Every September, the real estate industry shines a spotlight on something that too often gets pushed to the back burner: agent safety. 

Let’s be real—real estate can be risky. You meet strangers in empty houses. You host open houses where anyone can walk through the door. You’re often working alone, in unfamiliar neighborhoods, at odd hours. That combination creates vulnerability. And while we don’t like to think about worst-case scenarios, ignoring the risks is a gamble no professional should take. 

Safety isn’t optional—it’s a skill. Like prospecting, listing presentations, or negotiation, it’s something you have to study, practice, and stay sharp on. 

Related reading: Four Ways to Keep Yourself Safe as a Real Estate Agent 

The Risks Are Real 

Recent headlines have reminded us, tragically, that agents are not immune to danger. Stories of thefts, assaults, and scams are a sobering reminder that “It won’t happen to me” is not a solid protection strategy. 

The numbers back it up: the National Association of REALTORS® reports that about 1 in 5 agents have feared for their personal safety on the job. That’s too high. 

Related reading:  The Close  – 15 Realtor Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life 

5 Core Safety Practices Every Agent Should Master 

Here are five methods to adopt to help keep yourself safe. 

1. Control the First Meeting

Never meet a new client at a property first. Always schedule your initial meeting in a public place like your office, a coffee shop, or virtually. Verify their ID if possible—tools like Forewarn® make this easier than ever. 

POWER Move: Make this your standard policy and communicate it confidently. Clients would rarely feel inconvenienced, and they respect professionalism. 

2. Master the “Buddy System”

Solo showings and open houses increase vulnerability. If you can, bring a colleague, assistant, or even a trusted friend. If that’s not possible, use check-in systems—let someone know exactly where you are, who you’re meeting, and when you should be done. 

POWER Move: Use a shared calendar or safety app that pings your emergency contact if you don’t check in on time. 

3. Own the Space

When showing property, always let the client walk ahead of you. You stay closest to the exit. This isn’t paranoia—it’s positioning. You’re in control when you can see them, and you avoid being literally backed into a corner. Always keep an escape route open to you. 

POWER Move: Know where all the exits are in the home and rehearse your “path to the door.” 

4. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t worry about being “rude” or “losing a client.” Safety trumps sales every time. Have an exit phrase ready like, “I need to grab something from my car—let’s reschedule” or “I’m sorry, a family emergency came up. Let’s rebook for another day.” 

POWER Move: Give yourself permission to walk away without apology. 

5. Stay Tech-Savvy

Your phone is a lifeline. Keep it charged, location services on, and key emergency numbers at your fingertips. Beyond that, know the tools: safety apps, digital ID checks, even smart home devices that can record who enters the property. 

POWER Move: Build safety checklists into your open house prep—charging phone, notifying broker, confirming exits. 

Teaching Moment: Safety Is a Business Builder 

Here’s the truth: being proactive about safety actually elevates your professionalism. 

• Clients see you as smart and prepared. 

• Your family rests easier knowing you have a plan. 

• You model a standard of care that inspires others in your office. 

Think about it: a buyer trusts you more when you take precautions because they see that you’re prepared. A seller sees you as serious when you run an open house with structure and security. Safety and success aren’t at odds—they reinforce each other. 

Related reading: NAR – Safety 

Best Apps for Real Estate Agent Safety 

According to The Close’s article, “11 Top Real Estate Safety Apps You Need to Know About”, here are some of the best real estate agent safety apps: 

1. bSafe

• • Best for: Walking alone / solo showings 

• • Key Features: GPS-based tracking, check-in timers, emergency alerts to pre-set contacts 

• • Cost: From about $0.49/week to $20/year for premium features 

• • Why it stands out: Allows you to build a safety network and ensures help is notified if you don’t check in on time.
     

2. Forewarn

• • Best for: Verifying client identity and background 

• • Key Features: Reverse phone lookup, criminal history, financial data, property and vehicle ownership 

• • Cost: Around $20/month (often available via REALTOR® associations) 

• • Why it stands out: Helps you “know who you’re meeting with” before stepping into a showing.
     

3. SafeShowings

• • Best for: Open houses and property showings 

• • Key Features: Facial capture of visitors, geolocation tracking, safety timers with automatic alerts 

• • Cost: ~$4.99/month or about $49.99/year 

• • Why it stands out: Automates safety checks and notifies your emergency contacts if you don’t end the timer.
      

4. Real Safe Agent

• • Best for: Building a supportive safety network 

• • Key Features: “Accompany Me” invites, “Drop‑In Alerts,” 911 integration, safety webinars 

• • Cost: ~$4.99/month 

• • Why it stands out: Activates a community of other agents who can assist; fully integrated with emergency services.
      

5. SentriKey® Real Estate App

• • Best for: Secure property access 

• • Key Features: Syncs with SentriLock lockboxes, safety check-ins, emergency alerts to contacts 

• • Cost: Free with purchase of a SentriLock device 

• • Why it stands out: Combines property access control with personal safety features.
     

Don’t Just Read. Act. 

This September, don’t let Safety Month pass with just a nod. Audit your habits. Update your policies. Print out your office’s safety checklist. Share it in meetings. Role-play “what if” scenarios . Talk about the uncomfortable, because preparation is power. 

You work too hard, give too much, and mean too much to your family, clients, and colleagues to cut corners on this. 

Stay safe. Stay smart. And as Darryl often says, “Don’t forget to keep smiling!” 

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