Kristine Vowles
Submitted photo
By Kristine Vowles | Scottsdale
As Realtors, meeting unfamiliar people in vacant homes, holding open houses alone and working long hours in unpredictable situations are all a part of the job. While most of our day-to-day interactions are safe and professional, the reality is that risks do exist. Safety cannot be left to chance — it must be intentional.
Years ago, I experienced a sudden and violent attack from a stranger while leaving a client showing. That moment changed how I approach my work forever, and it’s why I encourage others to put safety first. And I am not alone.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 22% of residential members have faced situations that made them fear for their safety. Of these, 34% felt unsafe during open houses, 31% during showings and another 31% after receiving threatening or inappropriate messages.
Whether assisting clients face-to-face or online, in busy urban neighborhoods or at a quiet desert property far from the nearest neighbor, being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions is key to keeping safe. September is recognized as Realtor Safety Month by NAR, serving as a reminder that the awareness and habits we build now can protect both real estate agents and clients in situations when it matters most.
Safety starts at the top. Brokerages and associations set the tone when they take safety seriously. Leaders can show their commitment by creating safety pledges for their office, offering workshops on self-defense basics or situational awareness and holding monthly meetings as a team to share real-life safety tips and experiences. These steps send a clear message to the professionals around you that their well-being matters.
And just as important is building a culture with open communication, where your team is comfortable speaking up if something feels wrong. Trusting your instincts, and having leaders who support that, can save lives. In fact, NAR reports that 71% of REALTORS® who participated in a safety course said they now feel more prepared for unknown situations. Preparation is key.
Safety should be prioritized in the field from the first client interaction, long before setting foot in a house. Initial meetings with new clients should be conducted in a safe, public space such as a coffee shop, brokerage office, a park or another neutral location. And always ask to verify the identification of your client at a meeting, showing or open house. It’s not personal, it’s professional and will make sure that both sides feel secure, and that everyone is who they say they are.
During showings, small but consistent steps can make all the difference. Before a property tour, research the neighborhood and make note of exits in case of emergency. During the showing, keep valuables out of sight, lock away sensitive files and secure personal belongings such as purses, keys and devices. These precautions protect everyone.
Hosting an open house? Don’t do it alone. Establish an office protocol to use the buddy system and bring a colleague or mentor along. If that’s not possible, share your location with your team and create a check-in system with your office to guarantee an open form of communication. Also, require a valid identification from all prospects upon check-in.
Technology also provides protection in real estate. Safety apps such as Tether RE and SafeShowings, allow agents to share their live GPS location, set timers that send alerts if they don’t check in or hit a panic button in case of danger. Electronic lockboxes are another critical form of protection that records exactly who enters a property and when, keeping a digital trail of accountability that goes beyond a lock-and-key system.
Safety is essential online, too. Every day, Realtors handle sensitive client details like addresses, financial records and family background that can make agents targets for hackers and scammers. Use strong passwords, secure Wi-Fi and be mindful of any personal social media information shared. This is how we as professionals honor the trust clients place in Realtors and make real estate safer for everyone.
Editor’s note: Kristine Vowles is a Scottsdale-based Realtor and founder of The Luxury Look design and home staging firm. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.