September 19, 2024

Essential Realtor Safety Tips from Recent Tragedies

This month is REALTOR® Safety Month and our goal is to help keep you SAFE from harm!

It’s crucial to highlight the dangers real estate professionals face daily. Recent tragic incidents serve as stark reminders that every showing, meeting, or open house can bring unexpected risks. In this guide, we’ll explore critical safety tips, using real-world examples of what can go wrong — and how you can protect yourself.

1. Pre-Screen All Clients

One of the most dangerous aspects of being a real estate agent is meeting strangers, often in isolated areas. The 2023 case of an agent who was attacked during a house showing serves as a warning to always pre-screen your clients.

How to Protect Yourself: Always verify client information before scheduling appointments. Use public records to confirm their identity and require ID when necessary. Consider conducting the first meeting in a public place rather than at a property, particularly if there aren’t many neighbors nearby.

2. Always Share Your Location

Agents often work alone, leaving them vulnerable during showings. A devastating example came from a real estate agent in Arkansas who was tragically kidnapped and murdered after meeting a prospective buyer.

How to Protect Yourself: Share your location with a trusted colleague or family member. Many real estate apps and phone services offer location-sharing features that allow someone to track your whereabouts in real-time. Set up check-in times so your contacts know you’re safe.

3. Be Aware of Property Layouts

Realtors face threats not only from people but also from the properties themselves. Hidden rooms, basements, or obscure layouts can put you at a disadvantage in an emergency. A recent case involved an agent who was attacked and trapped in a secluded basement during a showing.

How to Protect Yourself: Always arrive early to familiarize yourself with the layout. Make sure you know all exits and avoid standing in rooms without multiple escape routes, especially with a new client. Keep an eye on where people are positioned, and never let anyone stand between you and an exit.

4. Limit Information You Share

Many real estate agents use social media to promote their business and build relationships with clients. However, oversharing can lead to stalking and harassment, as it did for a Michigan agent who had a dangerous encounter with a persistent client after revealing personal details online.

How to Protect Yourself: Be mindful of the personal information you post. Avoid sharing your home address, detailed daily routines, or travel plans. Use business accounts for professional interactions and keep personal life information private.

5. Conduct Open Houses Cautiously

Open houses can be a safety nightmare, with multiple strangers walking in and out of a property. In a well-known 2019 case, a real estate agent was assaulted during an open house when a group of visitors overwhelmed her.

How to Protect Yourself: Don’t host open houses alone. If that’s unavoidable, inform a colleague or friend of your schedule. Wear an alarm device or carry pepper spray, and always position yourself close to the exits. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, shut it down.

6. Use Technology for Protection

Tech solutions are advancing rapidly, with apps designed to protect realtors from potential threats. In one 2021 incident, an agent was able to alert authorities using a safety app that had an emergency alert feature built in.

How to Protect Yourself: Invest in apps that allow you to discreetly send an SOS signal or emergency alert to contacts. Some apps even record audio and video in emergencies, providing crucial evidence if something goes wrong.

7. Trust Your Instincts

There are countless stories of real estate agents who felt something was wrong before tragedy struck but didn’t trust their gut. Always remember: safety first, sales second.

How to Protect Yourself: We have instincts for a reason, and they rarely steer us wrong. If a situation feels off, don’t hesitate to leave. Excuse yourself and say you’ll reschedule. Your safety is worth more than any sale.

8. Take Self-Defense Classes

In 2022, an agent in Florida managed to fend off an attacker during a property showing thanks to self-defense training. Knowing basic self-defense can save your life.

How to Protect Yourself: Many organizations offer self-defense classes tailored to the unique challenges real estate agents face. Consider enrolling in a course to learn how to protect yourself physically when all else fails. If you lead a real estate team, consider bringing in a self-defense expert to teach everyone on your team. Not only is this for safety, but acts as a bonding experience for team members.

9. Carry Non-Lethal Weapons

Many agents now carry non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray or personal alarms. In 2020, a New York real estate agent used a loud alarm to scare off an attacker during a house tour.

How to Protect Yourself: Consider carrying items like pepper spray, a whistle, or a stun gun. Find out what non-lethal weapons are legal in your state, and make sure you know how to use these tools effectively, always keeping them within easy reach.

10. Know Your Neighbors

Finally, familiarize yourself with the neighborhood of the property you’re showing. In 2023, an agent was saved when a neighbor noticed suspicious activity and intervened.

How to Protect Yourself: When arriving at a property, take note of any neighbors or nearby businesses. Introduce yourself, and let someone know you’re showing the property. In an emergency, these individuals could be a lifeline.

Final Thoughts

Real estate agent safety isn’t just about protecting yourself from obvious threats — it’s about preparation, awareness, and utilizing the tools and strategies available to minimize risks. By implementing these tips and learning from the stories of those who faced danger head-on, you can stay safe while building your career.

Let this REALTOR® Safety Month be a reminder to stay vigilant and proactive. After all, your most valuable asset isn’t the property you’re selling — it’s your life.

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POWER AGENTS®, we did a very special session with Elvia Morales from Forewarn, an exceptional safety tool for real estate professionals that you should absolutely watch on demand. Powerful, Insightful, and LIFE SAVING. Click on the graphic below to watch.

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