Wrapping up our series on Safety, today I’d like to dive into a few tips and tools you can use to help you stay safe while out in the field or even while you’re at your desk.
WHY SAFETY IS IMPORTANT
Real estate professionals face unique risks that most people don’t consider. Agents regularly meet strangers in empty homes, host public events in unfamiliar spaces, and handle sensitive client information. These situations can make them vulnerable to physical harm, theft, or cybercrime. Safety isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting your clients, your reputation, and your business. By making safety a top priority, agents not only reduce personal risk but also demonstrate professionalism, build client trust, and ensure they can continue doing the work they love with confidence and peace of mind.
APPS AND TRACKERS
Technology exists that will help ensure our safety. Let’s break down a few apps and trackers that you might want to check into.
FOREWARN:
This app helps real estate professionals quickly verify the identity and background of potential clients and tenants, providing peace of mind before meetings.
bSafe:
A comprehensive personal safety app that allows users to share their location with a network of trusted contacts and activate a silent alarm in emergencies.
Real Safe Agent:
Similar to other personal safety apps, it allows agents to share their location and status with designated contacts.
Watch Over Me & MyForce:
These are examples of personal safety smartphone apps that can be used by real estate professionals to stay safe.
Google’s Find My Device / Apple’s Find My:
The built-in location-tracking features on Android and Apple devices can be used to monitor the location of agents’ phones.
V.Alert:
A personal safety device or app designed to send alerts and your location in an emergency.
TOOLS
Portable Panic Buttons:
Small, discreet devices that allow you to send an instant distress signal to emergency contacts by pressing a button.
Smart Accessories:
Devices that can be disguised as everyday items and are equipped with safety features, such as a hidden panic button or tracking device.
Security Cameras:
Visible cameras in properties can deter potential wrongdoers and provide evidence in case of a security breach.
Door Stoppers With Alarms:
When closing yourself in a home for showings or shutting down an open house, a safety wedge with an alarm is easy way to deter bad guys while also alerting you to someone trying to get in the house.
Self-Defense Tools:
- Pepper Spray/Gel: A popular and effective self-defense tool, with pepper gel being a good option for indoor and outdoor use.
- Tasers: A non-lethal device that can provide an opportunity to escape an attacker.
- Whistles/Noisemakers: Simple tools to alert others if you are in a dangerous situation.
A Note About Conceal/Carry:
The “30-foot rule” for police is not a universal policy but a concept that suggests a distance of 21-30 feet is a dangerous zone where a suspect armed with a knife or similar weapon can cover the distance and attack an officer before the officer can draw and fire their weapon. The 30-foot range provides an officer with a bit more time to react, draw their handgun, and respond to a sudden threat.
- Knowing that most real estate pros who are victims of violent crimes are victimized at close personal ranges, please think carefully about carrying a weapon with you when you go into the field. Unless that weapon is in your hand with the safety off at all times, it may not help you if a perpetrator decides to corner you in a basement of a vacant home.
EDUCATION
Learn more about how to stay safe and how to protect yourself. Below is a short list of ways you can learn how to stay safe and protect yourself.
- Take classes focused on safety and awareness offered by your local association
- Take self defense classes offered by your community education program
- Review the NAR Safety Program Online
Please make every effort to ensure your personal safety isn’t compromised. Remember, you’re precious and you are loved.
Stay safe, my friend.
Coach Lins
