Realtor Safety Unveiled
Protecting Real Estate Agents in the Field
In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of real estate, safety has become a growing concern for professionals in the field. As unsettling incidents reported by real estate agents rise, personal safety while conducting business is more critical than ever. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to learn about the risks agents face, see tips for staying safe, and discover effective tools to protect yourself.
An Alarming Reality
Real estate agents operate in a unique environment requiring them to interact with strangers in various settings, often alone. A safety report conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in 2020 found 23% of realtors experienced a situation where they feared for their safety.
Situations where Realtors Felt Unsafe
- 31%: During an Open House
- 31%: While Showing a Property
- 27%: Meeting a New Client at Secluded Location
- 27%: After Receiving Threatenting Communications
These statistics underscore the risks realtors face when doing their job everyday. While some organizations offer their agents basic safety courses, they fail to meet the urgent need for comprehensive protection measures.
Understanding the Risks
Open Houses
When showcasing a property you want everything to go smoothly, but the reality is having so many strangers around can be risky. While open houses are a vital part of a realtor’s job, these public events expose agents to unknown threats. You never know who might walk through the door.
Showing Properties
Meeting clients alone in vacant homes, sometimes in remote areas, can be daunting. The lack of immediate assistance can make these situations even more hazardous. The isolation and lack of immediate help amplify the risks, making it crucial for agents to take safety precautions. How would you handle a threat to your safety at a remote property?
Threatening Communications
Buying and selling properly can be highly stressful for all parties. Realtors may end up at the center of unwanted frustrations and threatening communications. From verbal abuse to in person harassment or even violence, real estate agents need to be ready to protect themselves.
Best Practices for Realtor Safety
Real estate agents face these risks with regular frequency. Consider the number of people and places a Realtor encounters daily. By incorporating specific guidelines into their daily routines, real estate agents can significantly reduce risk, while enhancing protections and peace of mind at work.
Pre-Screen Clients
Before meeting or taking on a new client, conduct thorough background checks and pre-screening. This step verifies a client’s identity, intentions, and history, providing an added layer of security.
Share Itineraries
Always share your itinerary with a trusted colleague or family member. Include details of your meetings and property showings. This ensures someone knows your whereabouts and can check in if needed.
Avoid Secluded Areas
Whenever possible, avoid meeting clients in secluded or unfamiliar locations. Opt for public places or well-populated areas to minimize risks. If there’s no other option, consider bringing along another agent so you aren’t alone.
Stay Alert and Aware
Always be conscious of your surroundings. Check to see who else is around in case you need help, and look for suspicious activity or people. Awareness can prevent many potential threats.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut and act accordingly. Don’t take a chance on what could be a life threatening situation.
Embrace Safety and Self-Defense Training
Many agencies offer safety training covering topics like self-defense, recognizing suspicious behavior, and handling emergencies. Training empowers agents to take proactive measures and know how to react when the unexpected happens. Don’t skip these opportunities, and if your agency doesn’t offer them, seek out training on your own.
Choose a Self-Defense Tool
Unfortunately, knowing what to look for and how to avoid troublesome clients in the first place isn’t always enough. Be ready to deal with a dangerous situation when it happens with a trusted self-defense tool like AIIRO® or HERO® 2020. Ensure you’ve trained with your device and can use it confidently and quickly.
Remember, your safety is a priority. By following these guidelines and leveraging our advanced safety solutions, you