For Immediate Release:
September 12, 2008

NJAR^® STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF REALTOR^® AND CONSUMER SAFETY

(Edison, NJ) As the New Jersey Association of REALTORS^® (NJAR^®) observes the sixth annual REALTOR^® Safety Week from September 14-20, 2008, it reiterates the need for both consumers and REALTORS^® to be aware of the potentially harmful situations that may occur during the home buying and selling process.

"REALTORS^® face workplace safety challenges because of their frequent contact with unfamiliar people, at times in isolated locations outside their place of business," said 2008 NJAR^® President Drew Fishman, CRS. "The purpose of this week is to promote learning and discussion among REALTORS^® on how to confront these unique challenges."

During REALTOR^® Safety Week, NJAR^® will feature safety tips on www.njar.com for REALTORS^® to consider when in the office, at home and on the road. The following are a few safety tips for REALTORS^® to be aware of:

• Meet potential clients for the first time in your office.
• Let someone know where you are going and who you are meeting with.
• Check in with your office on a regular basis. Create a code word that may be used to indicate you are in distress.
• Familiarize yourself with a home, its property and neighborhood before showing it to others. Introduce yourself to a neighbor or two and let them know you are having an open house.
• Keep a detailed list of all visitors during an open house.
• Follow clients while touring potential homes instead of leading.
• Always take your own car for showings.
• Sign-up for a self-defense class to learn more about personal safety.

The Association also encourages members to take advantage of the safety resources available, such as a podcast from NJAR^®'s leadership as they discuss the importance of safety awareness and share some personal tips for preventing harm. REALTORS^® can also download the safety guide, Do You Think About REALTOR^® Safety? We Do at www.njar.com/publications/pdf/safetyguide.pdf. The guide includes advice for preventing harm and protecting yourself.

Safety Week also highlights the need for consumers to make safety a priority throughout the home buying and selling process. While certain situations, such as hosting an open house, pose risks for REALTORS^®, it can also be equally unsettling to home sellers. NJAR^® urges sellers to protect themselves and their possessions prior to an open house or standard property showing by taking the following precautions:

• Put valuables, such as jewelry, financial documentation and portable electronics, in a safe, secure place.
• Additional items that sellers may not initially think would attract interest but that also need to be safely stored include prescription drugs, spare house and car keys and mail, which may contain financial information.
• Don't leave your briefcase, purse, laptop or cell phone out in view.
• Be responsible for any pets within the house.
• Before leaving your property for a showing or an open house, ensure all doors and windows are locked. Do the same upon your return.
• After an open house, home sellers should verify all valuables are accounted for.

"REALTORS^® are deeply concerned about our clients' well-being," added Fishman. "We ask consumers to practice common sense and go the extra step to look after themselves and their valuables."

The New Jersey Association of REALTORS^®, with approximately 53,000 REALTOR^® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE^® members, is one of the largest trade organizations in the state. NJAR^®'s membership is comprised of real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and are members of the national and local REALTOR^® organizations. As the leading advocate for the real estate industry and private property rights in New Jersey, NJAR^® is committed to protecting the dream of homeownership. For more information, please visit www.njar.com.

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