Real Estate Agent Personal Safety Guidelines

One of the major reasons why people choose careers in real estate is that it's a very social career allowing you to see new places, meet new people, and try new things. When you visit an unfamiliar neighborhood, meet a new client for the first time, or stage an open house, however, it is also important to keep security in mind. There are concrete steps that you can take to make yourself safer on your travels, and it all starts with awareness of the most common security risks for people with careers in real estate.

Stay Alert, Stay Aware, and Trust Your Instincts

The most common risks for a real estate agent come when meeting new clients for the first time, and staging open houses. No matter what you do for a living, meeting with strangers always carries some level of risk. A bit of planning and situational awareness go a long way in keeping you safe during your travels.

• Let Someone Know Where You Go – When you're visiting a new neighborhood, meeting a new client, or staging an open house, always let someone else know where you are going and how long you plan to be there. Ask them to check in with you if you're not back by a certain time, to make sure everything is okay.
  
  
• When In Doubt, Get Out – On rare occasions, you may find yourself in a situation that simply feels If you're instincts are screaming at you that something is off, then it's a good idea to listen. You won't always have the information necessary to make an informed decision, and in those moments it's important to trust your instincts.
  
  
• Scout Ahead – When you're staging an open house or spending time in a new neighborhood, take the time to do some research so you know exactly what you're getting into. Remember that other agents in your office may have already visited these locations, and will have feedback of their own to offer.
  
  
• Meet the Neighbors – Before you stage an open house, visit the neighbors to invite them to the showing and let them know when you'll be in the neighborhood. They may have relevant security information on the neighborhood, and can keep an eye out for anything unusual during the showing.
  
  
• Have an Escape Plan – You don't need a secret agent escape plan, but a few simple steps go a long way. Always park your vehicle in a place where it won't be blocked in, make sure that your phone is fully charged, and check that you have cell service when entering a new situation. Plan your driving route ahead of time, so you won't have to rely on GPS to get home.
  
  
• Two Is Better Than One – Having someone to watch your back is great for peace of mind and second agent on-site acts as a major deterrent to anyone considering a crime. A second set of eyes means that one of you should always be able to call for help if needed, and you can always return the favor by helping that agent with an open house or meeting of their own.
  
  

Teaching security is very important to our team when we're training new agents for careers in real estate, and our commitment to education is a big reason why real estate agents join the Homesale Realty team every day. Contact us to learn more about a career in real estate, and why our team is the right fit for you.