Safety and Education: How Best to Stay Safe as a REALTOR

One year ago, Education Coordinator Amelia Addor contacted the local State Troop Sector G for ideas on how best to keep Real Estate Professionals safe and secure within their businesses, in houses or commercial buildings, within their personal lives, and even when traveling to and from showings. Safety concerns were on the rise, and with the COVID-19 pandemic came a “pause” on many courses, including those focusing on security. A few days later, Troop G School and Community Outreach Coordinator (SCOC) Steven Rothwein Sr. answered the call and one meeting later, a new idea was born. Together, they created the two-hour long course ‘Safety and Security for REALTORS”. Such a decision has created waves amongst the Real Estate community that has not only influenced the Greater Capital Region but New York state. Utilizing the knowledge of Trooper G’s valued and honorable SCOC, more courses, presentations, and informational sessions have come to fruition for the real estate community. This means members are safer, more informed, and capable of secure business transactions like never before. Below are tips to keep all Real Estate Professionals safe, whether in an office environment, out to a showing, at an open house, or at the grocery store!

1. GET TO KNOW THE CLIENT
   1. Meet someone in the office or on Zoom before taking them on as a client. If they’re working with another Brokerage, get the name of their agent contact and verify information with the agent.
   2. When meeting potential clients outside of the office, bring a colleague and meet in public first. Ask for a photo ID to verify their identity.
   3. Listen to your gut! If you don’t like something about the person or feel unsafe, have a prepared code word to let a designated contact know you don’t feel safe in person or via phone.
2. TRAVEL SAFETY
   1. Let someone know when you are leaving for a showing or a meeting, where you are going, when to expect you back, and who you’re going to meet. Don’t show up too early in the morning or too late in the evening.
   2. Don’t get parked in or cornered by someone else’s vehicle- park at the end of the driveway so you have a way out.
   3. Be aware of your surroundings at all times – for example, where the exits are if anyone has been acting suspiciously or following you if doors or windows were left open.
3. OFFICE SAFETY SOPS
   1. For offices, have a Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) for all emergencies – fire, natural disaster, intruder, etc.
   2. Make sure your alarm systems are in operation, and that your local police and fire department can have easy access to your office.
   3. Check all security cameras for potential blind spots or irregularities.
4. PERSONAL INFORMATION
   1. Do not give personal information out in ads, including cell phones or personal addresses.
   2. Don’t overshare information with potential clients. When advertising oneself, do not make yourself too open. Always keep a professional boundary between yourself and the public.
5. CYBERSECURITY
   1. Keep track of your laptop computer, password lock your desktop computer, and keep your phone on your person at all times.
   2. Be aware of computer viruses and malware by clearing caches often, not saving credit card information on your computer, and not clicking any links sent by unknown emails or phone numbers.
   3. Keep a shield over your computer camera. Report any strange activity immediately to your IT at your office. Do not save credit cards, passwords, etc. on your computer or phone,
   4. Don’t answer phone calls you don’t know- let them go to voicemail before returning them.

Resources are available from NAR’s REALTOR® Safety Program

REALTORS® face job-related risks every day. Being aware of potential dangers and taking precautions will help you avoid risky situations.  In an ongoing effort to keep safety top-of-mind for our members, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® dedicate September as REALTOR® Safety Month. The goal: Reduce the number of safety incidents that happen in the industry, so each of our members makes it home safely every night.

To accomplish this goal together with you, we must improve the Safety Culture in the industry by raising awareness, following safety protocols, and encouraging all REALTORS® to stay vigilant on the job. To get started, here are the Top 5 Safety Action Items for REALTORS®:

1. Plan Your Safety Strategy
2. Tips and Best Practices
3. Training Videos
4. Personal Protection Resources
5. Take the REALTOR® Safety Pledge