September is REALTOR® Safety Month, an annual reminder that safety should remain a priority for real estate professionals throughout the year. REALTORS® often work independently, meet new people, visit unfamiliar properties, host open houses, and manage communication across multiple platforms. These everyday responsibilities can create safety risks if clear precautions are not in place.
The National Association of REALTORS® dedicates September to safety awareness as part of its ongoing REALTOR® Safety Program. NAR explains that the program is designed to help members understand daily risks, stay aware of their surroundings, and use precautions that help reduce unsafe situations.
For Mississippi REALTORS®, Safety Month is a timely opportunity to review business practices, refresh office procedures, and strengthen habits that protect agents, clients, and communities.
Why Is REALTOR® Safety Important?
Real estate professionals face unique safety challenges because the job often involves meeting people outside of a traditional office setting.
REALTORS® may be asked to:
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- Show vacant properties
- Meet prospects for the first time
- Host open houses
- Walk land or rural properties
- Travel to unfamiliar locations
- Share contact information online
- Communicate through text, email, phone, and social media
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While these activities are part of normal real estate practice, they require awareness and preparation. Safety planning helps REALTORS® reduce risk while continuing to provide professional service.
What Safety Steps Should REALTORS® Take Before Showings?
Before meeting a client or customer, REALTORS® should have a clear process in place.
Important safety steps may include:
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- Confirming the person’s identity
- Meeting first-time prospects at the office or a public location when possible
- Sharing appointment details with a broker, team member, or trusted contact
- Keeping a charged phone available
- Using a check-in system
- Driving separately to showings
- Avoiding isolated areas when possible
- Trusting instincts if something feels wrong
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These habits may seem simple, but consistency is what makes them effective. Safety planning should become part of the normal showing process, not something reserved only for unusual situations.
How Can REALTORS® Stay Safe During Open Houses?
Open houses can create additional safety concerns because multiple people may enter a property within a short period of time.
Before hosting an open house, REALTORS® should consider:
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- Reviewing all exits
- Keeping personal belongings secured
- Avoiding rooms where escape routes are limited
- Asking visitors to sign in
- Having another person present when possible
- Letting someone know the open house schedule
- Keeping valuables out of sight
- Staying aware of who is inside the property
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After the open house, REALTORS® should walk through the property carefully, make sure all visitors have left, lock doors and windows, and notify the seller of any concerns.
Why Is Digital Safety Part of REALTOR® Safety?
REALTOR® safety is not limited to in-person appointments. Digital safety also matters.
Real estate professionals often communicate through websites, email, social media, text messages, online advertising, and client management tools. This can increase exposure to scams, phishing attempts, suspicious inquiries, and privacy concerns.
Digital safety best practices may include:
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- Using strong passwords
- Enabling multi-factor authentication
- Avoiding suspicious links
- Verifying wiring instructions through trusted channels
- Protecting client information
- Keeping business and personal accounts separate when possible
- Reviewing privacy settings on social media
- Being cautious when sharing real-time location details
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Digital risk can impact both REALTORS® and their clients. Clear communication and verification procedures can help prevent confusion, fraud, and unnecessary exposure. MRI’s recent guidance on AI use, privacy, accuracy, and professional responsibility for Mississippi REALTORS® also provides additional information about managing technology responsibly in real estate practice.
How Can Brokerages Support REALTOR® Safety?
Safety should be part of the brokerage culture.
Brokers and office leaders can support safety by creating clear procedures, encouraging training, and making sure agents know what to do before, during, and after appointments.
Brokerage safety practices may include:
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- Written showing and open house procedures
- Prospect screening policies
- Check-in and check-out systems
- Emergency contact protocols
- Office training on safety scenarios
- Cybersecurity reminders
- Regular discussions during team meetings
- Encouragement to report concerns
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When safety is discussed regularly, agents are more likely to take precautions seriously and apply them consistently. Reviewing brokerage procedures and current Mississippi real estate requirements can also help offices maintain organized, consistent practices.
Why Should Safety Be a Year-Round Priority?
Although September highlights REALTOR® Safety Month, safety should remain a daily practice.
Real estate schedules can change quickly. A last-minute showing, unexpected visitor, unfamiliar location, or unusual request can create risk if REALTORS® are not prepared. Building safety into everyday routines helps professionals respond more confidently and avoid unnecessary vulnerability.
Safety also supports professionalism. Clients benefit when REALTORS® manage appointments, communication, property access, and transaction details with care and organization. Ongoing Code of Ethics and Fair Housing education can further reinforce the professional standards REALTORS® bring to client relationships and everyday business practices.
REALTOR® Safety Month FAQs
When is REALTOR® Safety Month?
REALTOR® Safety Month is observed in September each year as part of NAR’s ongoing commitment to safety awareness and education.
Why do REALTORS® need safety training?
REALTORS® often work alone, meet new people, enter unfamiliar properties, and share contact information publicly. Safety training helps professionals recognize risks and develop safer business habits.
What is one of the most important safety habits for showings?
One important habit is making sure someone knows where you are, who you are meeting, and when you expect to return or check in.
Should REALTORS® meet first-time prospects at a property?
When possible, REALTORS® may consider meeting first-time prospects at the office or in a public setting before going to a property. Brokerages should set procedures that align with safety best practices.
Does REALTOR® safety include cybersecurity?
Yes. Digital safety is an important part of professional risk management because REALTORS® handle sensitive information, communicate online, and may be targeted by scams or phishing attempts.
Make REALTOR® Safety a Daily Practice
REALTOR® Safety Month is an important reminder, but safety should not be limited to September. For Mississippi REALTORS®, building safer habits means preparing before appointments, communicating clearly, protecting client information, following brokerage procedures, and staying alert in both in-person and digital environments.
The Mississippi REALTORS® Institute supports real estate professionals through education and professional development opportunities that strengthen compliance, professionalism, communication, and industry awareness. By continuing to learn and apply best practices, REALTORS® can better protect themselves, their clients, and the reputation of the profession.
For continuing education courses, professional development opportunities, and MREC guidance updates, visit realtorinstitute.org or contact the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute at 601-932-5241. MRI remains your trusted resource for staying compliant, informed, and prepared in Mississippi real estate.
Useful Resources
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- National Association of REALTORS® – REALTOR® Safety Program
- National Association of REALTORS® – 30-Day Safety Month Plan
- Mississippi REALTORS® Institute – Continuing Education Courses
- Mississippi REALTORS® Institute – Online Continuing Education Classes
- Mississippi REALTORS® Institute – Frequently Asked Questions
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