REALTOR® Safety, Health & Well-Being: Staying Strong in an Ever-Changing Industry

Posted by Dylan Poe, NAR on 09/02/2025

Every September, REALTORS® take part in REALTOR® Safety Month, a time to reflect on the unique risks and pressures of real estate and to adopt practices that safeguard both your physical well-being and your long-term success.

While your first thought might be protecting yourself at showings or open houses, REALTOR® safety extends far beyond the front door. It includes your mental health, financial preparedness, and the ability to adapt to changing markets.

The REALTOR® Store, through the Right Tools, Right Now (RTRN) program, offers member-exclusive resources to help you strengthen all these areas. This guide combines practical strategies with discounted tools you can use right away.

1. Physical Safety on the Job

Walking into vacant homes, meeting new clients, and hosting open houses can put REALTORS® in vulnerable situations. Awareness and prevention are your best defenses.

Trust your instincts. If something feels “off,” listen to that voice. Reschedule, bring a colleague, or meet in a public space first.
Adopt safe showing habits. Park on the street for a quick exit, let someone know your schedule, and avoid entering basements or attics ahead of clients.
Keep safety top-of-mind. Reinforcement matters — and that’s where a resource like The Little Red Book: Safety Rules to Live By for REALTORS® (5-Pack) comes in handy. Perfect for your office or team, it’s full of practical reminders that can save lives (currently 25% OFF through RTRN).

Even simple reinforcements, like leaving 2025 Code of Ethics Bookmarkers (25-Pack) in offices and training spaces, help keep both professionalism and safety behaviors visible every day.

2. Mental Health & Stress Management

Real estate is exhilarating, but it’s also high-pressure: commission-based income, long hours, and client demands can lead to burnout. To maintain your well-being:

Set boundaries. Schedule downtime and treat it as seriously as client appointments.
Build a support system. Connect with colleagues, mentors, or even wellness coaches who understand industry stressors.
Develop resilience. Tough markets and unpredictable economies can take a toll. Success Through A Recession: Lessons Learned to Help You! (Paperback) offers strategies for not only surviving downturns but thriving through them — now 20% OFF with RTRN.

Remember, protecting your mental health isn’t optional. It’s a key part of protecting your clients, since a calm, focused REALTOR® provides better service and makes smarter decisions.

3. Financial Safety & Preparedness

Financial health and personal safety often overlap. Unexpected setbacks — from market shifts to natural disasters — can impact both your income and your sense of security.

Have a contingency plan. Just like you encourage clients to prepare for emergencies, REALTORS® need their own “safety nets.”
Learn from experience. Titles like When the Unthinkable Happens… Be Prepared! Be Ready! walk you through scenarios you may never expect, but need to anticipate. It’s a smart, affordable investment at 20% OFF through RTRN.
Diversify your income streams. Coaching, referral networks, or niche specialties can help balance unpredictable sales cycles.

Financial preparedness provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on client relationships instead of the next commission check.

4. Technology as a Safety Tool

Safety isn’t always about physical protection — sometimes it’s about reducing risk altogether. Technology can help you minimize unnecessary exposure while serving clients effectively.

Leverage virtual showings. By conducting first tours online, you limit face-to-face interactions until serious buyers are identified.
Offer secure digital consultations. Tools like video calls, electronic signatures, and CRM platforms not only streamline processes but also protect your time and security.
A resource like the Virtual Viewings: Using Technology to Show Properties Webinar helps REALTORS® build tech confidence while reducing unnecessary risks. Currently, it’s 25% OFF through RTRN.

5. Building a Strong Foundation from Day One

New REALTORS® often enter the profession eager to succeed but unaware of the potential risks. Laying a strong foundation early helps prevent future problems.

Education matters. Start with a toolkit that covers the essentials — from business basics to personal safety. The REALTOR® Success Launch Kit (Digital Download) is specifically designed to help new members launch their careers with confidence. It’s available at 20% OFF through RTRN.
Mentorship and community. Surround yourself with professionals who emphasize safety and well-being.

By building safe habits at the start, you set yourself up for a long and healthy career.

Final Thoughts: Safety Is Success

Your well-being isn’t just personal — it’s professional. When REALTORS® safeguard themselves physically, mentally, financially, and technologically, they strengthen client trust and build resilient businesses.

This September, take time to invest in your safety and health. Small steps — supported by trusted REALTOR® Store resources — can make a big difference.

About the Author

Dylan Poe is the Manager of Product Marketing for the Strategic Business Innovation and Technology team at the National Association of REALTORS®, where he oversees product development and management. With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the real estate industry, Dylan works to provide NAR members with valuable resources and tools to support their success. Passionate about helping real estate professionals grow their businesses, Dylan regularly contributes insights on industry trends and strategies through the REALTOR® Store blog.