Realtor® Safety Month: How Are You Protecting Yourself?

As Realtors®, we often face job-related risks. Developing safety precautions and being aware of potential dangers will help you avoid potentially risky situations.

The National Association of Realtors® has dedicated September as Realtor® Safety Month with the goal of reducing the number of safety incidents that happen in the industry, so each of our members makes it home safely every night.

Why is safety so important? NAR’s 2021 Member Safety Report found that members meet prospective clients whom they’ve never met before either at their office or in a neutral location 65% of the time.

Seventy-two percent have personal safety protocols in place that they follow with every client. And while this is a large percentage, that’s still a lot of members who don’t have safety protocols that they regularly follow.

I would urge each of you to make safety a priority. Creating your own safety strategy is key to ensuring that you avoid potential dangers and reduce risk as much as possible.

Consider ways to make your daily routines safer and discuss safety protocols in your offices. Here are a few to consider:

• Always meet new clients at the office or in a neutral location, like a coffee shop. Do you have a Prospect Identification Form that you have them complete, along with making a photocopy of their driver’s license?
• Share your schedule with a colleague, assistant or family member. Leave the name and phone number of the client you’re meeting with and schedule a time for your office to call you to check in.
• Do not host open houses alone. And remember, don’t assume that everyone has left the house at the end of an open house. Check all rooms and the backyard prior to locking the doors. Be prepared to defend yourself, if necessary.
• Check your cell phone battery and signal before heading to an appointment.

NAR has created safety resources for Realtors®, including videos and best practices, which are available online.

Stay dedicated to Realtor® safety this month and throughout the year. It’s a habit that could save your life.

And be sure to register to attend PAR’s safety webinar, The Art of Realtor® Safety, on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m.