Essential Safety Tips for Realtors: Protecting Yourself and Your Clients
Why Realtor Safety Matters
Realtors face unique safety risks every day, from meeting unknown clients to hosting open houses alone. Implementing safety tips for realtors is crucial to protecting yourself, your clients, and your colleagues. Real estate professionals often overlook security measures in their eagerness to close deals, but prioritizing safety should always come first. Whether you’re screening potential buyers, conducting showings, or working an open house, following best practices can help prevent dangerous situations.
Lessons from Tragedy: Ashley’s Story
Jen Stanbro, a real estate broker and safety advocate, shares the heartbreaking story of her friend Ashley Okland, who was murdered while hosting an open house. Despite extensive investigations, Ashley’s case remains unsolved. Her tragic death underscores the importance of safety tips for realtors, including never conducting open houses alone and verifying clients before meeting them. Jen turned this loss into a mission, advocating for stronger safety measures in the real estate industry through the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and the Beverly Carter Foundation.
Best Practices for Realtor Safety
Realtors can take proactive steps to stay safe in their daily work. Here are some essential precautions:
- Meet new clients in a public place before scheduling a showing. Request identification and verify their information through social media or background check tools like Forewarn.
- Avoid holding open houses alone. Partner with another agent or invite a lender to co-host.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Check escape routes and ensure you can exit easily if needed.
- Position yourself strategically. Let clients walk ahead of you during showings and stay near exits.
- Share your location. Tell a trusted person where you are and schedule check-ins.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe, leave immediately and reschedule in a safer environment.
Eliminating Risk at Open Houses
Open houses are one of the riskiest activities for realtors. To minimize danger:
- Arrive early to survey the property and locate exits.
- Notify neighbors about the open house for added awareness.
- Keep your phone in hand and avoid distractions.
- Do not allow visitors to wander alone; maintain visibility at all times.
- Consider using security cameras or doorbell cameras for added protection.
How Realtors Can Advocate for Safety
Agents can take an active role in promoting industry-wide safety by:
- Adopting NAR’s Realtor Safety Pledge, which commits to safe business practices.
- Utilizing NAR’s Realtor Safety Toolkit, which includes training materials and best practices.
- Spreading awareness by discussing safety with colleagues and local real estate associations.
- Participating in ongoing safety training to stay informed about evolving risks.
Prioritizing Safety for Long-Term Success
Realtors should integrate safety protocols into their everyday business. Instead of reacting to danger, proactive measures ensure a secure working environment. By following safety tips for realtors, agents can reduce risks, build trust with clients, and establish a professional standard in the industry.
For more insights on real estate safety and best practices, listen to this episode of Hustle Humbly.
NAR Safety Toolkit for Associations
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