Realtor® Safety Tip No. 1: Meet New Clients in Public 

One of the most effective ways to ensure your safety as a Realtor® is to meet new clients in public places, as the above story illustrated. When scheduling an initial meeting or consultation, choose a neutral location such as a coffee shop or your brokerage. Meeting in public not only provides a safer environment but also allows you to assess the client’s behavior and intentions.  

Bonus tip: If a client’s manner or behavior is making you feel uneasy, there are free resources that you can use to find out more about their background. The state of Minnesota has two great websites for checking criminal histories.   

MN Dept. of Corrections—Offender Search Criteria  

Minnesota Judicial Branch—Access Case Records  

Realtor® Safety Tip No. 2: Let Your Office Know Where You Are! 

Or, really, let anyone know where you are... 

Maintaining open communication with your office is important for your safety as a real estate professional. Before meeting your clients or showing properties, inform a colleague about your whereabouts and consider sharing your schedule. Sharing your digital calendar or schedule with colleagues, friends, or family members is a simple and smart safety precaution. This way, someone will be aware of your location and can respond promptly if any concerns arise.  

Realtor® Safety Tip No. 3: Avoid Expensive Jewelry 

While it is important to dress professionally, it is better to avoid wearing expensive jewelry that might attract unwanted attention. Flashy accessories can make you a potential target for theft.  

Instead, opt for understated jewelry or leave valuable items at home when showing properties or meeting clients. 

Realtor® Safety Tip No. 4: Bring Along Someone to a Showing 

When showing properties, consider bringing a colleague or a trusted friend with you. Having a companion provides an extra layer of safety and can easily deter potential threats. Additionally, if an unforeseen situation arises, you'll have someone to rely on for assistance or to contact authorities if necessary.  

Bonus tip: Trust your gut. If a situation or individual seems suspicious, remove yourself from the situation and seek assistance immediately.  

Realtor® Safety Tip No. 5: Use Safety Technology 
 
Did you know that there are a variety of Realtor® safety technologies available to real estate agents? Consider utilizing safety apps on your smartphone or smartwatch that will automatically alert your emergency contacts, or even the police, in case of an emergency.  

These apps often come with features such as GPS tracking, which can be invaluable when you’re in an unfamiliar location or if you just need help navigating a new area.  

Bonus tip: If you do not have the space on your phone or if you happen to forget to download one of these apps, then consider turning on the ‘Find My Friends’ feature on your iPhone and sharing your location with colleagues or close friends.  

Realtor® Safety Tip No. 6: Great Safety Apps You Can Start Using Today 
 

Realtor® Safety Tip No. 7: Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Maintaining situational awareness is an obvious but extremely important safety tip for Realtors®. Pay attention to your surroundings and be observant of any suspicious or unusual behavior. It’s easy for people to be on their phones, giving little attention to the physical environment around them. That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant. Being aware of your surroundings can help you identify potential dangers and take appropriate action.  

Realtor® Safety Tip No. 8: Don’t Enter a Property Without Permission

It’s important to always respect the boundaries of a property and to never enter without permission! Even if a door is unlocked or a property appears vacant, it’s essential to obtain proper authorization before entering. Trespassing can not only compromise your safety but also result in legal consequences. If in doubt, contact the listing agent or the property owner for clarification.  

 Realtor® Safety Tip No. 9: Have a Plan 
When showing homes or hosting open houses, you’ll feel more relaxed and prepared if you’ve mapped out a potential escape plan. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the property and identify exit routes. During one-on-one showings, think about positioning yourself in a way that allows you to maintain a clear path to an exit.  

One well-known rule among seasoned agents is to always allow clients to go up flights of stairs and enter rooms ahead of you. While it may seem like overkill, this simple precaution is both courteous and also keeps you from being in a vulnerable position. This quick and easy safety tip helps ensure that you have a quick and safe way out in case of an emergency.  

Realtor® Safety Tip No. 10: Consider Personal Protection Measures

In certain situations, it may be wise to consider personal protection measures to enhance your safety. This can include carrying self-defense items such as pepper spray or a personal alarm.  

However, it's important to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding the use of such items. Also, consider undergoing self-defense training to develop the skills needed to protect yourself in potentially dangerous situations.  

In Conclusion

Your safety as a Realtor® should always be a top priority. By following these 10 Realtor® safety tips and strategies, you’ll be able to go about your day-to-day with more confidence and peace of mind. It’s really all about simply trusting your instincts, being proactive, and staying informed about current safety protocols.   

Looking for more safety tips, information, programs, courses and more? Visit nar.realtor/safety during Realtor® Safety Month and familiarize yourself with all the ways you can stay safe.