As the leaves start to change, so does the focus of the real estate industry. For us, September is REALTOR® Safety Month, and every year, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), along with state and local REALTOR® associations across the U.S., shine a spotlight on safety in the field—raising awareness, encouraging preparedness, and providing actionable tools to help agents come home safely each day.
Alarming Statistics: The Risks Agents Face
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In 2023, the REALTOR® Safety Survey revealed that:
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56,000 REALTORS® were victims of a crime while on the job.
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322,000 REALTORS® admitted they felt fear for their safety at work.
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406,000 REALTORS® do not have personal safety protocols in place.
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The 2023 NAR Member Safety Residential Report adds granular detail:
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22% of residential REALTORS® experienced fear for their personal safety or the safety of their personal information during the year (down slightly from 23% in 2022).
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Situations triggering safety concerns include:
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Threatening or inappropriate messages (29%)
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During showings (26%) or open houses (25%)
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Meeting new clients in secluded (22%) or public areas (6%)
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There are notable differences based on demographics and geography:
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Women REALTORS® reported a higher level of fear (25%) compared to men (16%).
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REALTORS® practicing in suburban areas felt significantly more threatened (48%) versus urban (23%), small towns (17%), or rural areas (13%).
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Safety Preparedness: Are Agents Equipped?
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95% of REALTORS® affirmed they had not been victims of a crime while working — a slight improvement from 98% in 2022.
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On proactive safety measures:
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71% have personal safety protocols they follow with each client.
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51% work under brokerages that provide standard safety procedures. In terms of personal protection strategies:
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67% use smartphone safety apps
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50% carry self-defense tools
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38% have taken a self-defense class
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19% attended a REALTOR® safety course
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Why REALTOR® Safety Month Matters
September is more than a campaign—it’s a vital reminder to:
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Reassess your safety approach: Are your protocols current and personalized?
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Acknowledge the dangers: Whether it’s meeting a new client in an unfamiliar location or facing online threats, the risks are real.
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Leverage resources: From safety apps to webinars and training materials, there’s abundant support available through NAR and local associations.
