Realtor Safety: Lessons from Beverly Carter’s Story
This episode is dedicated to realtor safety and features Carl Carter Jr., the son of Beverly Carter, a real estate agent who was tragically kidnapped and murdered while showing a property. Carl shares his mother’s story to help agents recognize warning signs, implement safety practices, and protect themselves in the field.
The Importance of Realtor Safety
September is Realtor Safety Month, making this the perfect time to discuss real estate agent safety. Carl’s mother, Beverly Carter, was a top-producing realtor in Arkansas who followed many safety precautions but was still targeted.
Her tragic case gained national attention, prompting the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to strengthen its safety initiatives. Today, Carl continues to advocate for real estate safety through education and awareness.
How Beverly Carter Was Targeted
Beverly Carter was chosen by criminals who believed she was wealthy and worked alone. Her killers, a husband and wife, researched her online, examined property records, and built an elaborate scheme to kidnap her for ransom.
They used common real estate marketing tools—like social media, online listings, and personal branding—to profile her. This serves as a critical reminder: criminals can use public information to target agents.
Carl emphasizes the need for real estate safety measures such as:
- Screening clients before showings
- Limiting personal information online
- Using safe meeting locations before appointments
The Day Beverly Carter Went Missing
Two weeks before her disappearance, Beverly received calls and emails from a supposed husband-and-wife buyer duo. They claimed they were relocating and needed to purchase quickly.
The day of the showing, Beverly expressed concerns about the vacant property. She initially declined, citing a company policy that prohibited showing rural homes alone. However, when the female buyer reassured her over the phone, Beverly agreed.
When she arrived early at the property, the male client showed up alone, claiming his wife was running late. He requested Beverly send photos of the interior, which seemed logical since there were few online. Unfortunately, this was part of their premeditated plan to lure her inside.
The Crime and Investigation
Once inside, Beverly was attacked, bound, and kidnapped. The criminals attempted to hold her for ransom, believing her family had access to large sums of money.
However, their plan fell apart when they realized Beverly had left her purse locked in her car, making it impossible to access her bank cards. Panicked, they decided to end her life.
After a five-day search, law enforcement and hundreds of realtors nationwide helped locate her body. The husband was sentenced to two life sentences without parole, and the wife received 30 years with the possibility of release in 21 years.
Key Realtor Safety Lessons from This Case
Carl shares critical real estate safety tips based on his mother’s experience:
- Always meet new clients in a public place first.
- Use client screening tools to verify identity and check backgrounds.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t proceed.
- Avoid sharing personal details online that could make you a target.
- Use safety technology like GPS tracking and check-ins with colleagues.
- Never enter a vacant home alone without verification of the client.
How Agents Can Prioritize Safety
Realtors often put client needs above their own safety, but real estate safety should always come first. Carl encourages agents to adopt safety protocols and educate themselves on situational awareness, self-defense, and technology tools.
His mission is to prevent crimes against real estate agents by ensuring professionals have the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe.
Final Thoughts and Reflection
Carl’s bravery in sharing his mother’s story has helped countless real estate professionals take safety more seriously. His advocacy continues to impact the industry by improving realtor safety practices nationwide.
Instead of our usual toast to success, we take a moment of silence to honor Beverly Carter and reflect on the importance of staying vigilant.
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Stay safe and see you next week!
