Real estate is a profession that requires interaction with a diverse range of people in various locations, often in unfamiliar or isolated environments. While this career is rewarding and dynamic, it comes with unique risks that can put realtors in potentially dangerous situations. Realtor safety is an issue that deserves serious attention—not just from those in the industry but from the public as well. By understanding the risks and actively participating in safety practices, the public can play a pivotal role in ensuring the security of real estate professionals.
The Nature of Realtor Risks
Realtors often find themselves in vulnerable situations: hosting open houses, meeting clients in vacant properties, and working alone late into the evening. These circumstances can expose them to risks such as theft, assault, or even worse. The very nature of their work—showing homes to strangers—requires them to trust people they’ve just met, often with little to no background information.
Statistics have shown that realtor safety is a significant concern. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 38% of members reported feeling unsafe at some point during their work, with women more likely than men to express these concerns. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) echoes similar findings, emphasizing the need for realtors to adopt safety protocols.
The Importance of Public Awareness
While real estate agencies and industry associations are working hard to educate and protect their members, public awareness is a critical component in enhancing realtor safety. When clients and the community understand the risks realtors face, they can take actions that help mitigate these dangers.
1. Understand the Realities of the Job
The first step in supporting realtor safety is understanding the inherent risks of the profession. The public often perceives real estate as a glamorous job without recognizing the potential dangers. Knowing that realtors frequently meet new clients alone in unfamiliar settings can foster empathy and awareness, encouraging the public to act more responsibly and attentively during interactions.
2. Participate in Safety Protocols
Realtors are increasingly adopting safety protocols such as pre-meeting screenings, buddy systems, and open-house check-ins. Clients can support these measures by willingly participating in them. For example, agreeing to meet in a public place for the first consultation or providing identification before viewing a property are simple yet effective ways to enhance security.
3. Respect Boundaries and Procedures
Realtors may request specific procedures that might seem inconvenient, such as not visiting a property without prior notice or only attending open houses during daylight hours. These protocols are in place to protect both the realtor and the client. Respecting these boundaries is important in maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved.
4. Be Vigilant and Report Suspicious Behaviour
The community can also play a role by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious behaviour they observe during open houses or viewings. If neighbours notice unusual activity around a property, don’t hesitate—trust your instincts and report any suspicious behavior immediately. Your quick action could make all the difference in keeping our community safe.
Realtor Safety Practices: What Realtors Are Doing
Realtors are not passive in the face of these risks; many have adopted robust safety practices to protect themselves. These practices can be more effective when supported by informed and cooperative clients and community members.
1. Pre-Screening Clients
Before meeting a client in person, many realtors will conduct a pre-screening process. This might include a phone or video interview, a request for identification, or request for their contact information. This step helps ensure that the person they are meeting is who they say they are and reduces the likelihood of encountering a dangerous situation.
2. Using Technology for Safety
Technology plays a significant role in enhancing realtor safety. Many realtors use apps that track their location during showings, set up automatic check-ins with colleagues, or send alerts if they do not check in after a certain time. Some apps are designed specifically for realtors, offering features like one-touch emergency buttons or live location sharing.
3. Conducting Showings and Open Houses with Safety in Mind
When showing a property, realtors are trained to maintain control of the environment. This includes positioning themselves near exits, avoiding enclosed spaces like basements or attics with clients, and ensuring they have a clear path to leave if necessary. During open houses, security measures like sign-in sheets can be used to monitor property access. In some cases, homeowners may also request a list of visitors and require identification to ensure accountability in case of theft or injury during a showing.
4. Networking and Buddy Systems
Networking with other realtors and establishing buddy systems is another strategy employed by many in the industry. This allows realtors to support each other by attending showings together or checking in with one another throughout the day. Peer support networks also provide a platform to share safety tips and experiences. Some realtors may even bring along a colleague or mortgage broker to an open house for added safety and security.
How the Public Can Contribute to Realtor Safety
The public’s role in realtor safety cannot be overstated. Here are some practical steps that clients and community members can take to ensure that real estate professionals can do their jobs safely:
1. Prioritize Transparency in Communications
When interacting with a realtor, be transparent and forthcoming with your information. Share your full name, provide valid contact details, and be clear about your intentions. If a realtor asks for identification or other details before meeting in person, understand that this is for safety reasons, not an invasion of privacy.
2. Follow Realtor Guidelines
If a realtor requests to meet in a public place first,or at the office, arrive on time, and adhere to the agreed-upon location. If they suggest viewing a property during daylight hours, accommodate this request. These guidelines are not just for the realtor’s safety—they also protect clients by ensuring that the meeting is conducted in a secure and professional manner.
3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When attending open houses or property viewings, pay attention to your surroundings. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as suspicious individuals loitering around the property, inform the realtor immediately. Your vigilance can help prevent potential incidents.
4. Encourage and Support Realtor Safety Practices
If you know someone who is considering a career in real estate, encourage them to learn about and implement safety practices from the outset. Support realtors in your community by advocating for safety measures and understanding that these are necessary steps in today’s world.
The Role of Real Estate Agencies and Associations
Real estate agencies and professional associations like CREA and NSAR are at the forefront of promoting realtor safety. These organizations provide training, resources, and tools to help realtors protect themselves. They also advocate for policies and practices that enhance safety, such as mandatory pre-screening for new clients and the use of safety apps.
1. Safety Training and Education
Although agencies often provide safety training programs, they are not offered frequently enough.These classes can teach realtors how to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations. These programs may include self-defense techniques, situational awareness training, and the use of safety technology.
2. Safety Policies and Procedures
Many real estate agencies have implemented safety policies that their agents are required to follow. These policies might include mandatory check-ins during showings, restrictions on meeting clients alone, and protocols for reporting suspicious behaviour.
3. Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns
Professional associations play a critical role in advocating for realtor safety. They run awareness campaigns that highlight the risks realtors face and promote best practices within the industry. These campaigns also aim to educate the public about the importance of supporting realtor safety initiatives. National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares safety tips and best practices for REALTORS® to keep you safe on the job. These tips cover a variety of topics including client meetings, safety during open houses and at showings, cyber security, and more.
Conclusion
Realtor safety is an issue that affects everyone involved in the real estate process. By understanding the risks and supporting safety practices, the public can help create a safer environment for realtors. This not only protects real estate professionals but also ensures a more secure and positive experience for clients. As the industry continues to evolve, ongoing education, awareness, and cooperation between realtors, clients, and the community will be essential in maintaining safety and security in real estate.
Through mutual respect, vigilance, and adherence to safety protocols, we can all contribute to a safer working environment for those in the real estate profession. Whether you’re a client, a neighbour, or simply a concerned community member, your role in realtor safety is vital and appreciated. By working together, we can ensure that real estate professionals can perform their duties with the confidence that their safety is a shared priority.
