September is one busy month, but recognizing September as Agent Safety Month doesn’t need to get pushed off your action-packed calendar! Take a minute to look over these helpful safety tips and more.
Did you know?
The National Association of REALTORS® created the REALTOR® Safety Program more than 10 years ago. The program is designed to keep agent safety at the forefront of a Realtor’s daily planning.
By practicing precaution, the number of safety incidents happening in the industry can be reduced. That’s why recognizing September as Agent Safety Month continues to be a top priority in Lee County.
Safety tips for Realtors
The good news is Realtors have quick access to plenty of safety-oriented materials nowadays. The NAR alone offers personal protection resources, tips, videos, webinars and more—all about safety.
Here are several tips to help get you started when it comes to formulating a safety plan.
Tell people where you are going.
Tell people—colleagues, friends, family—where you are going, who you are meeting (including providing names and contact info) and when you expect to be finished. Consider creating a Google calendar that you share with those closest to you, for instance.
Set a safe schedule.
Set a schedule you are comfortable with. If that means no meetings after dark, so be it. Clearly communicate your available hours for in-person meetings and showings in your marketing materials and website.
Keep up with your car maintenance.
From regular oil changes to tire checks to keeping jumper cables in your car, be prepared. Also, try and keep your gas tank half-full in case you get lost or the property is more remote than expected.
Stay charged.
Make sure your phone is fully charged and you have a car charger with you too. Consider using a mobile hotspot to help with cell phone reception. Plus, a personal hotspot is good for data security in general.
Be wary of what you share.
Guard your personal information along with your clients’. Be careful not to “overshare” personal information with new or potential clients as well.
Pick public spaces.
Meet new clients in your office or a public place like a coffee shop for initial meetings.
Be observant.
Follow behind your clients while showing them a property. Do not lead them. This helps you stay aware of what is happening at all times.
Use the 10-second rule.
Apply the 10-second rule. Give yourself time (at least 10 seconds) to assess a situation and your surroundings when you arrive.
Follow best practices for open houses.
Put “best practices” into place for open houses. Don’t host them alone if possible. Check all rooms, windows and doors before leaving and locking up. Be sure to check closets and the backyard too.
Know your way out.
Always have a backup plan and exit strategy in case something goes awry.
Summary
By recognizing September as Agent Safety Month, you recognize that it is actually a year-round task. Take this month to update your safety plan. Then talk about it with your colleagues and family. Finally, put it into place. Keep reading our blogs for more industry news and additional real estate resources.