© goodluz / Adobe Stock
While a job as a real estate agent can be exciting, it comes with risks. You'll often find yourself meeting new people in unfamiliar locations, working odd hours, and frequently being on the move.
That's why ensuring your personal safety should always be a top priority.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 71% of residential REALTORS® follow personal safety protocols with every client as a proactive approach to enhance safety during meetings and property showings.
Think of it like dating. When you’re meeting someone you don’t know, a proactive approach to safety can make all the difference.
Let's dive into some practical safety tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine!
Meet in Public Spaces First
© Gibster / Adobe Stock
Before heading to a showing, consider meeting new clients in a public setting. This could be a busy coffee shop, a well-frequented restaurant, or the welcoming environment of your agency's office.
This approach is a simple and effective way to verify that you're dealing with genuine buyers.
How?
Well, a controlled setting provides a comfortable and neutral space for both parties, and it allows you to establish rapport and build trust. This means you can engage in conversation, ask relevant questions, and observe the demeanor and intentions of your new client without the pressure of being in a more isolated location.
Share Your Itinerary
© Andrea Izzotti / Adobe Stock
If possible, don't go it alone. Make it a priority to share your detailed schedule with a trusted colleague, friend, or family member. Be sure to include meeting locations, client names, and expected times of arrival and departure for each appointment.
By taking time to do this, you can ensure that someone else knows where you're supposed to be and can monitor your schedule. This way, that person can act quickly if anything seems off or you fail to check in at the expected time.
This layer of communication is worth it, because you're always better off when you have at least one trusted person looking out for you. It enhances your personal safety and provides valuable peace of mind, so you can focus on work.
Trust Your Instincts
© Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock
Real estate agents often have a remarkable ability to read people and situations. Since they frequently interact with all kinds of different clients and prospects, this intuition is crucial.
If something feels off, trust your instincts. This often your subconscious picking up on subtle cues that your conscious mind might overlook. It's absolutely fine, and generally wise, to end a meeting early or decline a showing if you feel uncomfortable.
As the saying goes, it's better to be safe than sorry. Prioritizing your instincts not only protects you but also builds up your confidence in making sound judgments in your professional interactions.
Implement Check-In Systems
© Dixon Dee / Adobe Stock
Establish a check-in system with your office, your team, a trusted colleague, a family member, or a friend. A quick text or phone call can be reassuring for both you and your check-in partner.
Also, consider creating a voice distress code for times you feel that you're in danger and need to get assistance. This is a great technique to use when you need to ask for help without tipping off the person you're with in that moment. The distress code should be a word or phrase that is not commonly used but can be worked into conversation.
Let's say you feel something is off at your showing and need assistance. You can call your trusted contact and say something like this:
"Hi, it's Angela. I’m at the Walnut Drive listing. Can you send me the RED FILE?"
Maintain Clear Boundaries
© Flamingo Images / Adobe Stock
When it comes to your personal and professional life, maintaining clear boundaries is required for safeguarding your well-being and ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Here are a few best practices:
Best Practices for Maintaining Boundaries
- Use a separate phone number exclusively for business dealings. This helps you manage your professional communications more efficiently and prevents clients from infringing on your personal time
- Never share your home address or other sensitive personal information with clients or business contacts. By establishing these boundaries from the outset, you create a protective barrier that shields your privacy and enhances your safety.
- Exercise caution with your social media presence. Be mindful of the information you share online, as oversharing personal details, like your home address, daily routines, or travel plans, can inadvertently expose you to risks.
By taking these proactive steps, you can maintain a secure and professional environment while still engaging effectively with your clients.
Stay Prepared with Self Defense
© Nomad_Soul / Adobe Stock
Sure, we all hope we'll never need it, but investing in at least basic self-defense training is an important aspect of agent safety.
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 42% of residential NAR members have participated in self-defense classes. And many members—47% men and 58% women—carry a self-defense tool.
This might be a lethal weapon or a non-lethal device, like a personal alarm, pepper spray, a Taser, or even a safety app that can discreetly alert the authorities.
As you consider the self-defense strategy that will work best for you, think about how you're likely to respond emotionally to a highly stressful situation. Factor in that the weapon or device you select should be something that is easy for you to grab when you need it, conceal from plain sight, and hold onto if you have to use it.
Keep Your Vehicle Secure
© zilvergolf / Adobe Stock
Your car is essentially your mobile office. It's a hub for your daily operations and a space where you might spend a significant amount of time.
Ensure that it's always well-maintained to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Regularly check the engine, brakes, tires, and other essential components.
Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it, even if for short periods, and never leave important documents or valuables in plain sight. Doing so can attract unwanted attention and pose a risk to your security and privacy. This includes contracts, client information, laptops and mobile devices.
Instead, consider using a lockable glove compartment or trunk to store sensitive items safely.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your mobile office remains a safe and efficient part of your real estate business.
Your Career is Important, but Your Safety is Invaluable
While real estate is an exhilarating field, it's essential to prioritize your safety. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can confidently navigate your professional landscape with peace of mind.
We’re writing more blog posts than ever to help agents like you achieve lasting success with both digital and print marketing. Check them out here — and be sure to bookmark the page to see what’s coming next!