September is Realtor safety month.
The National Association of Realtors has a Realtor Safety Program with a goal is to educate members about the potential dangers faced on the job. This is to raise awareness in different situations, but also prepare to keep agents safe and reduce the risks of meeting new people on a regular basis. This is done by creating and implementing a Safety Strategy that should be followed every day, with every client, every time.
Some statistics from NAR on agent safety are:
• 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
Some examples of what NAR suggests for Safety Strategy procedures include:
• Always meet new clients at the office or in a neutral location, such as a coffee shop
• Show properties before dark. If you are going to be working after hours, advise an associate of your schedule
• Turn on lights and open shades prior to taking client inside
• Share your schedule with a colleague, assistant, or family member
• Communicate safety concerns on your listing (poor cell phone signal, etc.)
• Do not overshare about your personal life
• Do not host open houses alone
• Check your cell phone battery and signal before heading to an appointment
• Direct clients to walk in front of you when touring a property, do not lead them.
• Never go into attics, crawl spaces, or garages where you could be trapped
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
