REALTORS® are constantly on the move — showing properties, meeting new people, and navigating transactions in a wide variety of settings. The flexibility and personal connections associated with it make this career rewarding, but they also carry unique safety risks.

September is REALTOR® Safety Month, and it offers a timely opportunity to recommit yourself to the practices that keep you safe on the job and free from harm. More than just giving you peace of mind, taking steps to protect your personal safety helps you stay focused on what matters most — guiding consumers through one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

To help you stay confident and sharp, here are practical safety tips tailored to everyday scenarios you may encounter.

First impressions matter just as much as setting safe boundaries. Meeting someone new can feel unpredictable.

• Choose a public meeting spot. Whenever possible, arrange to meet at your brokerage office, a coffee shop, or another busy, well-lit public location before heading to a property.
• Verify identity. Politely request a copy of the consumer’s driver’s license to keep on record, and frame it as a standard business practice to help normalize the request.
• Share your schedule. Let a colleague, friend, or family member know where you’ll be, who you’re meeting, and how long you expect the appointment to last.

Showings are part of the daily rhythm of real estate, but they can also leave you alone with consumers in an unfamiliar space.

• Arrive early. This allows you to check entrances, scope out exits, and ensure the property feels safe before anyone arrives. Turn on lights ahead of time if possible.
• Lead from behind. Encourage consumers to explore the property ahead of you while you remain close to an exit. 
• Stay alert. Keep your phone on you rather than in your bag or across the room, and always know the quickest way out.

Meeting homeowners in their space is another setting where safety awareness pays off.

• Do your homework. A quick online review of the property and neighborhood can give you a better sense of the environment you’ll be entering.
• Schedule wisely. Aim for appointments during daylight hours. If that’s not possible, ensure the home has working exterior lighting before you arrive.
• Check in. Text a colleague when you arrive and when you leave, or use a safety app designed for real estate professionals.

Transactions often involve coordinating with other professionals you may not know personally.

• Confirm details in advance. Verify the contractor or inspector’s name, company, and arrival time before heading to the property.
• Don’t linger alone. If you arrive early, wait in your locked vehicle until they show up.
• Keep it professional. Position yourself as an observer while they work, which helps keep interactions focused and brief.

Open houses can attract both serious buyers … and uninvited visitors.

• Secure personal items. Keep your purse, laptop, or other valuables locked in your car or secured out of sight.
• Use the buddy system. If possible, host with another professional or bring along a colleague from your office, or even ask a friend or family member to join you.
• Establish boundaries. Greet guests at the door, gather basic contact information, and keep traffic flowing so no one lingers unseen in a closed-off area.

Each day in real estate brings something new. Beyond specific scenarios, these habits will help protect you across the board:

• Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t hesitate to reschedule, bring someone with you, or walk away altogether. No deal is worth risking your safety.
• Stay powered up. A portable charger in your bag or car can ensure you always have a way to call for help.
• Drive separately. It may seem convenient but avoid giving rides to consumers or accepting a lift.
• Rely on your network. Normalize conversations about safety in the office. Share schedules and check in on one another. 

Safety isn’t about being fearful but about being prepared. By making protective habits a consistent part of your work, you strengthen your professionalism while ensuring peace of mind for yourself and those you serve.

This REALTOR® Safety Month, take time to review your plan, practice these strategies, and encourage your peers to do the same. Always remember that your safety is more important than the success of any transaction.