Putting REALTOR® Safety First

September 2024 Industry Update

Instructors:

  • Jenny Chaney, REALTOR®
  • Lexi Hass, REALTOR®
1. In 2019, 87 real estate professionals died from fatal injuries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. One-third of those were caused by violence.
2. Safety habits should become second nature, not just something to think about during REALTOR® Safety Month. Constant learning through webinars, videos, and courses is essential.
3. REALTORS® often face dangers due to their public image, meeting unknown individuals in unfamiliar locations, and marketing themselves online, which can attract criminals.
4. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it likely is. REALTORS® are encouraged to trust their gut feelings and remove themselves from potentially dangerous situations.
5. Practical Tools for Safety:
  • Use the SentriLockbox system for secure property access and activate the agent safety alert feature on your phone.
  • Carry self-defense tools like pepper spray, tasers, or firearms (following legal guidelines).
6. Automobile Safety is REALTOR® Safety:
  • Keep your car well-maintained, filled with gas and lock your doors.
  • Have a safety kit in your vehicle and be mindful of your surroundings when parked or driving.
7.  Emergency Response is Crucial:
  • Be familiar with how 911 works in your area, including response times and don’t hesitate to involve law enforcement for property patrols, especially at vacant or risky locations
8. Safety Measures to Prevent Risk:
  • Meet clients in neutral or familiar locations before showing houses.
  • Keep track of your location using apps and share your itinerary with trusted contacts.
9. 10-Second Safety Scan can mitigate risk.
Take 2 seconds to scan for danger when:
  • Arriving at your desination (2 seconds)
  • Stepping out of your car 2 seconds)
  • Walk toward the property (2 seconds)
  • Arrive at the door (2 seconds)
  • While entering property (2 seconds)
10. Fight, Flight or Freeze responses can be dependent on several factors.
  • Physical capability
  • Proximity of the attacker
  • Presence of a weapon
  • Knowledge of self-defense
Remember, running away is as courageous as fighting back!