Realtor tips to stay safe during open houses and property showings
Real estate professionals often work alone in unpredictable environments, which can make open houses and property showings particularly risky. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides a wealth of guidance to help you stay safe and maintain control throughout each appointment.
1. Prepare ahead of time
Establish a personal safety strategy and follow best practices consistently, with every client and on every showing. Always meet new clients in neutral, public locations like your office or a coffee shop before heading to a property. Share your schedule with a colleague, assistant, or trusted person and arrange check – in calls or alerts. Verify that your cell phone has adequate battery and service before entering a showing.
2. Work with a buddy
Never host an open house alone or go to remote showings without someone knowing your location. Use the buddy system during open houses and leverage alert tools such as electronic lockboxes or safety apps that notify contacts if you feel unsafe.
3. Know your surroundings and plan your exit routes
Upon entering a property – especially during an open house – survey the layout to identify at least two safe exits, and ensure all deadbolt locks are unlocked for emergency escape. Avoid basements, attics, crawl spaces, garages, or any confined areas that could trap you
4. Maintain control during showings
Realtors should never lead prospects through a property. Instead, direct them while staying behind – offer verbal cues like “the kitchen is on your left” while allowing them to walk ahead of you. Always keep your phone and keys on you and avoid placing them on surfaces where they could be taken or cause distraction.
5. Record visitor information
At open houses, require all visitors to sign in with full name, contact details, and (if possible) vehicle information. If someone signs in with only a name and no contact info, consider recording their license plate number.
6. Inform neighbors and check the property after
Notify a nearby neighbor when hosting an open house and ask them to report unusual activity. At the end of an open house or showing, don’t assume everyone has left – thoroughly check each room and outdoor areas like backyards before locking up.
7. Trust your instincts
Listen to your gut: if something feels off, pause or cancel the showing. Safety always takes precedence over a sale. Use distress codes or preset safety signals if you need help discreetly.
8. Advise sellers on safety as well
Encourage sellers to hide or remove valuables, prescription medications, mail or documents with personal information, electronics, or jewelry prior to the showing. Instruct them to change or withhold door or garage codes – or use lockboxes instead – and verify everything is secured when leaving.
By embedding these safety practices into your routine, you reduce risks and ensure every listing appointment is safer and more controlled. Check out the full NAR safety booklet to learn all the tips and stay safe!
Source: NAR.realtor/safety
