Keeping Safe as a Realtor

Stranger to stranger crimes are actually quite rare, even though when they do occur, they get played up in the media as commonplace. Despite the rarity however, these attacks do occur, and the most vulnerable group are probably professional individuals who come into daily contact with strangers in the course of their job duties. Professionals such as realtors are often targeted by criminals because the nature of their job puts them into close proximity with strangers in potentially isolated areas. If you're a real estate agent, you need to take extra precautions and be aware of your surroundings when you're showing properties.

Start with the basics - safety 101. Never go anywhere without making sure that someone from your office knows where you're going, who you're going with and when you are expected to return. And don't forget to bring your phone with you fully charged in case you need to call for help. It can be a good idea to have somebody at the office give you check up phone calls every half-hour or so to make sure you're not having any problems.

You can also get apps for your smart phone or iPhone that are especially geared for real estate agents that work by notifying someone you choose of your GPS location and your concern for your safety. This stops short of a 911 phone call but does let someone know you're uncomfortable and need somebody there with you. As a realtor you work hard to develop a friendly and outgoing persona because you're not only selling property, but you are also selling clients on yourself. Unfortunately it can be hard for some realtors to know when to turn off the persona and start paying attention to their gut instinct that something is not right and act on it.

It can be a good idea to take a self-defense class so you are able to physically protect yourself if you have to in a tight situation. Remember even with a back up plan geared to alert somebody you need help or a phone call to 911, you could still be waiting ten to fifteen minutes or more for someone to arrive, and this can seem like a lifetime when you need help. Also, it's a good idea to carry mace or pepper spray with you regardless of your gender, as the ability to get away from somebody intending to harm you is sometimes the best defensive move you can make.

Work with other realtors in your area to develop ways to keep safe on the job, including alerting other realtors to suspicious people or activities and keeping an eye on each other. Other safety precautions that you can take include working as a team so you are not showing properties alone and not bringing people with you in your car so that you do have a way to get away from somebody without being trapped in the confines of the car.