Phil Chalmers headlined two sessions Thursday at the Illinois REALTORS® Spring Conference & Expo, and the theme of real estate safety underscored both sessions.

“I want you to look at things through three funnels,” said Chalmers, who is a real estate trainer, criminal profiler, a true crime writer and podcaster. “One is for things that help your business dominate your market, one is for living your dream life and retiring in 10-15 years, and the other is to help you go home safely to your families at night.”

During the “Dominate Your Market and Live a Dream Life” presentation, Chalmers urged attendees to differentiate themselves from the competition by doing things differently. Some ideas he shared included:

  • Focus on securing listings and helping sellers rather than working for buyers.
  • Tell customers their satisfaction is guaranteed or cancel at any time.
  • Use full color photos and give consumers a reason to call you with your newspaper ads.
  • Avoid ego advertising that tells the general public you’re “No. 1.”
  • Go the extra mile in customizing signage, mailings, business cards.
  • Replace open houses with a series of 30-minute tours of several properties that are escorted by local law enforcement.

During “Stay Alive – REALTOR® Safety,” Chalmers busted numerous safety myths and offered a plethora of good practices. Based on his interviews of criminals who committed violent crime against real estate professionals, he said that most incidents are planned acts by predators. He recommended REALTORS®:

  • meet all prospective buyers in your office,
  • use cameras to livestream showings and open houses,
  • place signage around homes that reminds visitors of the livestream process on every floor,
  • keep distance between yourself and any visitors – such as a kitchen island – during showings and open houses,
  • wear mobile GPS devices in case you are threatened or attacked.
  • never get in vehicles with clients to visit properties.

Chalmers offered more information to attendees via social media and his website, philchalmers.com.