Safety First
Protecting Your Clients is Your Responsibility
MLS and Open House Safety
Beautiful Secluded Home
Remove expensive items. Your client will understand when you explain that you’re trying to protect their safety.
Hmm, lovely TV. Good thing it’s not wall mounted
I better bring a truck.
Encourage your clients to invest in a plastic bin to take small, valuable items out of the home during showings or open houses.
My girlfriend is gonna be so happy!
Remind
Remove any medications or valuable items from night stand drawers.
And they left me a getaway car?
I’ll be back later!
Cyber Safety
Being cautious about how and when you use “reply all” or forward emails is something to always keep in mind.
•Is there something in the email content that should NOT be shared with everyone?
•Are there email addresses that should not be shared (i.e., are you replying all and including your client but sending that email to the other agent, thus revealing YOUR client’s email?)
•And keep in mind what is in the thread of all the “reply all” emails, which might include five or more emails. Is there something that should not be shared with certain people?
•And what about those email addresses that get added and you don’t know WHO the people are — they might be assistants of the escrow officers, etc., but it’s best to know WHO is receiving all this information.
Always secure your smartphone with a password
One of the most basic security tips, but one which is sometimes completely overlooked! Having no access protection at all is just foolish. Swipe patterns are ok, but greasy finger-trails could reveal too much. A four-digit PIN is an improvement but using a strong passcode is the ideal phone protection.
Ensure that your device locks itself automatically
If you set up password-protection on your phone but then leave it unlocked on your desk for 15 minutes, you won't have achieved very much. Most smartphones allow you to set them up to automatically lock themselves after a period of inactivity.
Make sure you choose the shortest timeout you are comfortable with. Two to five minutes is better than ten to thirty, even if it does feel slightly inconvenient
Always secure your computer with a password
Your unprotected office computer can be accessed by anyone when you aren’t around!
Log Off Public Computers
Always make sure to log out of your email and MLS when you’re done using public computers.
Stop Saving Passwords on Public Computers!
Never click “remember me” on public computers.
Delete Downloaded Files!
Delete files you’ve downloaded to public computers when you’re done!
The 10 Commandments of REALTOR Safety are:
Top 10 REALTOR® Safety Tips
1. Show properties during daylight whenever possible and let someone know your schedule.
2. Meet new clients at your office first and verify their identity before showings.
3. Limit personal information in marketing materials and online.
4. Always let someone know where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you’ll return.
5. Have a buddy system for open houses and double-check the property before locking up.
6. Keep clients safe advise them not to show their home alone or share personal info.
7. Park for safety avoid being blocked in and choose well-lit, visible spots.
8. Trust your instincts—have an excuse ready to leave uncomfortable situations.
9. Plan escape routes when entering homes and keep doors unlocked for quick exits.
10. Keep communication open carry a charged phone and regularly check in after appointments.