September is REALTOR® Safety Month, and there's no better time to reassess your safety protocols and prioritize safety.
The reality is that there are real threats when working in the field, and it's crucial to be prepared. The 2024 REALTOR® Safety Residential Report highlights alarming statistics of the potential dangers and the importance of safety training.
- Over a year period, 60% of members said that they had not met a new or prospective client alone at a secluded location or property.
- 73% of members said that they have personal safety protocols in place that they follow with every client. This is more likely among females (77%) than among males (63%).
- 41% of members said that they have participated in a self-defense class.
- 47% of men and 54% of women carry a self-defense weapon or tool.
- Among those who participated in a REALTOR® safety course, 66% said they feel more prepared for unknown situations.
Safety is a healthy habit that could save your life. So, don’t wait until the worst happens - be prepared with measures to cut down the chances of becoming a target.
Remember, the real value in real estate is YOU.
SAFETY EVENTS
- SAFETY APP WEBINAR: Forewarn Training + Q&A on Tuesday, September 8th at 8:00 am
- NAR Safety Month Live Webinar - Fake, Fraudulent or AI? Outsmarting Wire Fraud, Deepfakes, Crypto Scams, and the New Real Estate Scam Playbook: Wednesday, September 9th at 1:00 pm
- MEMBER TO MEMBER TRAINING: REALTOR® Safety Awareness (4CE - Free!) with Cassandra Morrison on Monday, September 14th at 9:00 am
- SAFETY APP WEBINAR: Forewarn Training + Q&A on Thursday, September 24th at Noon
Top 5 Safety Action Items for REALTORS®
- Plan Your Safety Strategy
- Tips and Best Practices
- On-Demand Webinars & Training Videos
- Personal Protection Resources
- Take the REALTOR® Safety Pledge
NAR's REALTOR® Safety Network
Through the REALTOR® Safety Network, NAR will deploy REALTOR® Safety Alerts via social media when a physical or cyberthreat to REALTORS® warrants national attention. For example:
- A REALTOR® or the immediate family member of a REALTOR® goes missing
- NAR learns that the association name or the names of its programs are being used fraudulently to attempt to collect money or information from REALTORS® or others
- A physical threat to REALTORS® warrants national attention
For incidents that don’t meet the criteria for a national alert, the REALTOR® Safety Team will ensure the local association is informed.
A response team will evaluate the submission to confirm it meets the criteria for a REALTOR® Safety Alert.
RESOURCES
- PODCASTS: Drive With NAR: The Safety Series Episodes
- NAR: 56 Safety Tips for REALTORS®
- City of Albuquerque: Recommendations for Real Estate Agents
- FOREWARN App: Safety Flyer & Training
-
NAR Safety Video: Beverly & Beyond: The Best Tips Learned Since Losing My Sweet Mom
Carl Carter, Jr. shares the importance of following safety protocols and best practices while working in the real estate industry.
SAFETY TIPS
- If the property you are showing has smart devices or security systems, reach out to the owner to turn off any features that may create dangers for yourself and your clients.
- Stay conscious of your actions and words when you are showing a house. Just remember, the property could have audio and video recording devices.
- Prioritize safety in your marketing and listings by stating that identification will be required for the showing, and video surveillance will be used on-site.
- Be alert when texting and talking on your phone in public. Put your back against the wall so predators cannot come from behind to surprise you.
- On arrival, walk the exterior of the property before entering to identify points of entry into the home. Keep an eye out for possible broken windows and doors, or anything that looks abnormal. Be sure to take pictures and listen to your gut.
- Ensure someone in your office or a family member is aware of any upcoming open houses or showings. Give them a time frame of your schedule, when they should hear from you, and the location of the property.
- Wireless hotspots should be turned on when traveling to rural properties, as cell reception and Wi-Fi are often limited.
- Consider bringing someone when showing a home or in developments with low traffic. If possible, try to arrange periodic patrols by local authorities to ensure a safe environment.
- Have a crisis management plan for your office. Be prepared for an array of events such as power outages, natural disasters, workplace violence, active shooters, or outbreaks of contagious diseases.
- When possible, take a virtual tour before visiting a property to identify entrances and exits. Map out your path and look for potential dangers.
- Understand the proper steps to follow if you inadvertently trigger a home security alarm while showcasing a property to a client.
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