Personal Safety During Showings: Essential Tips for Real Estate Agents

As a security professional specializing in situational awareness and emergency preparedness, I understand the unique risks that real estate agents face while conducting property showings. Being alone in a property with strangers can expose agents to potential dangers, including assaults and other violent crimes. In this blog post, I'll share essential safety tips and strategies to help agents protect themselves during showings.

1. Pre-Screen Your Clients

Before you meet any client for a showing, ensure you have a clear understanding of who they are. Use a pre-screening process that includes checking their identification and having them register with your office. This not only helps in keeping a record but also dissuades potential offenders from taking any untoward step.

2. Schedule Wisely

Whenever possible, schedule showings during daylight hours and inform a colleague or your office about the specifics of your appointment, including who you are meeting, where, and when you expect to return. Always have your appointments noted down in a calendar that is accessible to your team.

3. Use the Buddy System

Consider bringing along a colleague, especially if you feel uneasy about a particular showing. Having another person with you can significantly reduce the risk of an incident.

4. Stay in Communication

Always keep your phone handy and charged. Use check-in strategies with your office or a trusted contact. Consider setting up periodic check-ins via call or text, so someone knows where you are at all times.

5. Familiarize Yourself with the Property

Before showing a property, visit it at least once to familiarize yourself with all exits and potential safety hazards. This knowledge will be invaluable in an emergency situation where you might need to leave quickly.

6. Maintain an Exit Strategy

During the showing, always position yourself near an exit and avoid getting cornered in small rooms. Make sure you have a clear path to escape if needed.

7. Listen to Your Instincts

Your intuition is a powerful ally in maintaining your safety. If something feels off about a situation or a client, trust your gut feeling. It's better to cancel or reschedule a showing than to ignore your instincts.

8. Carry a Personal Safety Tool

Depending on local laws and your comfort level, consider carrying a personal safety tool, such as pepper spray or a high-decibel alarm. Ensure you are trained to use whatever tool you carry.

9. Learn Self-Defense

Basic self-defense skills can be extremely beneficial. Consider taking a class specifically designed for real estate professionals, focusing on how to escape from holds or how to maintain physical control in a confrontation.

10. After the Showing

Always lock the property once the showing is over and observe your surroundings as you leave. Make it a habit to inform your office or a colleague once you have safely left the property.

Conclusion

Personal safety should never be an afterthought for real estate professionals. By implementing these safety measures, agents can significantly reduce their risk of encountering dangerous situations during property showings. Remember, being prepared and aware is your best defense. Stay safe out there!

These tips not only help in enhancing personal safety but also contribute to a professional atmosphere where both agents and clients can feel secure and focused on the business at hand.