REALTOR Safety
The Story of Beverly Carter and Real Estate Safety
Thursday, September 25, 2014 was an exceptionally beautiful, fall-like day. For Beverly, it started as a great day. Not only was it a busy day in the office, but Beverly had even won $50 in an office competition.
Around 5:15 that evening, her day began to wind down. Beverly called Carl, her husband of almost 35 years, to let him know that she had one last 6:00 appointment. She told him she was going to end her day by showing a house to a couple and then pick up dinner on her way home.
What Beverly didn’t know was that her clients – a man and a woman who had identified themselves as a relocating, married couple – weren’t looking to buy a home. They had a sinister plot in mind to use Beverly to get quick cash.
What started as a great day ended tragically. Beverly was kidnapped; her captors intended to obtain ransom money from her family. When the ransom didn’t go as planned, Beverly’s kidnappers became her murderers. She was killed in an attempt to cover up their initial crimes. “I wanted her gone”… words spoken by one of the murderers in the January 2016 trial. When asked “Why Beverly?” her killer explained that she was "a woman that worked alone — a rich broker."
Beverly’s death was a devastating tragedy to her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, and her many friends. Although Beverly had followed many industry-standard safety protocols, it wasn’t enough. Within the industry she loved, Beverly’s murder catapulted a national conversation about safety to the forefront of real estate organizations.
Carl Carter Jr., delivers a powerful presentation on REALTOR safety. Since losing his mom in 2014, to a violent crime against Arkansas real estate agent Beverly Carter, opens up about her death and how it awakened his drive to ensure every practitioner comes home safe.
By: Carl Carter Jr.
Safety Tips From WCAR
1) Have a “second meeting only” policy.
Meet clients in the office or another public location before agreeing to a private showing. This gives you (and other colleagues) the opportunity to meet them. You should also ask for a form of identification so you can confirm that they are who they claim to be.
2) Make sure someone always knows your location.
Before leaving for a showing, provide a colleague, friend or spouse with the address of the property where you’re going along with the name and personal information of the client you’re meeting. Utilize location finding devices such as “Find my iPhone” so someone can easily track the location of your phone if necessary.
3) Be mindful of what you wear.
While you always want to put your best foot forward with a client, you also don’t want to appear attractive to criminals by wearing expensive jewelry or watches. Keep this in mind when taking photos for marketing materials as well.
4) Program emergency numbers as “favorites.”
While you might have familiar numbers memorized, such as those to your office, emergency contact or colleague, program them into your phones as a “favorite” so they can be easily accessed in an emergency situation.
5) Let the client take the lead.
You may be inclined to lead clients through the property, but it’s safer to follow them so you always have them in your full view. Avoid going into the basement of a property and always be mindful of exit locations.
6) Keep control of keys to the property at all times. Be sure to know exactly where property keys are located all times. Leaving keys outside of the home in locations such as under the doormat, above the door or behind a bush can expose you to the possibility of someone copying the key without your knowledge. Use a secure, electronic lockbox system so you can better control keys and access to a property.
7) Follow your instinct.
Most agents who have been victims of crime said they felt something was off, but didn’t do anything. If something feels out of place, don’t hesitate to stop a showing or open house and leave immediately.