Home Showing Agent Safety Tips

As real estate agents, you’re likely to be showing homes to potential buyers on a regular basis. While this can be a great opportunity to close a deal and earn a commission, it is essential to ensure that both you and your clients are safe during the entire process. There are a few precautions you can take to minimize the risk of harm when showing a home, regardless of whether it’s a client’s dream home or not.

Table Of Contents

Make sure someone is aware of your showing schedule
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
Don't let your guard down at any moment
Trust Your Instincts

Showing agent sending a safety text prior to a showing

Make sure someone is aware of your showing schedule

Before starting a tour of a house, leave a copy of the listing and date/time of the appointment with a trusted friend or family member. You can program an automatic text message that shares your schedule on your phone. This ensures someone will be aware of your whereabouts and will know to follow up if something goes wrong.

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings

When walking through a house, be vigilant and alert to your environment. Keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary or signs of danger, like broken locks or doors, suspicious items, or unfamiliar people in the area. If possible, do a quick walk-through of the premises before the clients arrive.

Additionally, ensure that you’re never alone with a client in a room where someone could forcefully close the door or corner you. Avoid being stuck in basements, attics, or closets where you can quickly become trapped. If possible, let the clients walk ahead of you, but don’t allow them to outrun you. Stay within a comfortable distance to ensure that you won’t be caught off-guard in a vulnerable position.

Don’t let your guard down at any moment

When it comes to your safety, it’s essential not to let your guard down for even a moment. Be confident and clear in your communication with clients and colleagues. Don’t hesitate to leave a showing if you feel uneasy, and document any inappropriate or concerning behavior.

Trust Your Instincts

Lastly, and most importantly, trust your instincts. If something seems off or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to leave. Your safety should always come first, and if anything raises red flags, trust your gut instinct and end the showing early.

Real estate agents may face numerous risks while performing their jobs, and home showings are no exception. By taking necessary steps, such as checking in with the office, being aware of surroundings, avoiding trapped situations, having a safety plan, and trusting their instincts, they can minimize any hazards they may face. In this way, they can focus on doing their job while ensuring that they remain safe and sound. For more tips, check out NAR’s Safety Program.