Every real estate agent knows the feeling. You're alone, walking into a property, not sure who might be inside. We've read the stories. Agents who found squatters, interrupted break-ins, or ended up in situations that turned dangerous without warning. We’ve taken those real experiences and pulled together the 10 best safety tips, straight from agents who have lived through them.

Here’s a practical guide to staying safe as a realtor, based on advice from agents who’ve experienced the uncomfortable, the unexpected, and the downright dangerous.

1. Always Lock the Door Behind You

It might seem like overkill, especially if you're just popping in to check on a listing or take some photos. But one of the most repeated pieces of advice from experienced agents is to always lock the door behind you as soon as you enter a property. Even if you’re not alone, it’s smart to make sure no one else can walk in uninvited. There’s no reason to leave yourself open to surprises. Whether it’s a curious neighbor, an opportunistic thief, or something worse, locking the door adds one small but important layer of control in a situation where you might otherwise have none.

2. Don’t Assume a Neighborhood is Safe

It’s easy to let your guard down when you're in a place that looks quiet and well-kept. Some agents admit that they used to think certain zip codes didn’t carry the same risks as others. But the truth is, weird and dangerous situations can happen anywhere. A well-manicured lawn doesn’t mean there aren’t people lurking with bad intentions. Staying alert should be a habit no matter where you're working. It’s about staying one step ahead and not giving anyone the chance to catch you off guard.

3. Be Smart About Where You Park

A lot of agents say they never park in the driveway, and there’s a good reason for that. If you park there and someone pulls in behind you, you could be blocked in with no quick way out. It’s safer to park on the street where you have a clear path to leave if something feels off. Plus, being out in the open can make it easier for others to see if anything unusual is happening. Also, think twice about advertising yourself on your vehicle. Branded magnets, license plate frames, and decals might draw unnecessary attention and signal that you're likely working alone. Many agents have started removing obvious real estate branding from their cars for this exact reason.

4. Meet New Clients in a Safe Place First

There’s no good reason to meet someone for the first time at a listing, especially if it’s in a remote or vacant area. It’s a much better idea to meet at your office or a public space before you ever step foot in a property together. You can collect their basic information, make a copy of their ID, and get a read on their personality. Most people won’t mind doing this, and the ones who do might be giving you a sign that they’re not worth working with.

5. Walk the Property with Purpose

When you arrive at a home, especially if it’s vacant, take a few minutes to look around before diving into work. Check if anything looks out of place, like doors that should be locked but aren’t, cars in the driveway that shouldn’t be there, or sounds coming from inside. Once you're in the house, take note of the layout and make sure you know where all the exits are. Try to avoid getting cornered in rooms with only one way out, and if you're with someone else, keep yourself between them and the exit whenever possible.

6. Let Clients Walk Ahead of You

During a showing, it’s safer to let your clients walk into rooms first. This allows you to stay closer to the exit and keeps them in your line of sight at all times. It might feel awkward at first, but it’s a subtle and effective way to maintain control of your surroundings. You’ll also avoid situations where you unknowingly walk into a confined space with limited visibility or no quick way out.

7. Use the Tools That Are Available to You

There are a lot of apps and tools out there now that can help agents stay safer. Many MLS systems and scheduling tools have built-in features that let your office know where you are and when. Make it a habit to check in before and after a showing, and don’t be afraid to share your schedule with someone you trust. Some agents even use location-sharing apps to let a partner or friend keep an eye on their movements when meeting new clients. These tools are easy to use and can give you a little more peace of mind.

8. Carry What Makes You Feel Safe

Not everyone is comfortable with the same safety tools, and that’s okay. Some agents carry pepper spray or a personal alarm, others have gone through the process of getting a concealed carry license. What’s important is that you know how to use whatever you’re carrying and that it gives you a sense of confidence. It’s better to have something within reach and never need it than to need it and not have anything at all. Choose what works for you and keep it close.

9. Dress for Safety, Not Just Style

It’s tempting to dress for looks when you’re meeting clients, but you also need to be practical. High heels and tight clothes might look great, but they won’t help you much if you need to move quickly. Many agents have started wearing shoes they can run in and clothes they can move in easily. Safety doesn’t have to mean giving up your style completely, but it should be part of your decision when getting dressed for the day.

10. Trust Your Gut and Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

One of the most important lessons agents have learned is to listen to their instincts. If something feels off, even if you can’t explain why, it’s okay to cancel a showing or leave a property. You’re not being rude or dramatic. You’re being smart. It's better to reschedule or pass on a deal than to put yourself in a dangerous situation. Your safety comes before everything else.

Make Realtor Safety a Non-Negotiable Part of Your Process

Being a realtor means you wear a lot of hats—negotiator, guide, market expert—but it also means you have to think about safety every single day. You work in an industry where you’re often alone, and sometimes that means taking extra precautions that other professionals don’t have to think about.

It’s not about living in fear. It’s about knowing your risks and being ready for them. Stay aware, stay prepared, and make safety a natural part of your routine. Because every listing, every showing, and every client meeting should end the same way with you getting home safe.