Staying Safe in the Residential Real Estate World: A REALTORS® Guide

By: Sidnee Holmes

The world of residential real estate is exciting and full of opportunities, but it also comes with unique safety considerations. Meeting prospective clients, often for the first time, is integral to the job. Recent data on residential REALTOR® safety looks at how professionals in the field are taking proactive steps to protect themselves while serving their clients. Let's take a look below.

Meeting Prospective Clients

According to recent data, 65% of residential REALTORS® typically meet prospective clients they've never met before, either at their office or in a neutral location. This statistic highlights the trust and openness that REALTORS® extend to their clients but also underscores the importance of being vigilant and prepared for any situation.

Personal Safety Protocols

One encouraging finding is that 71% of residential REALTORS® follow personal safety protocols with every client. These protocols are a proactive approach to enhance safety during client meetings and property showings. Notably, females are more likely (73%) to have such protocols than males (59%). This gender difference reflects female REALTORS®' heightened safety concerns and the need for tailored safety strategies.

Self-Defense Training

Self-defense training is another crucial aspect of residential realtor safety. The data shows that 42% of residential members have participated in self-defense classes. These classes equip REALTORS® with valuable skills and techniques to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. By investing in self-defense training, REALTORS® demonstrate their commitment to personal safety and their clients' safety.

Self-Defense Tools

The data also reveals that 47% of men and 58% of women in the residential real estate field carry a self-defense weapon or tool. This proactive approach ensures that REALTORS® have a means of defense readily available if they encounter threatening situations. It's important to note that these tools can range from personal alarms to nonlethal self-defense weapons, reflecting a diversity of safety strategies.

REALTOR® Safety Courses

Participating in REALTOR® safety courses is a proactive step toward preparedness. Of those taking these courses, 66% reported feeling more prepared for unknown situations. These courses provide REALTORS® with essential knowledge and strategies to stay safe while conducting business. This statistic underscores the value of ongoing safety education and training.

Being Proactive with Residential REALTOR® Safety

Residential REALTORS® are taking proactive measures to ensure their safety in an industry that frequently involves meeting unfamiliar clients in various settings. Personal safety protocols, self-defense training, and self-defense tools are all essential components of a comprehensive safety strategy.

The gender disparities in safety measures highlight the need for tailored safety approaches to address the specific concerns faced by female REALTORS®. It's heartening to see that most of those who have participated in REALTOR® safety courses feel more prepared for unforeseen situations, emphasizing the importance of continued education in real estate safety.

Ultimately, safety in the residential real estate world is a shared responsibility. By sharing best practices, supporting safety initiatives, and promoting a safety culture, the industry can continue to evolve as a safer and more secure environment for all its professionals. In a world where safety is paramount, preparedness is not just a choice—it's a necessity.