This edition of the magazine gives us the opportunity to focus on an issue in our industry that doesn’t get nearly enough attention – safety. When thinking about what safety looks like in the real estate industry, there is a lot to consider. There is our physical safety, digital safety, financial safety, and now with COVID-19, we must also take into consideration the safety of our health.
Since this is the September/October issue and September is REALTOR® Safety Month, we thought it would be a good idea to share some safety tips and precautions. However, it’s important to note, these safety precautions are something we should be engaging in ALL year-round. Taking the proper safety measures daily is key in ensuring a safe day-to-day life for our REALTOR® community.
As the state begins to open back up, and we begin to increase our activity showing homes and helping people find their dream home; we must proceed with caution and safety in mind.
We all know the nature of our business often puts us in potentially dangerous situations. This is why it is so imperative to let a trusted colleague know when you’re showing homes and where the location is. To take your safety one step further, try to bring someone with you when showing a home or meeting a client for the first time. It is really important to have a safety plan in place before you need it!
The good news is, there are many resources available to help keep you safe on the job. You can check out one of NAR’s regularly schedule safety webinars, download apps designed to help keep you safe, as well as check out the safety alert program.
We believe every REALTOR® should feel empowered and safe when working. Be sure to always stay alert, let others know where you are, travel in pairs when possible, meet with new clients in public environments, use Zoom meetings when possible, park in areas that allow for a quick exit, and take advantage of safety tools at your disposal.
Another good idea is to educate yourself as much as possible. Take self-defense courses, learn how to spot potential scams, learn how to better secure your clients’ information. All of these steps show that you not only care about your own personal health and safety, but you are also doing what is in the best interest of your clients.
The nature of our jobs requires us to meet with new people frequently in various locations, and sometimes in vacant homes. This doesn’t mean we can’t stay safe. Give yourself peace of mind by taking extra steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your fellow agents. Let’s keep safety in the forefront of our minds as we move forward helping make this industry as safe as it can be, one step at a time.