September is Realtor Safety Month, and it’s a critical time to highlight the dangers our industry faces. Too often, Realtors put themselves at risk by neglecting basic safety protocols.
The problem starts with the way many Realtors run their business. They treat their business like a hobby rather than a profession. They’re too eager to please potential clients, often agreeing to meet at inconvenient times or in unsafe locations. This puts them at risk and can lead to dangerous situations all because they prioritize making money over their own safety.
Let me break it down:
- Theres The One Sided Phone Call: Most Realtors lack the ability to say no or to be assertive. Most potential buyers call Realtors and demand to be shown properties immediately. Because Realtors lack the ability to take control over the conversation by asking the caller for their full name and phone number before answering any questions the caller may have for fear the caller will hang up, they allow the caller to be in control.
- The Unverified Internet Leads: Many Realtors receive leads through online listings without verifying the caller’s identity or intentions.
- The Unsafe Meetings: Realtors often agree to meet clients at vacant homes, doorsteps, wooded areas, or parking lots without proper precautions.
- The Lack of Safety Protocols & Professionalism: Many Realtors neglect basic safety protocols, such as scheduling appointments in advance at the office and conducting background checks.
The Solutions:
It’s time for a change. Realtors need to prioritize their safety and implement stricter protocols. Here are some steps we can take:
- Require Appointments: Across the board, all Realtors should require potential buyers to schedule appointments before showing homes. This helps ensure the safety and maintains professionalism for both the Realtor and the buyer.
- Verify Identities: Realtors should always verify the identity of all potential buyers before agreeing to meet. I.E. ask for a copy of drivers licenses or state issued photo i.d. f
- Meet at the office: Realtors should always avoid meeting potential buyers in isolated or unfamiliar locations
- Consumer Respect: Consumers should also understand basic safety protocols. If you wouldn’t meet strangers in unsafe locations or allow your children or loved ones to, you shouldn’t expect Realtors to either.
By implementing these simple measures, we can create a safer working environment for all Realtors. It’s time Realtors take a stand and demand respect, better safety practices & professionalism for themselves and for the entire real estate industry.
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Contact Renee Porsia, The Rescue Dog Realtor®
- Email: reneeporsia@mac.com
- Phone: 215.669.0589
- Website: reneeporsia.com
- Licensed in PA & CA
- Broker/Realtor® with 24+ Years of Experience
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)
Let’s turn your homeownership dreams into reality, all while helping rescue dogs find fur-ever homes!
*** Some of the areas I can help you in are: Mission Viejo, Irvine, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery Counties, just to name a few.
If you are a Realtor or know someone who is, you should definitely share this with them. 
Realty One Group West, Realty One Group Focus
