Today I was doing an Open House. My parents stopped by and my Dad ( a former detective) did his usual Dad/cop thing and said " Remember if some guy ever wants you to show him a room you let him go in don't go in first." I was like yeah, yeah I will...
I am actually very viligent about where I am, who knows where I am, keeping an extra door open at the open house as an alternate route out etc. After my parents left a nice couple came through and then it was quiet. My next visitor was a gentleman who I did not hear pull up. He came in my open front door and shut it behind him with a resounding " thump". He immediately came towards me quickly holding the advertisment for my company's open houses and asked if there was a typo with the address. I however was already on the go making a loop away from him to the front door and reopening it wide.
Now here is the important part; anyone can shut a door and it means nothing, HOWEVER there was something in his manner that put me immediately on edge. Whether it was just my Father's reminder playing in my head or not, there was something about this person that made me uncomfortable. His demeanor was a little off to me and I felt he kept trying to get into my personal space. I swear after I reopened the door I saw a glimpse of amusement cross his face.
Anyway my point is please always be safe, let someone know where you are, when someone is in the house it isn't rude to have your cell phone in hand, bring your husband or friend, speak to the neighbors, get to know them and let them know you are there, finally and probably most importantly LISTEN to your instincts. If someone makes you uncomfortable then there is reason. BE SAFE!
You can never be safe enough, especially when doing an open house and strangers will be visiting.
Sean Allen