While realtors face of myriad of dangers on the job, unfortunately it is very rare for a real estate company to provide company funded security for its realtors. This has led to many realtors taking matters into their own hands to develop their own personal safety strategies. While there’s a lot realtors can do to be smart at work, such as communicate with others about their location and stand strategically, the truth is that most security products realtors rely on are woefully lacking should an emergency arise.
Phone
The most common safety procedure followed by realtors is bringing a phone to use in case of an emergency. However, a phone is limited in what it can do should an emergency occur. For example, most would be attackers first move is to disable a victim’s cell phone. Even if an attacker does not remove the victim’s cell phone, trying to reach 911 using a cell phone can take a significant amount of time. Trying to get a phone, unlock it, dial in 911 and either hold the phone to an ear or switch to speakerphone, all while under duress, is unlikely and hard to maintain. The truth is that, in the event of an emergency, people need a quick, no thought way to alert authorities and their colleagues that you are in trouble. A one touch panic button like Apartment Guardian has been proven to reach 911 up to 8 times faster than using a cell phone. Additionally, because the button itself is discreet, it is unlikely to be targeted by a would be attacker. The only action that needs to be taken to be connected directly to 911 is to push a button. Once the call is initiated, it can’t be ended unless 911 hangs up.
Location apps
Another common safety strategy employed by realtors is the use of location apps. 58% of realtors used a smart phone location app to track location in 2020, with the most commonly used app being “Find My iPhone”. The main issue with using location tracking apps for safety is that whoever is provided access to someone’s tracking app must know proactively to check that person’s location. Oftentimes people are not reported missing until they have been in trouble for hours, at which point it may be too late. In order for a location tracking app to be beneficial, a realtor would need to be able to remember who is on their tracking account, alert that person that they are in trouble and then manage to keep their phone on them without the attacker knowing. While under threat or duress, this is very unlikely. Apartment Guardian’s one push panic button not only connects directly to 911 with the push of a button, it also immediately texts all programmed emergency contacts with a location link. Those emergency contacts can then continue to monitor the location of the device, which due to its discreet appearance, is much more likely to stay on the realtor’s person.
Weapons
The final security protocol many realtors are resorting to is carrying a personal weapon, with 46% of women and 50% of men carrying a self defense weapon or tool. The most common tool carried by women is pepper spray, with 26% of female realtors carrying it, and men most commonly carry a firearm, with over one in five male realtors carrying a firearm. While pepper spray can be an effective tool, the truth is that it is most effective when it is of professional grade strength used by trained policemen for crowd control. Most commercially sold pepper spray does not have a strong spray, and in the middle of a violent or stressful situation, trying to aim a slight spray into the small area of the eyes is challenging at best. Often when pepper spray is deployed by a civilian in a stressful circumstance, it ends up affecting everyone in the area. Not to mention if someone is attacked from behind or when they do not have their pepper spray on hand. While carrying a firearm provides substantial feelings of security, it is not a practical solution for a company wide safety policy. It requires expensive training and licensing, and many states do not even allow for concealed carry. An easy to use and fully mobile panic button like Apartment Guardian is the best bet to ensure that should something happen, help is notified and dispatched immediately.
The most important safety procedures realtors can follow is to avoid risky situations in the first place, such as not showing houses alone or meeting new clients in a secluded location. However the truth is that potentially violent encounters are never entirely avoidable, and realtors need a safety solution that is up to the task of protecting them. If you would be interested in purchasing your own panic button, just click the link below.
Or if you would like a quote to get your entire office set-up, fill out the form and someone will be in touch to discuss your needs.