Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 15 Posts
- 2025 | 49 Posts
- 2024 | 50 Posts
- 2023 | 36 Posts
- 2022 | 53 Posts
- 2021 | 63 Posts
- 2020 | 77 Posts
- 2019 | 1 Posts
- 2018 | 2 Posts
- 2016 | 3 Posts
- 2015 | 8 Posts
- 2014 | 1 Posts
- 2012 | 1 Posts
- 2011 | 2 Posts
30
September is REALTOR® Safety Month
Bellator's Eastern Shore Office Managing Broker
No one likes to think about it, but sometimes bad things happen to good people. I won't be a "Debby Downer," but since September is REALTOR® safety month, here are some facts and tips on staying safe in our profession -- and why we should make it a priority.
In 2019, 40% of REALTORS® reported feeling unsafe at least every few months. Like you, this makes me sad. And while fortunately we live in a relatively pretty safe area, bad people know REALTORS® typically work alone outside of an office space, are 68% female, and have an average age in their early 50s. And, they typically know exactly what we look like and have our contact info, too, right?
Take a look at these states from NAR's 2020 REALTOR® Safety Report:
- 23% of REALTORS® experienced a situation that made them fear for their personal safety or safety of their personal information
- 31% felt unsafe during an open house
- 5% have been a victim of a crime while working as a real estate professional
- 38% have participated in a self-defense class
- 49% choose to carry self-defense weapons
- 46% of men and 50% of women carry a self-defense weapon or tool
- 58% use a smartphone safety app to track whereabouts and alert colleagues in case of an emergency
If you think "nothing will happen to me" or "I can take care of myself," I recommend you do a Google search for REALTOR® + Assault, or any similar combination. You'll quickly learn, we all need to be ready for the unexpected and have a plan on how to react!
NAR has spent a lot of time and effort on REALTOR® safety. Do yourself (and your family) a favor and check this page out: https://www.nar.realtor/safety.
Here are just a few tips to help you stay safe during work:
- Let at least one person know where you are always. Provide this "safety valve" person with as much information on the prospect as possible. Have a call plan with this person.
- Never meet a prospect in a vacant house alone, or after dark.
- If you do not already know the prospect, meet them at the office or a public place.
- Take a picture of the client's driver's license/car tag and leave it with someone.
- Take another agent with you "so they can learn about the property too."
- Don't leave a client in your blind spot, let them proceed in front of you. Do not go into rooms without multiple exits. Stay near the exit.
- Drive through the neighborhood prior to a private showing to look for safety concerns. As this relates to condos, preview the location of the unit first for an exit strategy. Identify the properties exits prior to showing and keep all exit doors unlocked.
- Keep your keys and phone in your hands! Leave your purse/laptop bag in the trunk, locked.
- Do not allow a client to ride in your car unless you know them WELL!
- Dress professionally, but modestly. And, don't wear flashy, expensive jewelry.
- Buy a personal security app for your cell phone and keep your cell phone in your hand.
- Always be alert and prepared to defend yourself. Take a self-defense class, most of what the teach you is awareness, warning signs and what to look out for.
- Limit the amount of personal information that you share.
- Have an excuse to leave at all times. Coordinate a code word with your "safety valve" person well in advance.
- Don't get parked-in if possible. Never park in the driveway. Your car needs to have access to leave. Always drive your own car.
- Never tell a prospect the property is vacant!
- Trust your instincts, listen to your gut. If something doesn't feel right, remove yourself from the situation. Do not worry about offending a client.
Treat every appointment as if something could happen and have a plan to execute. Your safety is the most important thing.
If you are prepared, there is no reason to be scared. So, be aware.
Stay safe.
