For Immediate Release:
September 8, 2005

NJAR^® Recognizes National REALTOR^® Safety Week

Safe Practices for Real Estate Professionals Encouraged

(Edison, NJ) Real estate agents face many uncertainties while on the job, such as meeting new clients and visiting unfamiliar areas and properties. Agents also must make themselves visible and easily accessible in order to accommodate their customers' needs. These potential risks are part of the business, so it is important for real estate professionals to be aware of their situation to prevent any personal danger.

The New Jersey Association of REALTORS^® (NJAR^®) will celebrate the third annual National REALTOR^® Safety Week, during the week of September 11-17, 2005. During this time, NJAR^® will join other REALTOR^® associations across the country in raising awareness of safety and advising real estate professionals to take precautionary measures at all times.

"It is very important for real estate professionals to take the time to protect themselves," said NJAR^® President Mary Davis. "Although National REALTOR^® Safety Week only lasts seven days, personal safety should be a priority throughout the year."

Real estate professionals are encouraged to incorporate the following safety tips into their daily routines:

• Always carry a charged mobile phone with emergency numbers saved in speed dial.
• Meet all new clients at your office to verify their identity.
• Whenever possible, avoid being at the office alone.
• When visiting property, always tell someone where you are going, who will be with you and when you will be back.
• Unless you know them personally, never ride with a client; drive your own car and park so that you can get away easily if you need to.
• Always know your route to and from each property you visit.
• Utilize everyday items such as car keys or a pen to aid you in a defensive situation.
• When showing a house, always have an escape route planned, make sure exit doors are kept open or at least unlocked.
• Always avoid giving out personal information to clients. Make sure that your business card does not include your home number or home address.

NJAR^® is offering a REALTOR^® Safety Guide to NJAR^® members that explains potentially dangerous situations and offers advice for preventing harm and protecting yourself. The Guide is available at www.njar.com/private/SafetyGuide.pdf or by calling (732) 494-5616. Additional safety resources are available to the public at http://www.realtor.org/safety.

The New Jersey Association of REALTORS^® is a non-profit organization serving the professional needs of approximately 49,000 REALTOR^® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE^® members in the state. REALTOR^® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who subscribe to the REALTOR^® organization's strict Code of Ethics and are members of the National, State and Local REALTOR^® organizations.

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For all media inquiries contact:
Danielle Alpert
Media & Public Affairs Coordinator
Phone: (732) 494-4730
Fax: (732) 494-4723
E-mail: dalpert@njar.com