In Part 1, we learned twenty of the National Realtor Association’s (NAR) essential realtor safety tips.

These consisted of everything, including preparing your car for emergencies, how to operate during showings, and cyber security.

But we’re not done yet…

Let’s pick back up where we left off with tip number twenty-one!

21. Realtor Safety Takes Teamwork

When everyone at the office looks out for each other, realtor safety is much easier to maintain.

The NAR recommends implementing a check-out board system where workers add sticky notes with their name, destination, client name, and an expected timeframe for their meeting whenever they leave the office. 

22. Safeguard the Office Keys

Make sure the only people with access to the office keys are those who absolutely need them. Keeping a key log where employees check them in and out will help you track them and know where to look should they be lost or misplaced.

23. Establish a Policy for Data Breaches

Cyber attacks are an unfortunate realtor safety concern, but having a plan of action for them will keep everyone on the same page and prioritize a swift and effective response.

24. Summer Showing? Shut the Gas Off

If you’re showing a vacant home during the summer, turn the gas off and place the gas grill and propane tank(s) a safe distance from the house.

25. Don’t Advertise a Property as Vacant

Vacant homes are a popular target for criminals. Whenever listing a property, take care not to list it as “Vacant,” as it can be a green light for thieves, vandals, squatters, and more.

26. Listing a Vacant Commercial Property? Tell the Authorities

Vacant commercial properties are also a prime target for crime. If you’re listing one, notify your local police and fire department that it’s unoccupied, give them an extra set of keys, and share your contact information so they know who to call if there’s an emergency.

27. Avoid Small, Cramped Areas During Showings

As you’ve likely noticed by now, a big part of realtor safety is identifying potentially dangerous situations and avoiding them.

That’s why it’s crucial to never put yourself in a position where you can be trapped in a small space like a closet, basement, or attic. Allow your client to explore these areas on their own and talk with them at the entryway or a safe place nearby.

28. Use Password Protection on Every Device

You and your clients’ personal information lives on your phone, tablet, and computer. To protect it, always ensure your devices are locked with a password.

29. Practice Smart Lockbox Management

Keep your properties safe and intruder-free with strong lockbox codes, and never share your keys with anyone.

30. Keep the Garage & Backdoor Closed During Open Houses

During an open house, you always want to be mindful of how many clients are present. Allowing them to enter through the backdoor or garage will make it more difficult to keep tabs on who comes and goes. Leaving these doors open will also leave the property vulnerable to intruders.

Keep these alternate entrances closed and direct people through the front door to maintain a healthy level of awareness.

31. Make Security a Priority

Property security is an essential part of realtor safety. 

In your listings and on the phone, notify potential clients that steps will be taken to ensure their and the property’s security. These can include ID checks before meetings or at the door during an open house, as well as video surveillance throughout the home. 

If the property doesn’t have security cameras, you may want to invest in at least one for the front door, if not more for other major areas.

32. Prepare for Local Wildlife

Rural properties often come with lots of wild critters that can be dangerous. Make sure to dress appropriately when visiting these areas — a nice pair of boots and thick, long pants or jeans can help keep your legs and feet safe.

33. Don’t Click Sketchy Links

If you get an email from an unknown address, stay away from any links or attachments you find inside. Hackers and data thieves send these messages to steal your personal and client information.

34. Park on the Street

Avoid parking in the driveway during a showing or open house, and opt for a spot on the street instead. That way, if you have to leave quickly, there’s no risk of your car being blocked in.

35. Promote Realtor Safety, Share Suspicious Client Info 

If you know a certain client has been inappropriate, suspicious, or otherwise unsavory to deal with, share their information with your fellow realtors. 

You could save them a lot of time and trouble, and help protect them from potential safety risks.

36. Choose the Road More Traveled

Whenever you’re driving on the job, take the most popular and well-lit route. The easier and more public your drive is, the safer you’ll be if you experience car trouble or other driving-related complications.

37. Leave Your Cash at Home or the Office

It’s best to keep your wallet light when showing a home. If your credit card gets stolen, you can always cancel and replace it, but cash is much more difficult — and often impossible — to get back.

38. Have a Plan in Case of Emergency

Whether you’re at the office or showing a remote property, having an emergency action plan can save your and your colleagues’ lives.

Believe it or not, although 911 is the most popular emergency response system, it’s nowhere near the fastest.

Speaking with a dispatcher often takes several minutes, and if you’re in pain or need to keep a low profile, it may be impossible for you to talk at all. Plus, with staffing shortages affecting 911 call centers across the country, you may be waiting on hold instead of getting the help you desperately need.

If you experience an emergency on the job (or off), you want the fastest emergency response possible — no hassle, no questions, and no safety risks.

That’s what makes the Rescu app the perfect safety solution for realtors.

Two taps on your smartphone or Apple Watch is all it takes to instantly dispatch fire, police, or ambulance services to your exact location anywhere in the US. No talking required.

If you’re showing a home in a rural area and tragedy strikes, you won’t have to spend a second explaining your situation. 

Simply tap the service you need and then “Send Alert,” and Rescu will automatically dispatch first responders to your location, notify them of your pre-registered personal and medical information, and send a text alert to all your listed emergency contacts. 

When it comes to realtor safety — whether at the office or out and about — Rescu has your back. 

Discover true peace of mind with the fastest way to get help in an emergency. Download the Rescu app today.