The real estate industry changed after an agent was killed on the job — but safety threats remain
The real estate industry changed after an agent was killed on the job — but safety threats remain
In 2011, a 27-year-old real estate agent was fatally shot during an Iowa open house, prompting the sector to adopt new safety protocols. Despite these efforts, recent interviews with NBC News reveal that many professionals still face persistent dangers, with safety measures often falling short of addressing the risks they encounter daily.
A safety pledge born from tragedy
Gavin Blair, CEO of the Iowa Association of Realtors, called Ashley Okland’s murder a “worst case scenario” that forced the industry to reckon with its hazardous realities. A safety pledge was introduced, outlining best practices to protect agents. Yet, as the years passed, the profession has evolved in ways that may surprise older generations, with many agents now relying on personal defenses like firearms and background checks.
“We need to really understand that real estate is one of the only professions where you meet strangers alone in private, enclosed spaces, with no standardized screening process,” said Beth Andress, a violence prevention instructor in Canada and the U.S.
The National Association of Realtors’ 2024 survey highlights ongoing concerns. Nearly a quarter of 1,423 respondents reported situations where they felt threatened or feared for their safety. This figure has remained consistent since the prior year. Additionally, almost half claimed their brokerage lacked safety procedures or they weren’t informed about them. A significant portion also met clients in secluded locations or showed vacant properties in areas with limited cellular connectivity.
A spokesperson for the National Association of Realtors emphasized the organization’s dedication to member safety, stating that resources and education are being continuously provided to support professionals. However, the data suggests that progress has plateaued, underscoring the need for more rigorous measures.
“There’s no drastic change to the behavior of agents, because it’s such a cutthroat industry,” noted Katy Caldwell, a Louisiana-based agent and co-host of the real estate podcast “Hustle Humbly.”
Caldwell argued that financial pressures often lead agents to prioritize business over safety. Many feel compelled to skip recommended precautions, such as requiring identification upfront or avoiding secluded showings, to avoid losing clients. This tension between safety and sales has become a common challenge, as agents navigate both personal protection and professional obligations.
Alex Harper, a Texas agent, exemplifies the balance many strive for. She maintains a detailed safety checklist, including carrying a firearm, using apps for background checks, and never parking in driveways. When meeting new clients, she ensures someone accompanies her, and she locks doors in vacant homes. “We’re given the safety pledge of, hey, do your best to be safe,” she said, “but at the same time, we have a fiduciary duty to our clients to sell their property.”
While the industry has taken steps to enhance security, the threat of violence persists. The question remains: are these measures enough to safeguard agents in an increasingly risky field?
