September Is REALTOR® Safety Month: Why Safety Matters More Than Ever
Every September, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) designates REALTOR® Safety Month, a crucial reminder for agents and brokers across Mississippi to reflect on safety strategies and create robust plans for year-round protection. The risks REALTORS® encounter are real, whether meeting new clients, hosting open houses, or traveling to remote properties. Prioritizing safety isn’t just a one-time event; it’s a commitment that shapes every transaction and relationship.
Top 5 REALTOR® Safety Tips for Mississippi Real Estate Professionals:
- Always meet new clients in public spaces first.
- Verify client identification before showings.
- Share your showing schedule with a colleague, broker, or family member.
- Walk behind clients during property tours.
- Keep your phone charged and accessible.
Essential Components of a REALTOR® Safety Plan
A comprehensive REALTOR® safety plan goes beyond the basics and sets the foundation for consistent, year-round protection. Strong plans should include:
- Establishing office-wide safety policies and checklists.
- Creating a communication system so colleagues or family know your schedule.
- Preparing escape routes and exit strategies for every showing.
- Complying with NAR’s REALTOR® Safety Network.
- Limiting disclosure of personal details (such as home address or travel plans).
- Reviewing and updating safety protocols regularly to reflect new risks and technology.
For more tools, explore NAR’s Planning Your Safety Strategy, which offers downloadable checklists and resources for both agents and brokerages.
Best Practices for Agent Safety—Staying Secure in Everyday Scenarios
Staying safe is proactive: REALTORS® should walk behind prospects during showings, keep phones charged, and never enter confined spaces with clients alone. Conduct exterior property checks before entering, remain alert to potential hazards, and keep personal information protected both online and in person. When working alone, empower staff, friends, or family to track your appointments, and consider using code words or safety apps for added security. Smart habits extend beyond showings—secure digital communications, avoid discussing travel plans, and report any incidents.
How Brokers Can Build a Culture of Safety
Brokerages play a vital role in REALTOR® safety. Ways Mississippi brokers can promote a culture of safety include:
- Providing safety education in new agent orientations.
- Setting office-wide policies for client identification.
- Conducting annual reviews of safety strategies.
- Hosting safety training sessions with staff and agents.
- Distributing NAR safety infographics and resources.
- Modeling safe habits in daily business practices.
NAR supports brokers with tools like the Safety Toolkit for Associations. By modeling safe habits and offering continual training, brokers give agents the confidence to make safety the foundation of every business practice.
What Is the REALTOR® Safety Pledge?
The REALTOR® Safety Pledge represents a unified commitment to making safety a top priority in all real estate activities. By taking the pledge, REALTORS® and associations agree to promote safety awareness, educate others, and uphold NAR’s recommended best practices for safe conduct. Mississippi REALTORS® are encouraged to embrace this pledge and foster a culture of accountability and vigilance year-round.
REALTOR® Safety Month: Training, Classes, and Year-Round Education
Mississippi REALTORS® Institute encourages agents and brokers to make safety a permanent part of their professional development, not just in September, but year-round. NAR offers multiple training tools and educational resources designed to help REALTORS® stay safe in every transaction:
- Safety Videos: Short, practical video lessons covering real-life safety scenarios and best practices for REALTORS®. Perfect for office meetings or quick refreshers.
- Real Estate Safety Matters: Putting REALTOR® Safety First Course: A comprehensive class that teaches agents to recognize risks, adopt safer practices, and build a lasting culture of safety.
- Resources for Personal Protection: Guidance on personal safety tools, apps, and practices designed to help agents protect themselves both in the field and online.
Stay connected with the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute by signing up for email updates on upcoming courses and education opportunities. You’ll be the first to know when new classes, including safety-focused sessions, become available.
Make Safety Your Daily Practice: Start with Mississippi REALTORS® Institute
REALTOR® safety is a year-round priority. Whether starting in September or reinforcing long-held habits, Mississippi agents and brokers who engage in continuing education and consistent safety planning protect themselves, their clients, and their businesses. This REALTOR® Safety Month, take advantage of authoritative courses, tips, and pledge opportunities offered by NAR.
For questions about REALTOR® safety, safety resources, or upcoming CE courses, contact the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute, call us directly at 601-932-5241, or explore our blog. Together, we can build a culture of safety and professionalism that benefits both REALTORS® and the clients they serve.
Helpful Safety Resources