The number one safety tip that can save your life and keep you from being victimized is to simply trust your instinct. Our bodies have a built-in survival mechanism that is hardly ever wrong. When you get that gut feeling telling you something is wrong, listen to it, act on it and respect it.

In the interest of being polite, we ignore that voice because we don't want to offend anyone. That is what gets us in trouble, being nice. Put your safety first and don't worry about offending anyone. You can always apologize later if needed.

Tracey Hawkins, real estate agent safety expert and the instructor for KCRAR’s CE class called “Be Safe: Protecting You and Your Clients,” offers these common-sense and important tips to always keep in mind:

1.  Screen new clients properly by meeting them in the office before showing them properties. This increases witness potential since criminals know they can be identified and do not want that. Have them fill out a client information form. Leave it where it can be found in case you are missing.

2.  Make sure someone knows where you are at all times. This assures that someone knows if you are missing and can provide law enforcement officials with information to retrace your steps and locate you. Fill out an agent itinerary form and leave it in a place where someone knows where to find it.

3.  When showing properties, never let your escape route get blocked. Always let your clients lead the way.

4.  Keep your clients with you and in sight. That prevents them from stealing prescription medications from the medicine cabinet and any other valuables, such as checkbooks, bank statements, jewelry, etc. This also keeps them from leaving windows and door unlocked for later re-entry.

5.  Get valuables out of sight. That means yours and your client's. Advise your clients to put away personal photos and store any items that are valuable and possibly dangerous (including weapons and guns). Leave your purses, laptops, PDAs in the car or at the office. Do not wear your expensive jewelry while showing or hold open houses. They make you a target.

6.  Pictures can be dangerous. Save your glamour-shot and casual photos for personal use. Do not include your children and family in your promotional photos. Do not use property photos that show your seller's valuables. That makes it easy for criminals to case the houses online.

7.  Do not mix your personal social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn with your business accounts. Set up separate accounts and keep business information purely business. Beware of posting your location on any of these accounts. There are websites where anyone can find your home address. Criminals can use that information and your postings of your location to know the best time to burglarize you or to stalk you. Don't make it easy. Remember, there is no such thing as privacy online.

Content contributed by Tracey Hawkins, real estate agent safety expert, Safety and Security Source