All agents have to complete real estate continuing education, but the best don't stop there. Our industry is ever-changing, and the most successful agents are the ones who never stop learning.
That’s why we’ve put together this collection of deep-dive resources just for you. These resources go beyond what's covered in our Protecting Yourself: Personal Safety for Agents CE course, giving you deeper insights, fresh perspectives, and actionable strategies to apply in your day-to-day business. So dive into these expert-approved reads and keep pushing your business forward.
1️⃣ 15 Real Estate Agent Safety Tips
This lively article delivers practical personal safety advice every agent should know. From simple precautions like pre-screening new clients to never advertising a listing as “vacant” (a magnet for intruders), these tips are presented in an engaging, real-world way.
It’s an easy read packed with actionable strategies – you’ll likely find yourself nodding along and thinking, “I should totally do that!” Don’t miss these potentially life-saving pointers that will make you feel more secure at showings and open houses.
Julia Del Rosario, Melanie Patterson
2️⃣ Real Protection: Personal Safety
Authored by a state REALTOR® association, this guide takes you through smart safety procedures step by step. It emphasizes planning ahead: for example, always verify a new client’s identity and meet in your office first.
You’ll learn how to conduct property showings more safely (daylight visits, positioning yourself by exits, etc.) and even pick up tech tips like using apps for criminal background checks. The friendly tone feels like advice from a colleague who genuinely cares about your well-being – encouraging you to put safety first so you can do your job with confidence.
3️⃣ Cybersecurity Checklist: Best Practices
Your personal safety isn’t just physical – it’s digital too! This free checklist from NAR walks you through protecting your devices, data, and client information. It covers everything from email and password hygiene (“Never click on unknown attachments or links,” and always use strong, unique passwords) to using two-factor authentication and secure Wi-Fi.
Given that cybersecurity is a top concern for agents in the coming years, this resource is a must-read. It’s written in plain English and acts as a handy to-do list to boost your digital defenses and prevent wire fraud, hacking, or data leaks that could jeopardize your business.
Tracey Hawkins
4️⃣ Facts & Statistics for the Real Estate Industry
Sometimes the best wake-up call is seeing the numbers. This eye-opening piece compiles safety statistics specific to real estate. Spoiler: it’s sobering. (Did you know that since 2010 there have been 83 murders and 940 assaults against U.S. real estate professionals?)😱
It also highlights trends like when attacks are most likely to occur and who is most often targeted. Beyond stats, it provides quick-hit tips to avert danger. Reading this will underscore why all those safety protocols matter. It’s a credible, no-nonsense reminder that “it could happen to me” and motivates you to take precautions seriously.
Adam Wright
5️⃣ A Real Estate Agent’s Guide to Self-Defense
Written by self-defense instructors, this guide empowers you with strategies to protect yourself if worst comes to worst. It stresses trusting your instincts (“listen to that gut feeling!”) and offers creative ideas for staying safe during showings. Importantly, it notes that almost half of REALTORS® carry a self-defense weapon such as pepper spray or a firearm – and then teaches that owning a weapon isn’t enough; you need to know how to use it effectively.
The tone is encouraging and motivational. After reading, you’ll feel inspired to perhaps take a self-defense class, practice with your safety tools, and overall be more prepared to physically defend yourself if needed.
Valley Self-Defense.jpeg)
6️⃣ 5 Ways to Create a Culture of Safety
Safety isn’t just an individual effort – it’s a team one. In this guest column on a REALTOR® association site, safety expert Tracey “The Safety Lady” Hawkins outlines how brokers and agents can work together to make safety a core value in the workplace. She shares proactive steps for leadership to take, like conducting regular safety training and forming office safety committees.
One standout point: real estate is classified as a “high-risk occupation,” but a strong safety culture can lower liability and even boost morale and retention. The tone is optimistic and galvanizing – you’ll be excited to “lead with safety” and implement these ideas in your office, knowing it’s good for people and business alike.
Amber Vandegrift
7️⃣ How Real Estate Agents Can Mediate Conflict
Ever had a client meeting start to go off the rails? This resource has your back. Presented by a title company in honor of REALTOR® Safety Month, it teaches you professional tactics to defuse tense situations with upset clients. The article breaks down a simple 5-step conversation flow for conflict resolution– from calmly restating the issue, to asking for input, to agreeing on next steps.
It’s essentially a mini playbook for de-escalation that keeps you safe and preserves your client relationships. The tone is reassuring and practical; by the end, you’ll feel more equipped to handle angry outbursts or uncomfortable confrontations with poise and control.
STEWART CONTENT TEAM
8️⃣ Don’t Be a Target for Harassment or Stalking
Unfortunately, agents can attract the wrong kind of attention. This official NAR article shows you how to stay safe from harassers and stalkers. It defines what constitutes harassment and stalking, then delivers commonsense precautions. For example, keep your marketing professional (no “glamour shots” that could invite unwanted contact) and limit how much personal info you share publicly.
The guide strongly advises that if you ever feel harassed or threatened, report it to your broker and the police immediately. The tone is supportive and empowering, making it clear that no one should have to tolerate harassment. By following these tips (like using just your first initial on “For Sale” signs and documenting any incidents), you can project a professional image and reduce vulnerability to creepy behavior.
9️⃣ Real Estate Agent Safety
Get safety tips straight from law enforcement! This police department resource gives practical advice born from crime-prevention experts. Some suggestions might surprise you: for instance, when showing a house, always leave the front door wide open and position yourself near an exit – never let a prospect box you into a room.
And if you’re an agent who loves stylish shoes, you might reconsider on showings: “Women real estate agents should avoid high heels” in favor of running shoes, the police note, so you can move quickly if needed.
The list covers everything from client screening to what to do if you sense danger on-site. It’s like having a personal safety briefing from a police officer – an authoritative reminder to stay alert, trust your instincts, and use smart tactics to stay safe out there.
🔟 Safety Resources: Beverly Carter Foundation
The Beverly Carter Foundation, created in memory of a REALTOR® who was tragically killed on the job, offers a treasure trove of free safety materials. Their website’s resource section features downloadable checklists and guides on specific safety topics.
Need an Open House Safety Checklist? A template for a Personal Safety Plan? Tips for screening new clients? It’s all here, compiled by a non-profit dedicated to protecting agents. The tone is positive and proactive – the foundation’s mission is to ensure “what happened to Beverly never happens again.”
By exploring these tools, you’ll not only honor her legacy but also pick up excellent safety practices to incorporate into your daily routine. It’s an inspiring reminder that we’re never alone in prioritizing safety – the whole industry is in this together.
