When you become a real estate agent, you don’t necessarily assume it’s on the list of the most dangerous jobs in America. But being a realtor can have more associated dangers than you would think. Safety is an essential part of any job, and real estate agents are no exception. Did you know that 33% of realtors experienced a situation that made them feel worried about their safety or personal information? According to a 2019 Realtors member safety report, they also identified that more than half of real estate agents carry a firearm for self-dense while working.
Following safety rules can ensure your safety and reduce liability for you and your company in the long run. It can even protect you from the uncertain dangers brought on by the global pandemic. Realtors deal with contractors, houses, and the public, which leads to increased liability and other health and safety concerns. It is clear that being a realtor is not free of its risks, so we’ve compiled a list of safety best practices for realtors to help you and your coworkers breathe a little easier during the workday.
Safety Best Practices When Showing Homes
Agents spend a great deal of their time in empty homes and showing vacant houses to strangers. Situations like these come with their own unique set of risks. When showing homes, follow these safety tips to reduce the risks as much as possible.
Meet Clients in Public Settings First
It seems like part of excellent service is showing new clients homes at a moment’s notice, even if they ask for a last-second viewing and you’ve never met them before. Decisions like these could lead to a dangerous encounter. Always meet clients first in your office or a public setting like a coffee shop so you or your coworkers can vet them first and make sure nothing’s off.
Share Your Location with Others
Your coworkers or family should always know the specific location of the house you’re showing and how long you intend to be there. Consider sharing your exact location in Google Maps or with your phone, so your family or work can locate you quickly if something happens.
Always Have the Client Go First
When showing a home, a top safety best practice for real estate agents is to never go in before the clients. Always invite prospective buyers to go first when viewing a space. You eliminate any opportunities to be caught by surprise or from behind this way. If they insist you go first, suggest they take in the view firsthand without anyone in the picture so they can experience what’s it like to live in the space.
Bring Protective Gear
Even amid a global pandemic, people are eager to buy properties, which sometimes means in-person viewings. If you feel comfortable meeting with potential homebuyers face-to-face to add a human touch to the interaction, don’t forget to protect yourself. You can wear a protective mask, a face shield, or gloves and carry extras for those who fail to bring theirs.
If possible, place antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer throughout the space in high-touch areas. Lastly, be sure to stay socially distanced if possible. Of course, if in-person visits are a no-go, you can also set up virtual tours.
Have a Codeword
Do you remember as a child when your parents gave you a safe word to use in case you found yourself in an uncomfortable situation? This backup plan built for safety is readily applicable to your current process. Have a word or phrase to use if something feels off when working with a client. If your gut tells you something isn’t right, place a call or send a text so the person closest to you can swing in and come to your rescue if need be.
Avoid Rooms Without an Escape Route
This safety best practice may not seem important, but it certainly is! Some homes have closets and pantries that are small, cramped, and have no second exit. In addition to evoking claustrophobia, it can be a nightmare for real estate agents and homebuyers alike. Never lead a client into a room like a closet. This will leave you vulnerable to scenarios that can make your skin crawl. Instead, ensure the room is well-lit and open the door and offer the client the opportunity to explore.
Don’t Show Homes After Dark
It seems self-explanatory, but it’s easy to cave to a potential client who wants a late-night showing. Don’t ignore your instincts and give in to the urge to score a commission check. You may not realize it, but showing homes at night comes with additional risks and should be avoided if possible. If you need to meet a client in the evening hours, park under a streetlight and keep your cell phone fully charged in case of an emergency.
Don’t Share Your Personal Information
Realtors often hand out business cards with their work email and their business phone, which is the wise way to generate qualified leads. However, a safety best practice for real estate agents is that you should never give out personal information like home addresses or cellphone numbers. It could cause you major headaches down the road.
Safety Best Practices When Traveling
Always Wear Seatbelts
Agents spend a lot of time in their cars, and sometimes they even transport clients from listing to listing. To reduce liability and ensure safety for everyone, always wear your seatbelt and make sure your clients are wearing those as well. You can also put protective covers on your seats, install a plastic partition, or require mask usage in close quarters to protect from COVID-19.
Carry an Emergency Kit
Bad things can happen to you on and off the road. Because of this, you should always carry emergency supplies in your car to prepare you for the unexpected. Your emergency kit should include the essentials like a first aid kit, portable battery pack, and car maintenance tools like jumper cables.
Have Roadside Assistance
Imagine you show a client a listing, your meeting runs over, and now you have to make the drive home after dark. Suddenly you get a flat tire. If you can change your tire, this is an excellent skill, but what about the dangers of being alone on the roadway after dark? Investing in roadside assistance is a safety best practice for real estate agents that we highly recommend. It keeps you and your clients safe should the unexpected occur while traveling.
Call Motivated Sellers: Keeping You Safe
Selling real estate is a dynamic job, but like many other professions, it also includes risks. Still, employing our tips can help you create a safe environment and minimize potential risks you may encounter.
While Call Motivated Sellers doesn’t offer dedicated services to help you improve your safety on the job, we can assist you with our cold calling services. We can vet your contact list and provide you with a steady stream of qualified leads to help your business grow significantly.
Are you interested in working with us or learning more about the services we offer? Contact our team today, and let’s talk!
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