September is REALTOR® Safety Month, which serves as the perfect reminder to prioritize the security and well-being of real estate professionals across the country. From meeting new clients and hosting showings to working in vacant properties and navigating the risks that come with modern technology, agents regularly encounter situations that can affect their personal safety. 

One of those scenarios is an open house, which can be a highly effective way to showcase listings to a broad pool of potential buyers,but also presents some unique safety concerns. To help you feel confident and prepared, here are some practical tips to keep in mind during your next open house.

As the saying goes, there’s safety in numbers. If possible, have at least one other person with you at the open house such as another agent, assistant, or trusted friend. This allows you to focus on engaging with guests while someone else keeps an eye on the overall activity throughout the home.

Share your plans with a family member, colleague, or administrative professional in your office, including the property address and the times you’ll be there. Let them know you’ll be checking in at specific intervals, and if they don’t hear from you, they should check on you. For added safety, consider enabling location sharing so someone can monitor your status during the event. 

If you don’t have someone who can be with you the entire time, inform a neighbor that you will be showing the house and ask them to watch for anything out of the ordinary.

Getting to your open house early gives you time to walk the property, check that all entry points are secure, and familiarize yourself with the layout. Take note of all exits so you know your options in case you need to leave quickly. This extra time allows you to turn on lights, open blinds, and create a safe, welcoming environment. 

Make a note to check for backyard exits. There are often high fences surrounding yards, and there can be other obstacles like swimming pools or hot tubs. Be sure to have a clear exit path. 

Before your open house begins, check that your phone is fully charged and that you have a strong, reliable signal inside the property. It's also smart to have emergency contacts saved for quick access in case you need help fast.

Never leave personal items unattended, and always keep your keys and phone on your person. If you bring a handbag or laptop, lock them in your trunk before the event begins. 

It's important to have the homeowners store or remove any valuables, including jewelry, electronics, and prescription medications, to prevent theft and protect their privacy.

Whether it’s through a physical sheet or a digital form, request that every visitor sign in. This helps you keep track of who’s on the property at any given time and adds an extra layer of security. 

You can discourage criminals from targeting your open house by publicizing that identification will be required upon entry and video surveillance will be in use.

Position yourself so that you have a clear path to the exit, make sure you are never trapped in a small or enclosed room, such asa closet or bathroom, and avoid going into attics and basements with attendees. 

When showing the house, always walk behind the prospective buyer, directing them with clear instructions, such as, “You’ll find the guest bathroom ahead to your right.” This allows you to always maintain awareness and control.

Once the open house ends, don’t assume that everyone has left. Walk through the property before locking the doors to ensure the home is empty. Once you’re sure everyone is out, check that all windows and doors are locked and secure. 

If something feels off, it probably is. Stay alert, remain aware of your surroundings, and don’t hesitate to cut the event short or contact the authorities if needed. 

By incorporating these practices into your open house routine, you can confidently market your listings while keeping your well-being front and center.