Ways on How To Stay Safe and Secured especially when going for site inspections and open houses This Ember Season in Nigeria
*Written By Dr Laide Okubena*
As the Year is coming to an end , there is a need to be security conscious when going about your daily business and work or even during the holidays when you are approached by Prospects and potential customers for site inspections and bookings.
Here are some security measures below.
*Avoid Entering One Chance Vehicles*
What does one chance mean in Nigeria?
'One-chance' is commonly used in Nigeria to refer to fraud or scam in Nigeria, especially when a group of criminals picks up passengers waiting for a taxi or bus, with the aim of robbing or defrauding them.
Commuters should use designated motor parks where commercial vehicles are registered to operate.
Never be in a hurry when boarding vehicles on the road or preferably take an uber or bolt or indriver app when you find yourself on spots that are not authorized busstops or walk to an authorized busstops before boarding a vehicle.
Avoid all male passengers vehicles when boarding vehicles on the road and also avoid taking lifts you don't know the vehicle occupants.
*Inform Others:* Share your schedule with someone you trust, including details about site inspections and open houses.
*Avoid over sharing of informations online all in the name of Sharing Sales testimonials*
Some Realtors share their clients full Names or unnecessary information online about their clients and even putting the client or themselves in danger all in the name of success testimonials.
Sharing real time locations online especially places like hotels or restaurants is a no no and can attract unnecessary attentions or strangers who start tracking your movements from unnecessary information shared online like your car plate numbers or your client plate numbers online in the name of sales testimonials.
*Buddy System:* Whenever possible, bring a colleague or friend with you during site visits for added safety.
*Verify Clients:*
Before meeting new clients, ensure you have verified their identity and have their contact information. Some people in the past were kidnappers or armed robbers who disguised as a Clients who wanted to buy property , stay woke. There was this Developer was killed by Armed robbers about 3 years ago who offered to pay cash to the developer in exchange for a property and choose a private hotel resort as a meeting point the developer went there alone to even collect cash for the transaction on a Sunday. Avoid Collecting cash payments and do only bank transactions transfers and meet in an office or public spaces where other people are present only.
*Stay Low-Key:* Avoid displaying expensive belongings or large amounts of cash. Blend in with the local culture to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
*Plan Your Route:* Choose well-traveled and well-lit routes. Inform someone trustworthy about your plans and expected arrival times.
*Avoid Isolation:* Stick to populated areas and avoid isolated places, especially at night or very early in the morning.
*Emergency Contacts:* Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, on hand.
*Stay Informed:* Be aware of your surroundings and stay informed about the areas you'll be visiting. Listen to the news on certain locations around the country.
Consider Going with the Developer's official inspection Vehicles to certain Locations that may be inside bush or remotely located off the normal Expressway who are likely to provide.
*necessary protection and security officers* to certain locations for site inspections for safety purposes.
*Daylight Hours:* Schedule site visits and open houses during daylight hours for better visibility and safety.
*Safety Apps:* Use safety apps that allow you to share your location in real-time with trusted contacts.
*Trust Your Instincts:* If something feels off, trust your instincts and consider rescheduling or bringing someone along.
*Secure Communication:* Use secure communication channels and avoid sharing sensitive information openly.
*Meet in Public Spaces and Avoid Secret spaces :* When meeting clients for the first time, choose public spaces like coffee shops , eateries where other people are in the Open before going to properties.
*Property Assessment:* Prioritize assessing the safety of the property before entering, including checking for potential hazards.
Thanks for your attention and please enjoy your day and stay safe always.
Wishing you all a productive week.
*Dr Laide Okubena*
Comments
Post a Comment
Your suggestions and questions here: