Realtor Safety in 2024: Essential Tips for Florida Real Estate Agents

September 27th, 2024

Realtor safety is an increasingly important topic in the real estate industry, especially in Florida, where agents often work independently and interact with clients in unfamiliar environments. The nature of the job—visiting vacant properties, meeting clients alone, and handling valuable financial transactions—places real estate professionals in situations that could be risky. To help mitigate these risks, Florida Realtors and national organizations offer critical safety tips and strategies.

1. Meet Clients in Public First

Before heading out to a property, meet clients in a public location such as your brokerage office or a nearby café. This gives you the opportunity to vet potential buyers and gauge their intentions. Additionally, make sure your brokerage has a process for tracking appointments and keeping colleagues informed about where you'll be.
Source: National Association of Realtors (NAR) notes that 40% of real estate professionals experienced a situation that made them fear for their safety. Many of these could be avoided by initial public meetings​( Inside Higher Ed ).

2. Use Technology to Stay Connected

Several apps are specifically designed to enhance Realtor safety, such as Forewarn and Homesnap Pro. These tools provide background checks and real-time tracking capabilities, which allow agents to check client credentials and share their location with others.
Florida Realtors® also recommend using your phone’s GPS and sharing your live location with a trusted contact during showings. Another popular app, SafeShowings, takes a photo of the client and automatically alerts emergency contacts if something goes wrong​( Florida Department of State ).

3. Trust Your Instincts

If a situation feels off, trust your instincts. Cancel or reschedule appointments if something doesn’t feel right. Always prioritize your safety over closing a deal. If meeting a client feels unsafe or a property is located in a sketchy area, request a colleague to accompany you. According to the National Association of Realtors® 2023 Member Safety Report, 31% of agents have said they use a self-defense tool while working, with pepper spray being the most common option​( Florida Department of State )​( Inside Higher Ed ).

4. Drive Separately

Always drive to showings in your own car, and never let a client follow you. This prevents you from being in a situation where you could be isolated with a client in a vehicle. Parking in a well-lit area, with a clear exit, is another important safety consideration.

5. Know Your Surroundings

When showing a property, especially vacant homes, be mindful of escape routes in case of an emergency. Make sure the doors and pathways to leave are easily accessible. Additionally, let someone in your office or at home know your schedule, including the address and time of the showing.
Florida Realtors advises that keeping in touch with your colleagues during property showings is one of the best ways to ensure safety. A quick check-in call before and after the showing can keep others informed of your location.

6. Utilize the Realtor Safety Pledge

The Realtor Safety Pledge is an initiative adopted by some brokerages, encouraging real estate professionals to openly communicate safety plans with clients. By following this pledge, you prioritize safety while maintaining professionalism. This may involve asking clients for identification before showings and informing them that a third party is aware of the meeting location and time.

7. Carry Safety Devices

Personal safety devices such as pepper spray, alarms, or even a small self-defense tool can provide added security. More and more Realtors, particularly in Florida, are turning to these options as part of their daily routines. Additionally, Realtors can participate in local self-defense classes, which many real estate associations offer as part of continuing education programs.

Conclusion

The real estate industry is rewarding, but it also comes with inherent risks. By following these safety strategies and leveraging available technology, Florida Realtors can greatly reduce potential dangers and continue working confidently. Remember, your personal safety should always come first.

For more detailed safety recommendations and resources, check out the National Association of Realtors® Safety page and the Florida Realtors safety resources.

Sources:
National Association of Realtors. "2023 Member Safety Report".
Florida Realtors. "Realtor Safety Resources".