As part of the month-long campaign, NAR is hosting two free safety webinars this month.
The first, on Sept. 20, is hosted by Andy Tolbert, the founder of SaferAgent, and entitled “Safety: Do This Now.”
The second, on Sept. 27, is “Stay Safe by Building Better Business Relationships,” hosted by Manhattan Beach, California, broker/owner Tamara Suminski.
You can register for both here.
The upcoming webinars are just two examples of a number of resources and literature NAR features on its REALTOR Safety home page, which includes tips, articles and past webinars.
Thankfully, the 2017 NAR Member Safety Report, released last week, showed that only 38 percent of real estate professionals have experienced a situation that made them fear for their personal safety or the safety of their personal information. But, of those who did experience such a situation, it more commonly happened to women (44 percent) and professionals in a suburban area (40 percent).
Ninety-five percent of professionals said they haven’t been a victim of a crime, such as robbery, assault or identity theft. But more than half of agents are prepared: 52 percent of men and 57 percent of women carry a self-defense weapon.
The most popular weapons for men include: firearm (25 percent), pocket knife (11 percent) and pepper spray (5 percent).
For women: Pepper spray (27 percent), firearm (12 percent) and Taser (7 percent)
There are other ways for agents to protect themselves.
Thirty-nine percent said they have participated in a self-defense class and 20 percent said they have taken part in a REALTOR safety course – which 71 percent said made them feel more prepared. Also, the typical real estate professional meets 50 percent of unknown prospective buyers and sellers in a real estate office or a neutral location before first viewing a home.
Knowledge, awareness and empowerment are important in remaining prepared and safe during this month and every month.
All of us here at ShowingTime hope you use this information, as well as all other materials you consume during REALTOR Safety Month, to help keep yourself safe.
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