September is REALTOR® Safety Month, an annual reminder that safety should be part of every real estate professional’s routine, not something considered only when a situation feels unusual. From meeting a new client for the first time to hosting an open house or protecting transaction information, REALTORS can take simple steps to reduce risk and be better prepared.
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) emphasizes three core principles of its REALTOR Safety Program: knowledge, awareness and empowerment. NAR provides resources throughout the year to help members recognize potential risks and develop safety protocols that fit their businesses.
Start With the First Client Contact
Safety can begin before an agent ever steps inside a property. When working with a new prospective client, consider establishing a process for learning who you are meeting and where you will be meeting them.
Florida Realtors recommends meeting new clients in an office or public location before heading to a property when possible. Agents can also use tools such as Forewarn, which is available as a free member benefit to Florida Realtors and can provide information to help verify a prospect’s identity using a phone number.
Taking a few minutes to establish a client’s identity and expectations can provide valuable information before an agent is alone with someone at an unfamiliar property.
Create a Check-In System
A safety plan does not have to be complicated. One of the simplest precautions is making sure someone else knows where you are.
Before a showing, share your schedule and the client’s information with a trusted colleague, friend or family member. Florida Realtors recommends creating a “safety chain” by sharing details such as the location and timing of showings and, when appropriate, identifying information about the client or vehicle.
Consider establishing a standard check-in procedure for your business. For example, let someone know when you arrive at a property and send another message when the appointment is finished. If you do not check in as expected, your designated contact will know to follow up.
Think About the Property Before You Enter
Situational awareness is especially important when working in unfamiliar homes. Before entering, take a moment to consider the surroundings, your parking location and how you would leave the property if necessary.
Florida Realtors recommends parking in a position that provides a clear exit rather than allowing a vehicle to become blocked in a driveway or other confined space.
NAR also encourages REALTORS® to develop personal safety protocols for activities such as meeting clients and showing properties. The goal is not to approach every appointment with fear, but to make awareness and preparation routine.
Give Open Houses a Safety Plan of Their Own
Open houses present a different set of challenges because agents may be responsible for multiple visitors at once. A little preparation before the doors open can help protect both the property and the people inside.
Florida Realtors recently highlighted several precautions for open houses, including advance registration, controlled entry points, keeping track of visitors and having a second agent available when possible. Sellers should also be encouraged to remove valuables and personal information before the event.
When possible, agents can create clear sight lines through the property, limit access to certain areas and establish a consistent entrance and exit. These measures can help an agent maintain awareness without making the experience unnecessarily uncomfortable for prospective buyers.
Don’t Forget Digital Safety
Physical safety is only one part of protecting a real estate business. REALTORS also handle sensitive client information, financial details and transaction communications that can make them targets for cybercrime.
NAR reported in September 2026 that real estate-related cybercrime has continued to grow, with the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center data showing more than 12,000 real estate-related complaints and $275 million in reported losses. NAR also warned that AI-driven impersonation is making wire fraud attempts increasingly sophisticated.
Protecting yourself digitally means using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, being cautious with unexpected links or attachments and independently verifying requests involving money or changes to wiring instructions.
When something involves a transaction’s funds, do not rely solely on an email, even if it appears to come from someone you know. Confirm the request using a trusted phone number or another established method of communication.
Use the Resources Available to You
REALTOR Safety Month is also a good opportunity to review the resources available through NAR and Florida Realtors. NAR’s REALTOR Safety Program offers safety webinars, training materials, personal protection resources and tools designed to help members create individualized safety strategies.
Safety does not require a complicated system. It requires consistency. By making client verification, check-ins, situational awareness, open-house preparation and cybersecurity part of the normal workflow, REALTORS can build habits that help protect themselves, their clients and their businesses.
This September, take the opportunity to review your current safety practices, identify areas that could use improvement and make a plan that works for you. Safety is not just a September priority, it is part of being prepared for the work you do every day.
