REALTOR® SAFETY - Physical Safety
Let's be real - as a REALTOR®, you're constantly meeting new people you've never seen before, often in empty houses, remote properties, or unfamiliar neighbourhoods. It's just part of the job, but it also means you can end up in some pretty vulnerable situations. Your safety should always come first, no matter how promising a client seems or how big the commission might be.
So how do you protect yourself when things feel off or potentially dangerous?
Take our 4-question quiz and prove you're a safety-first REALTOR®.
What are some ways to protect yourself before you even head to an Open House or a showing?
Before you even head out, there are some safety measures you can implement.
Trust Your Gut - If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't ignore that little voice in your head telling you to be cautious. Whether it's a client who won't provide proper identification, someone who insists on meeting at odd hours, or a situation that just doesn't sit right - listen to your instincts.
What is a great way to protect yourself at an Open House? Check all that apply.
Ways to protect yourself once you are at your open house or a showing appointment.
Control the Environment - When possible, arrive at properties first to do a quick walk-through and unlock doors. This gives you a chance to assess the situation and plan exit routes. Keep your car keys in your hand and park in a way that allows for a quick getaway.
Professional Boundaries - Keep interactions professional and maintain appropriate boundaries. Don't share personal information about your schedule, family, or living ice.
Choose Properties Wisely - When showing homes, start with properties in populated areas during daylight hours. Avoid remote locations, vacant properties, or houses in isolated areas until you've built trust with a client. If you must show these types of properties, bring a colleague along.
What are some best-practices for personal safety in general when it comes to being a REALTOR®?
What you can do to minimize risk when using social media for your business.
Remember, no sale is worth risking your safety. A professional client will understand and respect your safety precautions. If someone gets upset about your reasonable safety measures, they're probably not someone you want to work with anyway.
For safety in between your home and your destination is also important. What can you do in between? Check all that apply.
There are things you can do to protect yourself in between your home and the open house or showing appointment.
Stay Connected - Keep your phone charged and easily accessible. Consider carrying a personal safety device or panic button. Some realtors use apps that can quickly alert emergency contacts or authorities if needed.
Screen Your Clients - Before meeting anyone in person, do your homework. Get their full name, phone number, and verify their identity. A quick Google search or social media check can tell you a lot. Legitimate buyers and sellers won't mind providing this information.
Meet in Public First - Your office should be the starting point for new client relationships. Meet there first to get a feel for the person before heading out to properties together. If they refuse to meet at your office or seem pushy about going straight to a property, that's a red flag.
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers!
Maybe you need to brush up a bit more on your safety skills! Check out our Safety Edition of Real Estate Radar for more safety tips!
Real Estate Radar - Realtor Safety
Stay tuned for our next quiz and STAY SAFE!
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers.
Congratulations! You've aced this quiz!
Why not check out our Safety Edition of Real Estate Radar for more tips!
Real Estate Radar - Realtor Safety
Stay tuned for our next quiz and STAY SAFE!
