The recent disappearance and murder of Re/Max Ruimsig estate agent, Hanle Lategan not only shocked the community but also created awareness to the safety of not only estate agents but brokers, sales reps and people who have to meet potential clients at strange hours of the day.
Different real estate companies spoke out about safety strategies to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. Friend and colleague of Lategan, Suzette von Benecke said that the Ruimsig Re/Max office has taken special care of their security since the death of Lategan. She, however, did not want to elaborate on the safety measures but assured that there definitely will be safety measure put into place.
“We have spoken to real estate companies all over the country and everyone is putting security measures into place,” said Von Benecke. CEO of Re/Max, Glenn Norton said that he constantly warns his agents on the numerous threats that they are faced with. He said that it, however, is not just estate agents that should be careful and aware of the threats.
Norton said that he got mace canisters for his employees a while back and urged them to download a tracking app on their phones. “I also advised employees to join security block watch groups in the areas of showings so that they can receive updates on the security in that area,” concluded Norton.
Intern estate agent at Meridian Realty, Maria Conradie said that estate agents should be aware of the emails that they receive. She said that it is important to know if it is a genuine buyer. “We always google the person first, to see if it is a legitimate person. If there is no history of the person then usually it is very suspicious,” said Conradie.
She explained that estate agents need to expose themselves in order to make a living. “We, especially women, are easy targets as our photos and phone numbers are on poles,” concluded Conradie.
Details: Re/Max Masters Ruimsig, 011 675 1257.
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