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Safety First: Protecting Ourselves and Our Clients

  • Writer: Kim Clark
    Kim Clark
  • Sep 3
  • 2 min read

Every REALTOR® has a story. Maybe it was that one showing where your gut told you something was off, or an open house where a stranger lingered a little too long. Maybe it was simply pulling up to a property in a spot with no cell service and realizing you were completely alone.


The truth is—while our profession is rewarding, it can also put us in situations that feel unsafe. That’s why the National Association of REALTORS® publishes its Member Safety Residential Report each year, and the 2024 findings are a reminder that we must keep safety at the top of our minds here in southwest New Mexico.


What REALTORS® Are Saying Nationwide

  • 1 in 5 REALTORS® (22%) said they faced a situation in the past year that made them fear for their safety or personal information.

  • Open houses, showings, and even threatening emails or texts were the most common sources of concern.

  • 17% admitted feeling unsafe while hosting an open house alone, and 34% said vacant properties with poor phone coverage left them uneasy.


Sound familiar? With so many rural roads, remote lots, and areas without reliable service in our part of New Mexico, these numbers hit close to home.


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How REALTORS® Are Responding

The report also showed that REALTORS® are taking action:

  • 73% now have personal safety protocols in place when working with clients.

  • 41% have taken a self-defense class.

  • 54% carry a safety tool like pepper spray, a pocketknife, or a flashlight.

  • And those who took a REALTOR® Safety Course? Two-thirds walked away feeling more confident and prepared.


What This Means for Us in Silver City

Safety isn’t just about statistics—it’s about peace of mind. When you feel secure, you show up more confidently for your clients. And when your clients know you’ve thought about safety, they feel reassured too.


Here are a few simple but powerful steps to keep in your toolkit:

  • Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

  • Have a check-in buddy. Share your showing schedule with a colleague, spouse, or friend.

  • Use technology. Safety apps and location-sharing tools can make a big difference.

  • Talk with your sellers. Encourage them to lock up medications and valuables before open houses and tours.


Moving Forward Together

At the Silver City Regional Association of REALTORS®, we believe safety is a shared responsibility. We’ll continue bringing you NAR resources throughout the year, and we’re exploring opportunities for safety discussions during REALTOR® Safety Month so you always feel supported.


Your work changes lives—but your safety matters most. Let’s make it a daily habit, not just a September focus.


👉 Need additional information, or safety tools? Visit NAR’s REALTOR® Safety Program


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