September is REALTOR® Safety Month, making it a good time to turn awareness into action.

In a previous article, we talked about the purpose behind REALTOR® Safety Month and why being intentional about safety matters. But knowing that safety is important is only the first step. The next question is: What can REALTORS® actually do to build safer habits into their everyday routines?

Here are some practical tips you can put into practice this month, and all year long! 

Whenever possible, take time to learn a bit about a new client before meeting them alone. A phone conversation, a virtual meeting, or a face-to-face meeting at the office or a coffee shop can help you build rapport and gather basic information before scheduling a private, in-person showing.

As part of its REALTOR® Safety Program, The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) also says to never drive clients in your car, suggesting instead to “have them meet you at the property.” This protects both parties from potential safety risks. 

Showing properties often means traveling from place to place throughout the day, sometimes with little notice. Before heading to an unfamiliar property, get in the habit of letting someone know where you’ll be and approximately how long you’ll be there. This could be a colleague, family member, friend, or someone in your office. Many REALTORS® also use location-sharing features or safety apps that allow trusted contacts to know where they are.

At a property showing, safety awareness starts before you even get out of your car. NAR recommends taking a moment when you arrive to check for potential dangers. Ask yourself questions like:

“Is there any questionable activity in the area?”
“Are you parked in a well-lit, visible location?”
“Can you be blocked in the driveway by another vehicle?”

A quick scan of your surroundings can help you spot potential concerns before you head inside.

Once you walk through the door, pay attention to the layout of the home and where the exits are located. As you move through the property, avoid putting yourself in situations where you could become trapped or blocked into a room. When possible, NAR says not to lead clients, but instead “direct them from a position at least 3-4 arm lengths behind.” 

When assessing the property it’s also important to be aware of physical hazards that could create a safety issue for you or your clients, such as loose floorboards, uneven walkways, poor lighting, exposed wires, or other unsafe conditions. 

Open houses can bring a variety of different visitors, including people you have never met before. Taking a few minutes to think through your safety plan before the event begins can make a difference.

Know where the exits are located and keep your personal belongings secure. Consider whether another agent or team member can join you, particularly if you are hosting an open house in a remote location or at a time when fewer people are likely to be nearby.

Also, pay attention to who enters and leaves the property, and NAR says not to assume that “everyone has left the premises at the end of an open house,” suggesting that you have “a colleague or buddy help you check all the rooms.”  

Make it a habit to start your day with a charged phone and keep it accessible while you're working. Consider carrying a portable charger, especially on busy days when you're showing multiple properties or spending long hours away from your office or car.

You may also want to familiarize yourself with your phone's emergency features and be sure to save important contacts (your office, roadside assistance, trusted mechanic, etc.) so they're easy to reach when you need help quickly. 

REALTOR® safety isn't limited to in-person interactions. Today's professionals also need to be aware of digital risks. 

Be cautious about unexpected links and unusual requests, and verify information when something doesn't seem right, especially when a request involves money, wire transfers, passwords, or sensitive information.

It's also worth thinking about how much personal information you share publicly. Social media and online business profiles are valuable marketing tools, but they can also reveal details about your schedule, location, family, or daily routines.

REALTORS® are trained to be welcoming, accommodating, and helpful—but being professional doesn't mean ignoring your instincts. If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, give yourself permission to step away. You may need to reschedule an appointment, ask a colleague to join you, meet somewhere else, or end the interaction. Remember, you don't need to justify a decision to prioritize your safety.

At the same time, keep in mind that most client interactions and property showings will be completely normal and uneventful. REALTOR® Safety Month isn't meant to create fear or suspicion; it's simply a reminder to be prepared. With a few good habits in place, safety can become a natural part of the way you do business.