3 Tips to Keep You Safe During REALTOR® Safety Month

Did you know that September is observed as REALTOR® Safety Month? Now is a great time to brush up on some useful safety tips and tools while committing to keeping safety top-of-mind while on the job!

Social Media

Social media usage has an impact on your safety, especially today. Depending on how active you are on social media and the content you want to post, you may want to consider setting up separate personal and business accounts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. This will help protect your personal photos, posts, and other details about you from being accessed by people you don’t know. When posting, stay away from sharing your daily activity, like where you are going, how long you will be there or if you will be alone. This way, it’s hard for others to know your whereabouts. Carefully, consider each item you share, and be aware that old posts may be copied or saved. It’s also a good idea to check the privacy settings on your social media accounts often in case there are security updates that need your attention.

Property Showings

When meeting a client for the first time, your office or another public space are good options. Always let a fellow agent or someone in your office know who, when and where you are meeting. Make sure that your phone is fully charged before arriving to an open house, showing, or client meeting, and if necessary, carry a portable charger or power bank to charge your phone on the go. When showing a home, park your car in front of the property rather than in the driveway. You will avoid having your car blocked in, and if you need to make a quick exit, it will be easier to drive away. Leave the front door unlocked for a quick exit while you and the client are inside. And, as you view each room, let the client enter first. Follow your instincts and keep your guard up to potential predators and always have “an out.” If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable in any situation, leave.

Download these Safety Apps

Being safe while showing homes is a very real and serious part of a realtor’s job, and today’s technology is making it easier. Here are some of the top personal security apps!

bSafe is one of the many safety apps available that allows you to create your own security network, and it toutes safety features like voice activation, an SOS button, fake calls, live streaming, and automatic recording.

LifeLine Response is another personal security app that uses GPS information and cell tower triangulation to give emergency responders your exact location and personal identifying information.

A third and final app you should know about is Silent Beacon. This app can quickly send text messages, push notifications, emails, and voice calls to your pre-stored emergency contacts inside the app.

Unfortunately, the risks realtors face seem to grow more frequent and more complicated. Ways to stay safe on the job, however, remain simple. Know how to react appropriately to your situation, be aware of your surroundings, and empower yourself with careful precaution and technology. Want more resources and safety tips? Visit NAR or National Association of REALTORS® to learn more!