September is a month of transition – changing seasons, schools, grades and goals. It’s also a good time to assess your own work-related safety plan as part of Realtor® Safety Month. The National Association of Realtors® has released its annual Member Safety Report revealing members’ views on personal safety in common real estate practices including showing properties, open houses and client meetings.

The report summarizes responses from more than 3,000 Realtor® members to a 2020 survey which gathered information ranging from personal safety perception to preparedness practices. Here’s a snapshot of the survey results that indicates most respondents feel safe, but many also take steps to protect themselves either with self-defense weapons or technology.

• 23% of Realtors® experienced a situation that made them fear for their personal safety or safety of their personal information – down from 33% in 2019.
• 31% of Realtors® felt unsafe during an open house.
• 38% of Realtors® have participated in a self-defense class.
• 49% choose to carry self-defense weapons – up from 44% in 2019.
• Pepper spray is the most common self-defense weapon at 19% followed by firearms at 14%.
• 58% use a smartphone safety app to track whereabouts and alert colleagues in case of an emergency.
• 72% have personal safety protocols they use with every client – up from 66% in 2019.
• 55% of brokerages have safety procedures for agents.

NAR encourages members to take this Realtor® Safety Pledge as an intentional commitment to make safety a first priority.

“As a Realtor®, my first priority is the well-being and safety of myself, my Realtor® colleagues, the clients and customers we serve, and the business partners who foster our profession.

Therefore, I pledge to always conduct business and prospecting activities in a reasonably safe manner, which includes following the recommendations from the National Association of Realtors® and adhering to the Safe Listings Form to the best of my ability.

I am committed to receive education and in turn to advise consumers and colleagues on best safety practices.

Realtors® are committed to safety, and I take this pledge because I care about the wellbeing of myself, my clients and customers, my colleagues, and my profession.”

A Safe Listing Form is available for your clients to consider when listing their property.

Participate in NAR’s two-part webinar, Avoiding Realtor® Danger Zones on September 15, at 1:00 p.m. (CDT), and a follow-up discussion, Conference Year-Round + Realtor® Safety Discussion: Avoiding Realtor® Danger Zones, on September 16, at 1:00 p.m. (CDT). Former police officer and 35-year REALTOR® veteran Janet Judd will detail why safety matters and how implementing safety best practices is not only good for you but, ultimately, good for your business. Register here for each webinar. 

An online library of safety videos also is available from NAR as well as local and state associations. Get a cup of coffee and invest some free time learning some safety tips and best practices. 

NAR compiled a list of available safety products, programs and phone apps to augment your safety protocol. Your smartphone and a network of contacts can be a literal lifesaver in an emergency whether it occurs at work or elsewhere.

At the end of the day, the goals are simple: to enjoy your work free from fear and to return home safely. Now, be safe out there.