With September designated as REALTOR® Safety Month, Mbition is offering 30 tips — one for each day of the month — to keep real estate agents safe during property showings.

Safety should be top of mind with every real estate agent all year long.  It’s a profession that places agents in situations holding inherent risks, such as walking into strangers’ homes, showing vacant properties and allowing strangers into personal vehicles.

The following tips can help keep real estate agents safe and avoid risky situations:

Tip 1:

Meet first-time clients in the office rather than in the field. This sets a professional tone on which to base the relationship, and also provides an opportunity for you to make a copy of your client’s driver’s license.

Tip 2:

Don’t skip the identity verification step for any client.

Tip 3:

If meeting in the office proves impossible, take a picture of your client’s driver’s license and car license tag and send it in by email or text from your cell phone to your broker or office manager.

Tip 4:

Take care not to wear expensive jewelry in advertising or promotional photos.

Tip 5:

Limit the personal information you share. You can get to know your client and still build a quality business relationship without providing too much information about yourself, your family or where you live.

Tip 6:

Do not share your home address or phone number on any advertisement. A business phone and address are sufficient.

Tip 7:

Introduce your prospect to someone at the office when you meet them for the first time.

Tip 8:

Always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Leave the client’s name and phone number, plus any additional information you have collected about the person you are meeting.

Tip 9:

Keep control of keys to the property always. Never leave them under the door mat or other unsecured location.

Tip 10.

Implement an employee check-out board on the brokerage website or at the office so agents can list their name, destination, customer name, the date, and expected return time.

Tip 11:

Never list properties as vacant.

Tip 12:

Do not park in the driveway. Park at the curb in front of the property to make it easy to leave if necessary.

Tip 13:

Show properties before dark. Do not lower shades or draw curtains or blinds.

Tip 14

Establish a distress code with a friend or someone in the office. A secret word or phrase that is not commonly used but can be worked into any conversation for cases where you may feel threatened. Example: “Hi, this is Jane. I am at [address]. Could you send me the red file?”

Tip 15:

Do not bring any type of purse or briefcase into a property. Lock it in the car trunk before you arrive.

Tip 16:

Always keep your cell phone and your car keys with you.

Tip 17:

Make sure you cell phone is fully charged before leaving your home or the office.

Tip 18:

Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches to the office or showings.

Tip 19:

Have a panic button and/or security app on your phone. The National Association of REALTORS® offers a full list of products, programs and apps online.

Tip 20:

Don’t multi-task. Always be aware of your clients’ movements. Doing paperwork, sending texts or checking emails takes your focus from the task at hand and your safety.

Tip 21:

Always walk behind the prospect while showing a property. Direct them, don’t lead them. For example, say, “The kitchen is on your left.”

Tip 22:

Avoid attics and basements and small rooms. If clients want to view those areas, you don’t need to go with them.

Tip 23:

Take your own vehicle to appointments. This ensures you have the power to leave if you deem it necessary.

Tip 24:

Look in the backseat and underneath the car before getting into your car alone. Lock the doors immediately when you get inside.

Tip 25:

Dress for the weather. If your car breaks down, or you need to escape a dangerous situation on foot, you will need to be dressed appropriately.

Tip 26:

Take a self-defense class. A good course will teach you proper maneuvers to physically fend off an attack, and it will cover critical-thinking skills, defense strategies, assertiveness and powerful communication tactics.

Tip 27:

Plan an escape route for each property you are showing before prospects arrive. Make yourself familiar with the layout, security system and exits in every property you show. Before a showing, arrive early and unlock multiple exits.

Tip 28:

Be prepared to defend yourself. Carry something that is legal in your state, designed for self-defense and learn how to use it.

Tip 29:

Do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Tip 30:

Trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable about a situation, figure out an alternative or ask someone to go with you.

What other tips do you have for staying safe?