During September, we are taking a closer look at ways our members can protect themselves while doing the important work of serving buyers, sellers, and our communities throughout Eastern Middle Tennessee.

Last week, we introduced some of the many safety resources available through EMTAR and NAR.

This week, we focus on one of the most important steps any real estate professional can take: developing a personal safety strategy.

NAR puts it simply: The goal is to create and implement a safety strategy that you follow every day, with every client, every time.

That consistency matters.

Real estate is a people-centered profession, and REALTORS routinely meet new people, travel to unfamiliar properties, work alone, host open houses, and enter homes and buildings they may have never visited before. Those activities are simply part of the job—but approaching them with a plan can help reduce unnecessary risk.

Start Before the Appointment

A good safety strategy begins long before you unlock the door to a property in Wilson, Smith, DeKalb County and beyond.

Whenever possible, NAR recommends meeting new clients first at your office or another neutral public location. Share your schedule with someone you trust, such as a colleague, assistant, broker, friend, or family member. Make sure someone knows where you are going, whom you are meeting, and when you expect to return.

Before leaving for an appointment, make sure your phone is charged and check whether you are likely to have reliable cell service at the property. If you know a listing has poor service or another potential safety concern, communicate that information to others who may visit it as well.

Think About Your Surroundings

When you arrive, take a few seconds to look around.

Where are the exits? Is the area well lit? Where have you parked? Could another vehicle block yours in? Is anything happening nearby that makes you uncomfortable?

That brief situational check can help you stay aware rather than simply rushing into the next appointment on a busy day. It’s also wise to have an “out”—a plan or reason you can use to leave if something does not feel right.

While showing a home, allow prospective buyers to walk ahead of you rather than leading them through the property. Avoid entering confined locations such as attics, crawl spaces, and other areas where you could become trapped.

And remember one of the most basic principles of personal safety: Trust your instincts. If a situation does not feel right, you do not have to remain in it.

Make Safety a Team Effort

Safety should not be something REALTORS have to figure out individually.

Brokerages can establish check-in procedures, office safety protocols, emergency contact plans, and expectations for open houses and showings. Agents should know what procedures their firms already have in place—and brokers should periodically review those procedures with their teams.

We also encourage REALTOR members to invest time in safety education throughout the year, including training related to client interactions, open houses, office safety, cybersecurity, and other areas.

That last point is worth emphasizing.

September may be REALTOR Safety Month, but safety is a year-round commitment.

At EMTAR, we want our members to have successful careers, strong relationships with their clients, and every opportunity to thrive in this profession. And at the end of every appointment, showing, open house, and workday, we want you to make it home safely.

Next week, we’ll share some practical safety tips and best practices you can put to work right away.

#MakeItHome

About EMTAR: Chartered in 1969, our Association’s 1,200+ REALTORS are a proud part of the 36,000+ members of Tennessee REALTORS and of the 1.5 million+ members of NAR, all working to serve the public and protect the rights of America’s property owners. EMTAR members are known not only for their unmatched real estate excellence and high ethical standards, but also for being generous, hospitable, others-focused, loyal, hardworking, and eager to help wherever and whenever help is needed.