As a real estate professional, your focus is on connection and service, but successfully holding a safe open house should be your top priority. You’ve mastered making clients feel at home, but is that hospitality coming at the expense of your own safety?

An open house is the definition of an “unpredictable situation.” You’re in an unfamiliar space, inviting the general public inside, often while you’re alone.

This isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared. True safety isn’t a gadget. Holding a safe open house is a professional process—a series of small, smart habits that give you complete control over your environment and any interaction within it.

Think of this checklist as a way to build a foundation of security. When you are calm, prepared, and in control, you project a confidence that naturally deters boundary-pushing.

Here is the essential safety checklist to integrate into your open house workflow.

Phase 1: How to Prepare for a Safe Open House

A real estate agent arriving at an open house, looking aware and prepared.

Your safety plan starts before you ever put out the “Welcome” sign. This is when you set the stage for success.

Arrive with Intention: Show up with plenty of time. Avoid rushing in, flustered, and distracted. Your first job is to walk the property with a safety mindset. Where are the exits? Which doors have tricky locks? Are there any rooms, like a basement or winding attic, that could be used to trap someone?
Park for Your Exit: Before you even go inside, park your car on the street, not in the driveway where it can be blocked in. As police in Las Cruces, NM, advise in their realtor safety tips, this ensures you always have a clear path to leave.
Establish a “Safety Buddy”: A cornerstone of agent safety, as emphasized by the National Association of REALTORS®, is to inform a colleague, broker, or partner of your schedule, including the property address and your start/end times. Plan to send a “start” text and a “concluded and safe” text.
Stage for Safety, Not Just Style:
- Plan Your Path: Unlock all interior doors, including the deadbolt on the door connecting the garage to the house. You need to ensure your escape routes are effortless and immediate.
- Remove Hazards: Advise sellers to lock away valuables, prescription drugs, and personal photos. But also, look for potential weapons. Secure or store heavy, sharp, or blunt objects that could be easily grabbed.
- Check Your Signal: Walk through the house and check your phone’s cell reception. Identify any “dead zones” (like basements or back offices) and make a mental note to avoid them.
Create a Digital Perimeter: Use a digital sign-in app or tablet for guest registration. This small professional step requires visitors to provide their information, creating a record of entry and filtering out those who are unwilling to be identified.

Phase 2: During the Open House (Awareness & Positioning)

A real estate agent guiding guests from a safe position near an exit.

This is where you manage the flow of people. Your physical position and your mental presence are your most powerful tools.

Anchor Yourself: Never let yourself be trapped. Your best position for a safe open house is near the front entry or in a central living area with clear visibility and at least two escape paths.
Guide, Don’t Follow: When a guest wants to see a part of the house, you control the flow. Stand back, gesture, and say, “The master bedroom is just down the hall to your left.” Let them walk ahead of you. You maintain a position of control, always keeping them in your line of sight and never letting them get between you and your exit.
Be Present and Perceptive: Keep your head up, not buried in your phone. Greet every single person who walks in with a warm, confident “Welcome!” Make direct eye contact. This isn’t just good service—it projects an calm authority and signals that you are aware, present, and in charge of the space.
Trust Your Internal Alarm: If a conversation or a person feels “off,” don’t brush it aside as “being impolite.” That’s your internal risk assessment at work. Maintain more physical distance, keep the interaction brief, and position yourself to leave. If you have a buddy on-site, a simple, pre-planned code word can alert them.

Trusting your internal alarm is a critical first step. Learning how to confidently act on it with verbal de-escalation and boundary-setting techniques is the other half of the equation, which we cover in-depth in 1-on-1 coaching.

Phase 3: After the “Closed” Sign (Secure & Debrief)

An agent walking purposefully to her car on the street after an open house.

The event isn’t over until you are safely in your locked car and on your way home.

Don’t Assume You’re Alone: Before locking the front door, conduct a “full-clear” sweep of the property. This is non-negotiable. Check all rooms, closets, bathrooms, and patios. Announce yourself: “The open house is now over, I’m locking up!”
Secure and Exit with Awareness: Once you’re positive the home is empty, lock all doors. Walk to your car with purpose and keys in hand. This is a moment of transition where you can be vulnerable. Get in, lock your doors immediately, and then take a moment to put away your things before driving off.
Check Out with Your Buddy: Send that final text: “All clear and heading home.” This closes the loop on your safety plan.

From Checklist to Confidence

A checklist is a great start, but true, unshakeable confidence comes when these actions are no longer a list, but simply how you work. This shift from “remembering” to “being” is the core of what we teach in 1-on-1 safety coaching.

Integrating these protocols until they become second nature is the key. When you are prepared, you can handle an agitated client or an aggressive stranger with the same professional calm you use to negotiate a contract.

If you’re ready to move from simply using a checklist to becoming the most confident, prepared, and in-control professional in the room, let’s talk about 1-on-1 coaching.

Personal Safety: The 5 Biggest Worries (and How to Outsmart Them Like a Boss)

Bottom Line Up Front: Personal safety isn’t about living in fear—it’s about living smart. This guide transforms you from potential target to confident navigator of life’s challenges. The 5 biggest safety concerns we all face have smart, actionable solutions that make you walk with a little more swagger, knowing you’ve got your own back.

Let’s talk about something that probably pops into your head more often than you’d like: “Am I safe?” It’s a valid question in a world that sometimes feels like it’s auditioning for a reality show called “Chaos & Mayhem.” But here’s the kicker: most safety woes aren’t about being unlucky; they’re about being unprepared. Think of this as your friendly, slightly sarcastic guide to becoming a human “nope” button for trouble.

The Good News: You’re Getting Smarter (And It Shows)

Here’s something that might surprise you: when folks like us are doing our job informing the public, and people like you are listening and following our advice, we collectively make the world a little less welcoming for the bad guys. The numbers prove it:

Crime Type	2019 Incidents	2022 Incidents	Change (2019 to 2022)
Violent Crime	1,203,808	1,177,249	-2.2%
Property Crime	6,925,677	6,515,674	-5.9%
Burglary	1,116,664	933,788	-16.4%
Larceny-Theft	4,960,190	4,634,896	-6.6%

Source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data.

See? Those numbers are going down, not up! So let’s ditch the textbook and dive into the five biggest safety concerns we all face, spiced with wit and actionable advice. Because life’s too short to be constantly looking over your shoulder… unless you’re doing it strategically.

Concern 1The Great Outdoors (and Public Transit) – How Not to Be a Target Practice Dummy

Ever get that weird tingle, like someone’s watching you? Or maybe you’re trying to enjoy your walk, but the world feels… off? You’re not paranoid, you’re just human. The stats show that fear of crime is a very real thing, especially for women.

Demographic	Percentage who feel “Safe”	Percentage who feel “Unsafe”
Men	78%	22%
Women	45%	55%

Source: Gallup Poll, “Crime Fears Are a Greater Deterrent to Women Than Men,” October 2023.

Over half of women feel unsafe walking alone at night. That’s a statistic we need to change, one smart, confident step at a time.

The Solution: Unleash Your Inner Detective (and Maybe a Little Sass)

Brain

Your Brain’s Built-In Radar (aka Situational Awareness):
This isn’t about being a spy, it’s about being present. That phone glued to your face? Put it down. Seriously. Criminals love a distracted target like a good cup of coffee – utterly irresistible. If you’re jamming out, one earbud in, one out. It’s like having a superpower: you hear the world, but you still get your tunes.

Gut

The Gut Feeling: Your Personal BS Detector:
You know that little voice that screams “RUN!” when something feels wrong? LISTEN TO IT. That’s your primal brain, and it’s usually right. If a situation or person gives you the creeps, don’t try to be polite. Your instincts can raise the alarm before anything dangerous happens.

Walk

Walk Like You Own the Place (Even If You Don’t):
Confidence is a cloak of invisibility against certain types of trouble. Walk confidently at a steady pace and make eye contact. If someone’s bothering you and polite nudges aren’t working, don’t be afraid to be rude for safety. A loud, curt “NO!” or “LEAVE ME ALONE!” is far better than being sorry.

Exit

The “Escape Artist” Mindset:
Always have an exit strategy. When you enter a new place, quickly scan for exits, emergency phones, or groups of people you could approach. For public transit, be alert at stops, have your fare ready, and if someone’s giving you the creeps, move seats and tell the driver.

Concern 2Home Sweet (Secure) Home – Because Your Couch Deserves Peace

Your home should feel like a fortress, not a target. While FBI data shows burglaries have dipped recently, they still happen, and the emotional toll is no joke. The good news? Making your home less appealing to burglars is surprisingly simple.

Entry Point	Percentage of Burglaries (Approx.)
Front Door	34%
First-Floor Window	23%
Back Door	22%
Garage Door	9%
Unlocked Entrance	30% (across various points)

Notice that “Unlocked Entrance” stat?

A whopping 30% of the time, they just walk right in! Let’s not make it easy for them.

The Solution: Turn Your Home into a “Nope” Zone for Bad Guys

Dog

The Fluffy (or Not-So-Fluffy) Guard Dog:
Seriously, this is probably the #1 deterrent. A career law enforcement friend “never saw a house that was robbed that had a dog. Not one.” A German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, even a ridiculously yappy chihuahua can make a burglar think twice. “Dogs Present” is better than “Beware of Dog” on a sign, for legal reasons.

Light

Light It Up! (Like a Christmas Tree, But for Security):
Burglars are basically vampires – they hate light. Good lighting, especially motion sensor lights around doors and windows, is like shining a spotlight on their bad intentions. An orderly home/yard that looks well kept also screams, “Someone cares about this place!”

Thorns

The Thorny Welcome Mat (Literally):
Forget welcoming vibes; let’s go for “ouch” vibes. Plant rosebushes under windows or raspberry/blackberry bushes along your fence line. These natural barriers are like living barbed wire. Bougainvillea can be like “land mines in landscaping.” Delicious berries AND security!

Lock

Lock It Down (Duh, But Seriously):
This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many break-ins happen through unlocked doors or flimsy windows. Invest in solid locks. Consider a monitored alarm system with sensors on doors and windows. If you’re feeling fancy, a safe room with thick concrete walls and steel door is the ultimate “nope” statement.

Concern 3The Unwanted Encounter – When “No” Isn’t Enough

Sometimes trouble finds you despite doing everything right. Knowing how to react, whether with words or, if absolutely necessary, with a well-placed kick, is crucial. The goal isn’t to become a UFC fighter; it’s to create an escape hatch.

The Solution: Talk Smart, Fight Dirty (If You Have To)

Talk

Verbal Judo: The Art of Talking Your Way Out:
Before things get physical, try to de-escalate. Use your tone, volume, and rate of speech to your advantage. Instead of yelling “CALM DOWN!” try “I can see that you are upset, how can I help?” Keep body language open, hands visible, move slowly. Project “I’m not a threat, and I’m listening.”

Fight

Physical Self-Defense: The “Get Away From Me!” Edition:
If words fail, your goal is to create an escape opportunity, not win a boxing match. Think “sensitive areas.” A well-placed kick or punch to the groin, knees, nose, or eyes can incapacitate an attacker just long enough for you to bolt. A few self-defense classes teach these quick, effective moves.

Non-Lethal Weapons: Your Personal Force Multiplier

Pepper Spray: Small, easy to carry, and delivers a nasty surprise. It’s like a spicy “leave me alone” button.
Bear Spray: This isn’t just for Yogi. “Bear spray will stop any predator or person.” It’s got a wider, more powerful spray, making it harder to miss and more effective.
Tasers: We’re talking “AN ACTUAL TAZER! not a stun gun. A tazer like cops carry!” These deliver neuro-muscular incapacitation, meaning they can drop someone fast, giving you plenty of time to make your grand exit.

For comprehensive self-defense training that covers both awareness and practical techniques, consider Self-Defense Training for Families or Reality Check Self-Defense for scenario-based training.

Concern 4Protecting Our Littlest (and Most Vulnerable) Humans

Life’s not just about guarding against external threats. Sometimes, the biggest dangers are hidden in plain sight, especially for kids or those struggling with addiction. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about vigilance and compassion.

The Solution: Secure, Aware, and Ready to Help

Kids

Child Safety: Tiny Hands, Big Dangers:
Kids are curious, which is adorable until they swallow a battery. Keep medications out of reach in child-resistant containers. Button batteries are silent killers – check remote controls, key fobs, toys. Store spares securely. Monitor children’s cell phones and online activity. Teach internet safety rules.

Help

Drug Use & Overdose Prevention: A Lifeline, Not a Lecture:
If someone is using, encourage them to tell a trusted person who can check in. Keep Naloxone (Narcan®) on hand – it’s a literal miracle drug for opioid overdoses. Learn how to administer it. The SAMHSA National Helpline is a great starting point. No one should face addiction alone.

Concern 5Your Digital Life – Because Your Privacy Is Priceless

Your digital life is as real as your physical one, and it’s a prime target for bad actors. A compromised email, identity theft, or hacked bank account can lead to devastating real-world consequences. Look at the escalating cost:

Year	Total Reported Complaints	Total Reported Losses (USD)
2019	467,361	$3.5 Billion
2020	791,790	$4.2 Billion
2021	847,376	$6.9 Billion
2022	800,944	$10.3 Billion
2023	880,418	$12.5 Billion

Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports.

Yes, that’s billions with a “B.” Let’s make sure your money (and identity) stays where it belongs: with you.

🔒 CYBER-SAVVY SUPERHERO CHECKLIST:

Password Power-Up: Use long, complex, unique passwords for every account. Get a password manager.
Phishing Defense: Never click links in suspicious emails. Go directly to the website.
Two-Factor Authentication: Enable 2FA on every account that offers it. It’s your digital bouncer.
Mind Your Digital Footprint: Check privacy settings on social media. Be mindful of what you share.
Update Software: Those “update available” notifications include critical security patches.

Final Thoughts: You Got This. Seriously.

Core Principles to Remember:

Be Aware, Not Paranoid: Practice situational awareness in all environments
Trust Your Gut: Your instinct is a powerful, built-in alarm system
Project Confidence: Your body language creates an invisible shield
Prepare, Don’t Panic: Have plans and tools ready before you need them

The world isn’t going to turn into a utopian paradise overnight. But by understanding these 5 biggest safety concerns and implementing these practical solutions, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re empowering yourself.

Whether you’re looking to Learn Self-Defense Fast or develop comprehensive family safety skills, remember that personal safety is an ongoing journey. To further empower your personal security journey, we invite you to explore The Other Way to Personal Safety, your comprehensive interactive scout for navigating modern safety challenges.

Key Takeaways:

Crime rates are decreasing, but smart preparation is still essential
Situational awareness and confidence are your best first defenses
Home security starts with basics: locks, lights, and deterrents
Know how to de-escalate and when to fight back
Protect vulnerable populations with vigilance and compassion
Digital security is as important as physical security
Personal safety is about empowerment, not paranoia

            Remember: Personal safety isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared. Go forth, be aware, be confident, and live your best, safest life. You’ve earned it.
        

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional, in-person self-defense instruction. Self-defense training involves inherent risks; always consult qualified instructors and prioritize your personal safety.

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