West Goshen Police Station/Safe Spot for Online Transactions

A recent article in the Daily Local News brings to the forefront that we sometimes put our personal safety aside when dealing with online sales. As an agent, I am all too aware of how dangerous it is to meet strangers in vacant homes. Liz and I always try to have buyers meet us at the office first to do an in-buyer consultation. The reason for this is twofold. Most importantly, we can better serve our clients if we get to know them and really listen to their needs and wants. Secondly, but no less important, is the need for our personal safety. In the past few years there has been an alarming number of agents assaulted and some killed while trying to earn a living. Liz and I always check in with each other to ascertain that we are safe and that the clients we are showing homes to are what they seem.

With the increase over the winter holiday season of online shopping and with the danger of using sites where transactions need to be completed in person, it's better to be safe, than sorry. The local police departments have instituted a "Safe Trade" location so that you can meet people at the police station and conduct the transaction in safety. Meeting people in a public place isn't always safe enough. Although the station isn't manned 24/7, they do patrol and the likelihood of someone attempting to harm you in the police parking lot, I'd think, would be greatly reduced. To that end, they have turned two parking spaces in front of the police station off Route 202 (behind the Westtown Township building) into Safe Trade spots with a newly-placed sign marking both.

Have fun shopping this holiday season, whether online or at the local malls. Just be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Also remember that when a real estate agent asks you to meet at the office rather than at the house, personal safety is one of the reasons.