The summer market is here, and personal safety should remain a top priority.

Warmer weather often brings increased client activity and more property showings, increasing the likelihood of meeting unfamiliar clients and travelling to communities you may not visit regularly.

Having a safety strategy in place can help protect your well-being and create a safer working environment. 

Here are some safety tips to consider incorporating into your business practices:

1. Pre-screen clients

Before meeting with a new client, verify their identity and collect their contact information. Reviewing publicly available online information can help you learn more about the prospective clients and verify basic details.

For initial meetings, choose a public location, such as your office or a coffee shop. Meeting in a public setting provides an added layer of security and support should issues arise.

2. Inform others of your whereabouts

Always share your whereabouts and schedule with someone you trust, whether it's a colleague, friend or family member. It’s important someone knows your plan. 

Consider sharing your live location, providing appointment updates and establishing regular check-in times with your support system. When possible, bring a colleague with you. Having another person present can enhance safety and provide support in an emergency.

3. Have a safety plan and stay visible

When hosting an open house or conducting a showing, familiarize yourself with all exits and ensure they remain accessible.

Position yourself so you can maintain awareness of your surroundings and keep a clear line of sight to exits. Remaining visible can help deter potential risks while creating a welcoming environment for visitors.

4. Secure valuables

Luxury items such as watches, jewelry and designer bags can attract unwanted attention and increase personal safety risks. Consider leaving valuables at home or keeping them out of sight.

You can also encourage clients to secure valuable items before a showing or open house. Reminding clients to remove or lock away valuables can help reduce the risk of theft.

5. Trust your gut and report suspicious activity

If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. When something feels off, take time to gather more information by asking questions or conducting additional research about the client or situation before proceeding.

If an interaction raises safety concerns or suggests someone may be in distressed, document the details and report the situation to the appropriate authority, such as police.

While reporting may feel like an extreme step, your experience could be part of a larger pattern. Sharing information may help authorities build a complete picture of the situation and ensure appropriate support and protective measures are in place.

REALTOR^® safety resources

my-eforce REALTOR^® Safety App

 The my-eforce REALTOR^® safety app is available to all CREB^® members at no cost. The app allows members to quickly connect with emergency support services by phone or smartwatch when they find themselves in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation.

Learn more about safety with my-eforce and watch the Powering REALTOR^® Protection webinar.

Kinetic Global

Provided through AREA, Kinetic Global is a personal safety app that helps monitor your well-being and connect you with assistance when needed. Access is included with AREA membership.

CREA REALTOR^® Safety Resources

CREA's Learning Hub offers a variety of safety resources and educational materials on its REALTOR^® Safety page.