Your responsibility as a real estate agent is to help clients buy or sell properties, which can involve a lot of face-to-face interactions with strangers. While this can be exciting, it also comes with certain risks that cannot be ignored. As such, it is essential to prioritize safety when working in the field.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best safety practices for a real estate agent. By implementing these practices, you can create a safer work environment for yourself and provide peace of mind to your clients. So, let’s dive in and explore the best safety practices for a real estate agent.
1. Communicate with Clients Before Meeting Them in Person
One of the first safety practices for a real estate agent is to communicate with clients before meeting them in person. This can be done through a preliminary phone or video call. You can better understand the client’s needs and property interests during this conversation.
Additionally, you can get a sense of their personality, which can help you assess whether they’re suitable for you to work with.
By having this initial conversation, you can also gauge whether the client seems trustworthy and legitimate. If anything seems off, you have the option to decline to work with them or take additional safety precautions when meeting them in person.
2. Research your clients
Another essential safety practice for real estate agents is researching your clients before meeting them in person. This can help you verify their identity, check for potential red flags, and ensure a safer work environment.
One way to research your clients is by checking their social media profiles. This can give you a better idea of their identity and the things they are interested in. It can also help you verify their identity and confirm that they’re a legitimate potential client.
Another way to research your clients is by reviewing online reviews and ratings. This can help you gain a more comprehensive insight into their past experiences with other real estate agents and their general behavior and reputation in the industry.
Lastly, you can conduct an online search to ensure your client has no criminal history. This can be done through various online databases, such as the Verified Credentials, and it can help you identify any potential safety concerns before meeting with them in person.
3. Meeting in a Public Place
Meeting clients in public is a crucial safety measure that real estate agents should prioritize. This can be advantageous for several reasons, including providing a safer environment for both parties and reducing the risk of potential safety concerns.
When choosing a public meeting place, it’s important to select a location that is well-lit, populated, and easily accessible. Some specific recommendations for public meeting places include coffee shops, restaurants, or real estate offices. These locations provide a neutral ground for meetings and offer a sense of security and accountability.
Meeting in a public place can better ensure your safety as a real estate agent. It can also help establish a professional relationship with your client and prevent any misunderstandings or potential safety issues from arising.
4. Take a colleague or friend with you
Taking a colleague or friend to appointments can be an effective safety practice for a real estate agent. This provides additional security and ensures that someone else is aware of your whereabouts.
In case of emergencies, having someone with you can also be critical. They can provide assistance and help ensure your safety. This is particularly important when meeting with a new or unknown client, as it can be difficult to predict potential safety concerns.
It’s always advisable to take a cautious approach when it comes to your safety as a real estate agent. So, don’t hesitate to bring someone else along with you to appointments.
5. Use safety technology
You can also use technology as an effective safety measure. This can include safety apps or devices that can help improve your safety and provide additional protection.
One such safety app is Forewarn, a real estate safety app that allows agents to verify the identities of potential clients before meeting with them. The app can scan national and state criminal records, eviction records, and sex offender registries to provide agents with vital information to help them make informed decisions about who they meet.
The Homesnap Safety Timer is a real estate safety app that allows agents to set a timer before they enter a property. A designated emergency contact is alerted if the timer expires before the agent checks in. This feature can help ensure the safety of real estate agents by providing an automatic way to alert emergency contacts if an agent fails to check-in.
6. Trust your instincts
As a real estate agent, it’s vital to trust your instincts regarding safety. If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to trust that feeling and take action to protect yourself.
This might mean declining to work with a particular client, leaving a property early, or calling for help if you feel threatened. Always prioritize your safety above all else.
Bottom Line
Your safety should always be a top priority as a real estate agent. By implementing the safety practices for a real estate agent, you can protect yourself while on the job.
Additionally, always letting someone know where you’re going and trusting your instincts can help ensure your safety while on the job. By following these safety tips mentioned in this article, you can enjoy a safer work environment and greater peace of mind.
So, if you haven’t already, start adopting these best safety practices for a safer and more secure work environment. Remember, safety comes first!
Last modified: March 9, 2023
