Posted on: February 24, 2016 by

As real estate agents put themselves in potentially dangerous scenarios on a regular basis, it is important to take the proper safety measures. While most agents work round the clock to show homes and vacant dwellings to potential suitors, the independent nature of the job raises some safety concerns. In order to reduce the threat of Real Estate Workers Comp, agents should take the following tips into consideration.

According to a recent National Association of Realtors Safety Survey where over 561,000 realtors responded, 67% say they have experienced safety concerns, incidents, and harassment, 25% were involved in incidents as a realtor, and 40% knew of other realtors who were involved in some type of safety incident.

With that said, realtors should meet at the office for any first meeting. Whether they are a qualified buyer or not, the first encounter with the prospect should be in a public, safe place. When setting out to show a property, realtors should leave their location with the secretary or with a family member so someone knows where they are at all times. Further, if possible, include when they will be meeting the client, where, and when they will be back.

Attempt to schedule showings during the day. If for any reason, you are uncomfortable with the thought of meeting a potential buyer, listen to your instincts. Instead, cancel the appointment or wait until someone can accompany you. Further, never wear expensive jewelry or carry a lot of cash.  If the property is located in a dangerous or isolated neighborhood, at least one other realtor should be present during the showing, as well.

Once the showing is over, ensure there are no stragglers left behind and lock all the doors prior to leaving. It’s also best to leave lights on to give the home a lived-in feel if the owners are not home yet, as this will deter burglars.

At NewMark Insurance Services, we specialize in protecting the real estate sector. Our workers’ comp policies are crafted specifically to protect against the scope of perils that you may face as an agent. For more information about our products, contact us today at (855) 777-6549.

Posted in: blog Real Estate Liability Workers' Compensation

Tagged: Keeping Agents Safe Real Estate Agent Safety Real Estate Workers' Comp