September is REALTOR® Safety Month, and there's no better time to reassess your safety protocols and prioritize safety.
The reality in real estate is that there are some real threats when working in the field, and it's crucial to be prepared. The 2023 REALTOR® Safety Survey highlights alarming statistics of the potential dangers REALTORS® face while on the job:
- 56,000 REALTORS® were victims of a crime while performing their duties.
- 322,000 REALTORS® felt fear for their safety while on the job.
- 406,000 REALTORS® don’t have safety protocols in place to protect themselves.
Safety is a healthy habit that could save your life. So, don’t wait until the worst happens, and be prepared with measures to cut down the chances of becoming a target.
Remember, the real value in real estate is YOU.
GAAR SAFETY EVENTS
- BROKER POWER HOUR WEBINAR: Real Estate Fraud: How Brokers Can Protect Themselves and Their Clients on Wednesday, September 4th at 11:00 am
- SAFETY APP WEBINAR: Pro-Tips to Maximize FOREWARN on Thursday, September 5th
- MEMBER TO MEMBER TRAINING: REALTOR® Safety with Cassandra Morrison on Friday, September 13th at GAAR
- NAR WEBINAR: Essential Safety Tips for REALTORS® on Wednesday, September 18th at 11:00 am
RESOURCES
- PODCASTS: Drive With NAR: The Safety Series Episodes
- NAR: 56 Safety Tips for REALTORS®
- City of Albuquerque: Recommendations for Real Estate Agents
SAFETY TIPS
- If the property you are showing has smart devices or security systems, reach out to the owner to turn off any featuers that may create dangers for yourself and your clients.
- Stay conscious of your actions and words when you are showing or open house. Just remember, there could be audio and video recording devices on the property.
- Prioritize safety in your marketing and listings by stating that identification will be required for he 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 are great resource to bring with you when traveling to rural properties, as cell reception and Wi-Fi are often limited.
- Consider bringing someone to showing in model homes or 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 shooter, or outbreak of contagious diseases.
- When possible, take a virtual tour before visiting a commercial property to identify entrances and exits. Map out your path and look for potential dangers.
- Contact your local law enforcement to 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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