REALTOR SAFETY:
YOUR LIFE MATTERS 

At The Cliff Freeman Group, we believe no deal is worth your life. Realtor safety isn’t just important—it’s essential. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this safety hub offers clear protocols, red flags to watch for, and practical tools to help you stay aware, alert, and alive. 

As a real estate professional, you're often meeting strangers—usually alone and often in vacant properties. Your online presence, from your website to social media, can unintentionally give criminals insights into your schedule, appearance, and lifestyle. This is commonly referred to as “crime by appointment.”

You arrive with valuable items—your phone, laptop or tablet, credit cards, and car—which can make you an appealing target to someone looking for a quick score.

The question is: Do you appear to be a hard target or a soft one in the eyes of someone with bad intentions?
Understanding how to project confidence and recognize red flags can help you avoid becoming a victim—before danger ever presents itself. 

Let’s be real—Realtors get targeted not just because they meet strangers in empty houses, but because of how they’re perceived. Unfortunately, your appearance can unintentionally signal that you’re wealthy, alone, or an easy mark. Here’s how to stay professional without drawing the wrong kind of attention:

📌 The Realtor "Look" Can Be a Risk:

• Nice cars, expensive bags, high-end jewelry, luxury watches—these can make you stand out for the wrong reasons.

• Predators often choose their victims based on perceived vulnerability or affluence.

• Overly revealing clothing or provocative styles—though never an excuse—can still increase the risk of targeting, especially if you’re alone in private or rural properties.
  
  

🚨 Best Practices to Lower Your Profile:

• Dress Professionally—But Smartly - Avoid flashy accessories. Go for a clean, polished look without designer labels front and center.

• Leave the High Heels at Home -  Wear shoes you can run in, especially when showing properties alone or in unfamiliar areas. 

• Drive with Intent -  Don’t flash your key fob or leave personal items visible in your car. If you're driving a luxury vehicle, try to park in public, well-lit areas and avoid being boxed in.

• Keep Your Social Media Tight -  Be careful about posting real-time locations, solo showings, or luxury purchases. Predators do research online.

• Confidence is Key -  Walk with purpose, maintain eye contact, and avoid looking distracted by your phone. Appearing alert and in control is often enough to deter someone with bad intentions.

• Information Boundaries: PROTECT YOUR KIDS!!!!!!!!!!  Maintain a friendly but professional demeanor while carefully guarding personal details about your home location, family, and schedule. Even seemingly innocent conversations can reveal vulnerabilities that could be exploited later.
  
  

📌 Remember:  

The goal isn’t to dim your shine—it’s to stay aware and in control. You can be confident, classy, and safe all at once.

Your safety prep doesn’t begin at the front door—it starts well before you ever get in the car. 

DON'T LET ANYONE RUSH YOU TO SKIP THIS PROCESS. Be particularly wary of urgent showing requests, especially from unknown clients or sign calls requesting immediate viewings. These situations may be deliberately designed to pressure you into bypassing normal safety protocols.

📌 Know Where You're Going:

• Research the property and neighborhood ahead of time. Use tools like Google Maps, county appraisal websites, and neighborhood crime maps.

• Do a virtual drive-by with Google Street View to check out the layout, street parking, or potential red flags.

• Know if there are dead zones with poor cell service or isolated lots without nearby neighbors.

• If you're showing a rural property or land, consider bringing someone with you and drop a pin on your GPS before you arrive.

• Vehicle Considerations: Consider vehicle selection based on the area—a fancy vehicle in a disadvantaged neighborhood may attract unwanted attention.
  
  

📌 Tell Someone Where You’re Going:

• Share Your Itinerary: Create a detailed itinerary of your showing route and share it, along with client information, with your designated safety partner—whether a spouse, friend, or colleague.

• Always share your location with a team member, spouse, or assistant using Find My iPhone, Life360, or a similar app.  (see below)

• Use a shared Google calendar or checklist system so someone knows your appointments and timelines.

• Consider using a code word if you need help without tipping off the person you’re with.
  
  

📌 Pre-Screen BEFORE Your Appointment:

• Use tools like Forewarn, Spokeo, or Google searches to run a quick background check. (see tools below) It's okay to stalk them! Your life is on the line here.

  1. Forewarn Sign-Up: MetroTex

  2. Tether Sign-Up: CCAR

• Ask qualifying questions: “Are you pre-approved?” “Are you currently working with an agent?” These help determine real intent or someone creepy trying to get you to meet them.  Confirm lender pre-approval or proof of funds. 

• Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is. 

• Couples? Don't assume that clients presenting themselves as couples are necessarily safer. There have been documented cases of couples working together to target real estate professionals, using the appearance of normalcy to lower your guard.

• Have all leads entered into your CRM and set Appointments in the CRM that are shared with your team
  
  

🥷 Learn Basic Self-Defense Techniques

Realtor safety starts well before you ever step into a property—and that includes preparing yourself physically and mentally for unexpected situations. Learning a few basic self-defense techniques can give you the confidence to move through your day more alert, aware, and in control. These aren't complicated martial arts moves; they’re simple, effective tactics anyone can use to deter an attacker or escape danger.

We've curated a video series designed specifically for real estate agents, covering essential safety skills like how to use pepper spray, strike vital areas, create distance, and stay situationally aware. These videos will introduce practical strategies you can apply immediately, helping you plan your safety in advance and protect yourself in an emergency. Even five minutes of preparation can make all the difference!

☕ Meet in Public First

• Suggest a coffee shop or your local Regus office before showing homes

• Never meet someone for the first time at a vacant or remote location

• Ask for a photo ID before being alone with them and text it to your safety partner. Tell your potential client that it's brokerage policy.
  
  

📍Tell Someone Where You’re Going

• Share your appointment times, addresses, and expected return with a teammate or loved one

• Use location-sharing apps like Life360 or Find My iPhone (see below)

• Regular check-ins: Maintain communication with your designated safety partner during showings.
  
  

🔍 Advanced Safety Practices 

• Use the Buddy System. If possible, show homes in pairs or bring a trusted partner, even your teenager sitting in the car will notice if you've been gone too long.

• Be on the phone with a safety buddy and create a custom distress phrase like “Please email me the RED FILE.”   This can alert someone discreetly that you’re in danger without raising suspicion
  
  

🚗 Strategic Vehicle Positioning & Mobility 

• Daytime Showings: Schedule showings during daylight hours whenever possible, as visibility dramatically improves safety.

• Drive separately from clients and communicate that you have other appointments so you can leave if needed​ 

• Park in the street, not the driveway, to prevent being blocked in. If that's not possible, back in for a quick exit.

• Keep your purse in the trunk, not visible or on your person, to stay hands-free and reduce being targeted​
  
  

💡Home Entry & Interior Navigation Tips 

• Knock loudly or ring the doorbell before entering to alert squatters or intruders before walking in​ 

• Control the Space 

  1. • Let clients go into rooms first—you never want to have your back to a stranger or be cornered. 

     • Avoid going into closet, attics, or tight spaces alone.

• Lock the Door Behind You: When you are showing to verified clients and you're safe, once you and your client are inside the house, lock the door behind you so that someone from the street doesn't walk into the house either honestly looking for a tour or looking to be a bad actor.
  
  

🔦Carry Safety Tools

• Pepper spray, alarms, and tactical flashlights are all helpful—but only if you know how to use them.

• Consider self-defense or de-escalation training.

• SEE TOOLS BELOW
  
  

🧠 4. Situational Awareness & Red Flag Scenarios

• Be cautious of clients posing as couples—there are documented attacks where both parties were involved​

• Watch out for last-minute showing requests, especially from sign calls or unverified sources—these are often used to catch agents off guard.

• Don’t assume politeness means safety. Always stick to protocols no matter how nice someone seems
  
  

🛠 5. Screening Clients & Using Safety Tech

• Always ask for ID and a photo of their car, and send that to a safety partner before a showing. Make it less awkward by blaming your “company policy”​

• Run background checks using Forewarn or Tether.

• Meet new clients in public first (coffee shop or office) instead of at properties​
  
  

💬 6. Safety Scripts & Behavior Cues

• Have a believable reason to leave immediately, like:

  • “My office just called.”

  • “I left something in my car.”

  • “Another agent is on the way.”​

Meeting potential sellers for the first time at their home? It might feel like business as usual, but it’s also one of the riskiest moments in your job. Here's how to stay safe while staying professional.

📌 Before the Appointment:

• Vet the Lead First - Don’t just rush out to every listing inquiry. Google the name, check social media, and confirm the address matches public records. If it feels suspicious, offer to meet virtually or at your office first.  RUN A BACKGROUND CHECK not just the comps!

• Share the Appointment Details - Let someone know:

  • Who you're meeting

  • The address

  • Your expected check-in time

  • When you'll leave

  • Use a safety app like Life360 or iPhone's Find My to share your location live.

• Drive Yourself - Always meet sellers at the property—never get picked up or ride with a client.

• Park on the Street - Again, don’t get blocked in by someone parking behind you in a driveway.
  
  

📌 At the Property:

• Trust Your Gut at the Door -  If something feels off, it’s okay to reschedule. Say you forgot something in your car or need to call your office—and leave immediately.

• Let Them Lead the Tour - Politely ask the seller to guide the home tour while you take notes. Avoid walking ahead into rooms or tight spaces.

• Stay Aware of Exits -  Know where the doors are and keep your keys and phone on your person.

• Have a Code Phrase - Use a pre-arranged phrase if you need help. For example, call a team member and say:  “Hey, can you double-check the red file on my desk?”   That’s your signal to get help or request backup.

• Carry a Discreet Safety Tool -  A loud alarm, pepper spray, or tactical pen (see links below) can be a lifesaver—but only if it’s within reach.
  
  

📌 After the Appointment:

• Check in with Your Buddy -  Let your team or emergency contact know you’re done and safe.

• Debrief If Anything Felt Off - Always report suspicious behavior—even if nothing happened. It builds a record and could prevent future incidents.

1. Refuses to provide ID or proof of funds

2. Wants to meet late at night or in isolated areas

3. Gets angry when you ask screening questions

4. Asks personal questions unrelated to real estate

5. Insists you come alone or meet quickly

6. Exhibits signs of intoxication or erratic behavior

7. Avoids giving their real name or has inconsistent stories

8. Pushes boundaries or invades your space

9. Overly flattering or flirty

10. Says “this is off the record” or tries to keep your meeting secret

If you feel uneasy—trust your gut and step away.

Open houses are one of the most vulnerable situations for real estate professionals. You're alone, in an unfamiliar property, with strangers walking in and out. Here’s how to protect yourself before, during, and after:

🚨 FIRST RULE: Never work an open house alone.

Whenever possible, bring a partner—another agent, lender, friend, or family member. Having a second person present is the strongest deterrent against any dangerous situation.  If you have to host alone, stay on the phone with someone or use personal safety apps and devices. (see below in Tools)

📌 Before the Open House:

• Arrive Early & Walk the Property:  Check every room, closet, and exterior area to ensure no one is hiding inside or around the home. Open all doors and turn on lights to minimize surprises later.

• Know Your Exit Routes:  Identify at least two exits—usually the front and back doors. Keep your car keys and phone on your person, never set them down.

• Position Yourself Strategically:  Always stand between the visitor and the door. Don’t let someone block your path to escape.

• Notify a Buddy:  Let someone you trust know where you are, how long you’ll be there, and when you leave. Use a check-in system like a call or a tracking app.

• Park in the Street:  If someone is waiting in the driveway to trap you in, parking on the street ensures you can get away.
  
  

📌 During the Open House:

• Sign-In System is a Must:  Require every guest to sign in with full name and contact info. It deters bad actors and provides a record.

• Avoid Attics, etc.:  Don’t lead anyone into tight, confined spaces like a basement or attic—these are easy places to trap someone.

• Card Caution: Be careful handing business cards out and offering a wrist for someone to grab

• Keep Doors Locked Between Guests:  After a group leaves, re-lock the door while you reset the space. This prevents anyone from slipping in quietly.

• Trust Your Gut:  If someone is setting off your instincts, listen to that warning. You are under no obligation to be alone with anyone.

• Keep a Personal Safety Tool on You:  Whether it’s pepper spray, an alarm, or a TASER, keep it in your hand or on a lanyard—not in your purse or the other room.
  
  

📌 After the Open House:

• Double Check the Home:  Before locking up, walk the property again to ensure no one stayed behind.

• Have Someone on Standby: Consider asking another agent, friend, or family member to come help you close down or walk you to your car.

• Log the Event: Keep a record of who came, any suspicious behavior, and how you felt. If anything stands out, report it to your broker.

If something feels off, trust your instincts—they’re your best first defense. Here’s what to do:

• Get outside and be loud.   Don’t worry about being polite. If you sense danger, immediately walk outside and raise your voice. Shout something like:  “Hey! I need help!” or “Call 911!”      This draws attention and lets potential attackers know you’re not an easy target​Real-Estate-Agent-Safet….

• Don’t go deeper into a home.  Head toward the front door, not further inside. Don’t let yourself get trapped in a back bedroom, bathroom, or garage.

• Create distance—then make a call. Once outside, call your emergency contact, 911, or use your safety app (like Noonlight or a smartwatch SOS function).

TOOLS

130db Personal Keychain Alarm - A compact but powerful device that can save your life. Pull the pin, and this alarm blasts at 130 decibels—loud enough to alert neighbors, scare off attackers, and get you help fast.   👉 Grab it on Amazon

Tactical Pen + Flashlight Combo - Combines the power of light with the practicality of a defensive tool. Features a bright LED flashlight, window breaker, and self-defense tip—all in a sleek, pocket-sized pen.  👉 Check it out on Amazon

Self-Defense Spray (Pepper Spray) - Compact and easy to carry, this spray offers fast, non-lethal protection. A great option when you need to deter an attacker and buy time to escape. Make sure you know how to use it so it doesn't get used against you.

👉 Buy it here

Invisawear - wearable safety jewlery https://invisawear.com

TASER Device - A high-impact self-defense option with non-lethal stopping power. A great tool when you need to neutralize a threat fast and gain precious seconds to escape. Just make sure you know how to use it so it doesn't get used against you.
👉 Available on Amazon 

PHONES & WATCHES

iPhone/Watch Safety features - Setup instructions: https://support.apple.com/safety-features 

• iPhone: Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously until the Emergency SOS slider appears, then drag the slider to call emergency services. 

• Apple Watch: Press and hold the side button to call emergency services, or use Siri or Messages to make contact. 

Android Devices  https://support.google.com/android/answer/9319337

• On your phone, press the power button 5 times or more to activate SOS - set up first

• Samsung watch https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10002904
  
  

APPS

Life360 - FREE Real-time location sharing with family or team https://www.life360.com 

Forewarn/Tether - FREE Instant background checks on prospective clients (see above) - Free for MLS members

Supra eKey - FREE Professional lockbox access with security tracking (see below) - you already have this open to get the key out!

SafeShowings - Alerts emergency contacts if you don’t check in https://www.safeshowings.com 

BSafe - Personal safety alarm with audio/video alerts  https://www.getbsafe.com 

Noonlight app - Download it on your phone that if you take your hands off the button, it sends an alert and GPS https://www.noonlight.com/noonlight-app 

The Supra eKEY Agent Alert system offers significant improvements to agent safety and provides a vital tool for addressing potential emergencies.  This training video shows you how to set up and utilize the safety feature within the Supra eKEY app. The feature allows agents to send alerts with custom messages and GPS location data to pre-selected contacts in case of emergencies.

Let your emergency contacts know ahead of time so that they don't opt-out when they get the confirmation message!

Features:

• 📍 GPS Location Sharing: The alert system includes the user’s real-time GPS location, providing crucial information to contacts in case of an emergency. This is a critical safety feature, allowing for quicker response times and potentially life-saving assistance if an agent finds themselves in a dangerous situation.

• 🗣️ Customizable Alert Messages: Users can personalize their alert messages, allowing them to specify the nature of their situation and any specific instructions or requests for help. This flexibility ensures the message is tailored to the specific circumstances, leading to more effective responses from contacts.

• 📞 Emergency Contact Notification: The ability to instantly send alerts to pre-selected contacts offers peace of mind and a rapid response system in emergencies. This is particularly helpful for agents working alone or in remote locations.

• 📱 Easy Access via the Supra eKEY App: The feature is seamlessly integrated into the existing Supra eKEY app, making it easily accessible for agents during emergencies without needing additional apps or devices. This improves usability and efficiency in urgent situations.

• 🌐 Web-Based Setup: The initial setup is done through the Supra website, allowing for convenient management of contact information and alert settings. This structured approach ensures user data is accurately recorded and simplifies the process of enabling the safety feature.