Retain Top Talent with Onsite Safety

When many people think about real estate, they might imagine a glamorous job where you can get firsthand experience in luxurious homes and earn a massive commission for each property you sell. However, it’s also a high-risk business. It requires you and your team to meet unknown prospects and be with them in an unfamiliar place at odd hours.

In 2020, 87 real estate professionals incurred fatal injuries while on the job. A third of these injuries were caused by violence and other injuries. Many other incidents aren’t even reported.

The National Apartment Association 2021 Best Places to Work Award Winners were credited with going “above and beyond” to create safe and engaging environments. Creating a safe workspace helps multifamily companies attract and retain the best talent.

A recent study found that 23% of realtors are also said to have felt threatened on the job. Plus, 23% of agents in rural and suburban areas have feared for their personal safety or the safety of their personal information.

These alarming statistics should put real estate and property management leadership on alert that this risk level may deter prospective employees from pursuing a career in the industry. Additionally, in this labor market, perks, such as onsite safety, might help you retain your top talent by showing you value them and their safety.

Real Estate and Property Management Safety Tips

Fortunately, there are technologies that allow realtors and property managers to stay safe while working. You should invest in these tools for your employees’ welfare. Attracting the best and brightest is a challenge in the current labor market, and employee safety is another perk. If your team knows you care and you are willing to invest in their safety, they can stay confidently focused on working hard and closing that sale.

Companies like Apartment Guardian specialize in developing property management safety devices that you can use during emergencies. Their one-push panic button is fully mobile and discreet so that you don’t draw attention to yourself when contacting 911 and your other emergency contacts. It can connect to 911 up to eight times faster than smartphones and provide GPS coordinates with every alert so that emergency responders can get to you quickly.

Here are other safety tips you can follow while dealing with buyers and sellers:

Safety With Buyers

When dealing with new clients, first meet them at the real estate office. Only 39% of realtors do this, but everyone should practice it. Have them fill in a registration form and photocopy their valid ID. This way, you have their details in case anything happens.

Next, inform your office when you’re going to a property. It’s best to have a showing buddy when possible. Notify your team when the showing is complete, and inform them of your next destination.

Safety With Sellers

Do a quick check on sellers. Assess who referred them and research the property and neighborhood. When staging, safeguard valuables and lock up potential weapons, like knives and blocks.

Before the open house, familiarize yourself with the property and plan two escape routes. Have prospects sign in before letting them inside. When closing up, lock the front door and check the windows, backyard, and garage. Just like when dealing with buyers, make sure to inform your office that you’re done with the viewing.

Show Your Team You Care

Employee safety is a perk, and a necessity property management and real estate management should bestow on their teams. Invest in tools that will give your employees peace of mind. You can also provide in-house training about safety and self-defense practices to teach them what to do during emergencies.

Would you like to learn more about Apartment Guardian’s Onsite Safety Devices? Contact us or book a meeting now for a complete overview.

References:

https://www.nar.realtor/safety/real-estate-safety-matters-course/download-safety-course-presentation-materials
https://www.inman.com/2021/06/09/61-safety-tips-every-real-estate-agent-should-read/
https://www.theceshop.com/agent-essentials/real-estate-agent-videos/the-importance-of-agent-safety