REALTOR® safety is a topic we can't talk about too much. As a REALTOR®, your safety should be your top concern. Developing a personal safety protocol should be the first step to committing to staying safe. Here are some tech tools and apps for your smartphone to integrate into your personal plan to stay safe.
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Designed specifically for real estate agents to alert brokers, emergency contacts and authorities everything they need to know about your appointments. The app allows you to let your broker and your emergency contacts know you are on a showing. Throughout the showing, a safety alert checks in to make sure you are safe. If you do not respond, your broker, emergency contacts and the authorities are notified with your GPS coordinates. Price: $49.95
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Provides a safe method for meeting with strangers. Enter a meeting start time and safety alert times. Bmonitored will then ask you for confirmation that you are safe at the interval you have selected. Once you respond with your one-digit personal PIN, the system clock resets until your next safety alert interval. If you do not respond, your emergency contacts and the authorities are notified with your last GPS coordinates. Price: Free in the App Store
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Agents using Homesnap Pro can set a Safety Timer when they go to a showing with an unfamiliar client. Prior to a showing, set a timer for how long you expect to be at the location and select your emergency contacts. If the timer expires, a text message will be sent to your emergency contacts that you are in distress. You can also send an instant distress alert to your emergency contacts with just one tap. Price: $29.99
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Allows a command center to track your movements on your terms, all over the globe. This app sets up geo fences that alert the command center of your location. It also sends push notifications directly to your phone regarding any inclement weather, health alerts and emergency situations, such as riots and hostile situations. If there are any issues, an executive protection specialist will be dispatched to be at your side as soon as possible. Price: Must call company
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The first and only patent-protected personal safety mobile app that utilizes natural human reaction to respond to emergency situations. Through codes and interaction, you can set an alert for emergency contacts that you are in danger. Trigger an extremely loud alarm to deter attackers or use the silent alarm to ask for help. Once an alert is detected, the response verification center will reach out to assess the situation and contact authorities with your GPS location, if necessary. Price: $9.99 annual subscription
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A complete personal security system for your smartphone. If you are in danger, use this app to instantly notify the live response team just by pushing a button. Once notified, the response team listens to the audio uploaded from your smartphone and coordinates assistance with the nearest public emergency responders. Price: $99.99 per year
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Features five buttons that provide five different ways to call for help. With this app, you can instantly call and text for help, send alerts with your GPS coordinates, call 911, use the silent alert feature for critical situations or contact first responders, such as fire or police departments. Price: Range based on desired package
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Perform a background check on prospective clients before you meet them. Price: $19.95 a month
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Developed by a REALTOR®, Real Alert is designed to help you stay alert and aware of your surroundings while providing quick access to emergency services. From one screen, you can quickly dial 911 or tap “ALARM” to ward off potential attackers. You can also speed dial your emergency contacts, locate the nearest hospitals using your current GPS location and record details about a suspicious person before they are forgotten. Price: $1.99 in the App Store
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Set up your own personal safety network. Features include a timer mode that triggers an alarm when you haven't checked in, a fake call feature to make the phone ring when you want it to, and a guardian alert button to send your location (via GPS) and a video of what is happening to your emergency contacts. Price: Free in the app store
Remember that none of these apps or any tech tool, alone, are going to keep you safe. While these are all great tools, a "smart phone" is only as "smart" as its operator. Be sure your phone is always fully charged and check your signal upon arriving at a new location. Be proactive and put plans and processes in place to help keep you out of dangerous situations. Invest in your safety today!
For more Safety Resources visit
realtor.org/safety.
Note: The safety applications included are for informational purposes only. They are not endorsed by nor have they been vetted by Missouri REALTORS® or the National Association of REALTORS®. The information provided is meant to help you determine what tools may best fit into your personal and professional life.