Burn with Kearns: Realtor Safety Should Be Every Month, Not Just Safety Month – Kevin Kearns

by Coach Kevin Kearns, contributing fitness writer

Every September, REALTOR® Safety Month reminds us to pay attention. But too many agents—especially women—are so busy worrying about their image, their branding, or their “look” (yes, shoes included) that they don’t see the danger lurking in the field. Let’s put some real numbers and real stories in front of us, so we don’t ignore what’s happening until it’s too late.

Real Statistics That Should Shock Us Awake

2% of REALTORS® report being victims of a robbery, sexual assault, or physical attack while doing their job.

In 2022, 23 real-estate-related professionals died from violence on the job.

41% of agents say they’ve feared for their personal safety during showings.

32% of agents fear for their safety when meeting a new client for the first time at a secluded location/property.

Only about 38% of agents have ever taken a self-defense class.

Only about 46% of offices have standard safety procedures in place.

Real-World Cases That Hit Home

Here are some tragedies and close calls real agents have experienced. These aren’t meant to scare you—they’re meant to wake you up.

• Ashley Okland (West Des Moines, Iowa, 2011): A seasoned agent was shot and killed during an open house. The case remains unsolved.
• Beverly Carter (Arkansas, 2014): Posing as prospective buyers, a man and woman set up a fake home showing. Carter was abducted and later found murdered. The case galvanized the REALTOR® community to demand better safety protocols.
• Sara Trost (Parkland, Florida): She was fatally shot while waiting in a driveway to show a rental property.
• Multiple reports: Agents being robbed at gunpoint during what they thought were routine showings. Agents being threatened verbally or physically. Situations where “prospective buyers” turned out to have other motives.

The Gap Between Risk & Preparedness

• Many agents admit to fear (over 40%) but very few take official self-defense or ground-defense training.
• Standard programs often address awareness (that’s good) but not edge-weapon defense, multiple assailants, ground offense / defense or what to do when you’re knocked down.
• Too many agents believe it “won’t happen to me” until it does. Sally showing a house alone in a rural area. Maria meeting a client at dusk. John entering a basement tour without checking cell phone service. These are the moments predators look for.

How Self Defense 4 U Helps Close the Gap

Here’s what our program does, because knowing a risk without knowing how to respond leaves you vulnerable:

• Multilevel & scenario-based training: We don’t just teach technique—we simulate real attacks: edge weapons (knives, blades), chokeholds, grabs, ground assaults, multiple attackers.
• Ground offense/defense: How to protect yourself if taken to the ground; how to get back up safely under pressure.
• Edge weapon defense: What tactics work when someone has a knife, broken bottle, etc. Not “just run,” but how to disarm, distract, or survive until help arrives.
• Multiple assailant strategy: Recognizing distractions, choosing exits, making space, even when relief is not immediate.
• Mental and emotional preparedness: Your mindset under stress, how fear works, how to stay alert while also being professional.
• Constant practice & refreshers: Monthly drills / refreshers, scenario role-play, video reviews, not just once-a-year classes.

Why Safety Month Should Be Every Month

Because danger doesn’t check the calendar. It doesn’t care about your sales quota, your outfit, or whether shoes match your purse. It cares about vulnerability. Without the right training, what you think is a simple showing could go horribly wrong.

 Call to Action

• Agents: Take a self-defense course. Demand training from your brokerage. Don’t dismiss small warnings.
• Brokerages / Associations: Build safety protocols. Institute regular scenario-based training. Include safety in onboarding. Make it non-negotiable.
• Everyone: Share these stories. Let no one think safety is optional. It’s a core part of doing real estate.

Self defense 4 u “ home showing gone bad 2”

https://youtube.com/shorts/i86I0fn3WiE?si=ooNYLN-KLzofRDHn

#RealtorSafety #SelfDefense4U #EdgeWeaponDefense #GroundDefense #MultipleAttackDefense #WomenInRealEstate

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Read ALL articles by Kevin Kearns here: BURN WITH KEARNS

Coach Kevin Kearns is the founder of Burn with Kearns, a global training system with over 2,400 certified coaches. He has worked with UFC fighters, professional athletes, and everyday people for more than 30 years. At 59, he continues to teach and inspire people to live stronger, longer, and healthier lives.

Follow Coach Kearns: BurnWithKearns.com