allow yourself to be boxed into a situation with no exit.  Always allow your clients to go ahead of you.
 
Deputy Matt also covered the different types of personal defense mechanisms.  Firearms and stunguns are not recommended due to the ease in which they can be turned against you.  He recommends pepper spray, self defense classes and buddy call system with pre-arranged distress codes.  Pepper Spray is a better disabling long distance weapon with a better chance of escape.  He handed out gift cards for Shelton Martial Arts Center good for 2 free lessons.  If this interests you, please check around your office to see if anyone grabbed an extra.  If not, I have a couple.
 
To the left you will find the handouts from the meeting, including the NAR Member Safety Report, and several suggested forms to use to help keep you safe.