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Realtor Safety Unveiled

Protecting Real Estate Agents in the Field

New York Times article discusses dangers real estate agent face in empty homes

SEPTEMBER IS REALTOR SAFETY MONTH

Personal protection is 24/7

In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of real estate, safety has become a growing concern for professionals in the field. As unsettling incidents reported by real estate agents rise, personal safety while conducting business is more critical than ever. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to learn about the risks agents face, see tips for staying safe, and discover effective tools to protect yourself.

An Alarming Reality

Real estate agents operate in a unique environment requiring them to interact with strangers in various settings, often alone. A safety report conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in 2020 found 23% of realtors experienced a situation where they feared for their safety. 

Situations where Realtors Felt Unsafe

31%

During an Open House

31%

While Showing a Property

27%

Meeting a New Client at Secluded Location

27%

After Receiving Threatenting Communications

These statistics underscore the risks realtors face when doing their job everyday.  While some organizations offer their agents basic safety courses, they fail to meet the urgent need for comprehensive protection measures.

A dark, empty house

Understanding the Risks

Open Houses

When showcasing a property you want everything to go smoothly, but the reality is having so many strangers around can be risky. While open houses are a vital part of a realtor’s job, these public events expose agents to unknown threats. You never know who might walk through the door.

Showing Properties

Meeting clients alone in vacant homes, sometimes in remote areas, can be daunting. The lack of immediate assistance can make these situations even more hazardous. The isolation and lack of immediate help amplify the risks, making it crucial for agents to take safety precautions. How would you handle a threat to your safety at a remote property? 

Threatening Communications

Buying and selling properly can be highly stressful for all parties. Realtors may end up at the center of unwanted frustrations and threatening communications. From verbal abuse to in person harassment or even violence, real estate agents need to be ready to protect themselves.

Best Practices for Realtor Safety

Real estate agents face these risks with regular frequency. Consider the number of people and places a Realtor encounters daily. By incorporating specific guidelines into their daily routines, real estate agents can significantly reduce risk, while enhancing protections and peace of mind at work.

A man looking at his laptop

Pre-Screen Clients

Before meeting or taking on a new client, conduct thorough background checks and pre-screening. This step verifies a client’s identity, intentions, and history, providing an added layer of security.

Two women look over documents together

Share Itineraries

Always share your itinerary with a trusted colleague or family member. Include details of your meetings and property showings. This ensures someone knows your whereabouts and can check in if needed.

Two people shaking hands in front of a building

Avoid Secluded Areas

Whenever possible, avoid meeting clients in secluded or unfamiliar locations. Opt for public places or well-populated areas to minimize risks. If there’s no other option, consider bringing along another agent so you aren’t alone.

StreetSmart1-Car

Stay Alert and Aware

Always be conscious of your surroundings. Check to see who else is around in case you need help, and look for suspicious activity or people. Awareness can prevent many potential threats.

A stranger follows a woman

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut and act accordingly. Don’t take a chance on what could be a life threatening situation.

A group of professionals at a meeting

Embrace Safety and Self-Defense Training

Many agencies offer safety training covering topics like self-defense, recognizing suspicious behavior, and handling emergencies. Training empowers agents to take proactive measures and know how to react when the unexpected happens. Don’t skip these opportunities, and if your agency doesn’t offer them, seek out training on your own.

HERO 2020 and AIIRO Duo Bundle

Choose a Self-Defense Tool

Unfortunately, knowing what to look for and how to avoid troublesome clients in the first place isn’t always enough. Be ready to deal with a dangerous situation when it happens with a trusted self-defense tool like AIIRO® or HERO® 2020. Ensure you’ve trained with your device and can use it confidently and quickly.

Remember, your safety is a priority. By following these guidelines and leveraging our advanced safety solutions, you can create a safer working environment for yourself and your colleagues.

Ensuring Safety in Real Estate with HERO®

Safety in the real estate industry should be everyone’s priority. It’s not just about personal well-being; it’s about protecting the community as a whole. By implementing comprehensive safety strategies and utilizing tools like those built by HERO®, Realtors can dramatically reduce risks, feel more secure in their daily activities, and maintain a successful and fulfilling career.

HERO® PROTECTED Realtors

At HERO®, we’re dedicated to providing innovative safety solutions for real estate professionals. Our patented, award winning non-lethal products offer reliable protection anyone can use with minimal training. Compact and concealable, HERO® products fit into a pocket or purse for quick access to powerful irritant based defense. Their non-lethal effects last up to an hour, giving you time to get to safety and find help.

Limited Time Bundle!

Realtor Safety Month Bundle with HERO 2020 and AIIRO

Save big with our limited time Realtor Safety Bundle! Includes both our award winning non-lethal devices, bonus cartridges, and free shipping!

HERO® 2020

Powerful and innovative, HERO® 2020’s feature rich self-defense is a perfect fit for real estate agents. It’s easy to carry and simple to use, ensuring you have a dependable option for self-protection. Equipped with a stun light and laser sight, HERO® 2020 fires your choice of projectile.

PavaBall is filled with powdered irritant that bursts on impact to engulf and debilitate the target for up to an hour, while BluntForce packs a punch of kinetic energy that stops attackers in their tracks. Both projectiles incapacitate attackers while minimizing permanent harm.

AIIRO®

AIIRO® is even more compact and discreet. Its advanced design and effectiveness make it a must-have for any real estate professional serious about their personal safety.

The sticky PavaGel irritant fired by AIIRO® is a great fit for close-quarters defense. Unlike traditional pepper spray, PavaGel adheres to the target, ensuring maximum exposure. The heavier gel formula is also minimally impacted by wind, negating the risk of blowback.

By integrating these best practices and carrying a HERO® product, you can significantly enhance your safety. Don’t wait until it’s too late, take proactive action today to protect yourself wherever your job takes you.

Realtor Self-Defense Tools by HERO®

HERO 2020

HERO® 2020

From $179

Fire multi-format projectiles up to 20 feet away to stop attackers in their tracks. Available with stun light and laser sight.

An AIIRO non-lethal defense device sits on a nightstand.

AIIRO®

From $169

Fire powered aerosol irritant gel that sticks, disabling the target for up to an hour. Available with 120dB alarm.

HERO 2020 and AIIRO Duo Bundle

AIIRO+2020 DUO

From $348

Be ready for anything with both our award winning non-lethal defense tools. Includes AIIRO® and HERO® 2020