May 4, 2026
Claire Brenneman
Real estate is a relationship business, and that means meeting people, often in unfamiliar places, sometimes on short notice. Most of those interactions are positive. But as a professional who regularly meets clients alone at properties, in vacant homes, and during evening showings, personal safety deserves the same preparation you give your marketing strategy or your transaction checklist.
Before your schedule goes full speed, take time to revisit your safety practices. The habits you build now will carry you through the season.
As spring listings pick up and your calendar fills fast, now is the time to make sure your safety habits and tools are ready to go. A few intentional steps before the rush can make all the difference.
Practical Safety Habits Every Agent Should Practice
The foundation of agent safety is building smart routines. None of these require special tools. They just require consistency.
- Always Share Your Plans - Before every showing, tell someone where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to be done. Make it a habit, not an exception.
- Check In Before You Go In - Call or text a trusted contact when you arrive at a property and again when you leave. A quick "I'm here" and "I'm leaving" creates a safety trail.
- Meet New Clients at the Office First - Whenever possible, have a first meeting in your office before heading to a property. It creates a record and lets you get a feel for the person.
- Scope the Property Before Clients Arrive - Arrive a few minutes early to walk through the home. Know where the exits are. Keep a clear path to the door during the showing.
- Keep Your Phone Accessible and Charged - Your phone is your lifeline. Keep it in your hand or pocket during showings, not buried in your bag. A portable charger is a simple investment in peace of mind.
- Collect Client Info Before You Meet - Get a phone number, email address, and verify identity before committing to a showing with someone you have not worked with before.
Before the First Showing: Verify Who You Are Meeting
One of the most impactful things you can do before meeting a new prospect is simply knowing who they are. That does not mean assuming the worst about anyone. It means being informed. A brief background check can confirm identity, flag potential concerns, and give you the context you need to walk in prepared.
As a member of the Montana Regional MLS (MRMLS), you already have access to a powerful tool designed specifically for this: FOREWARN.
FOREWARN: Know Before You Go
FOREWARN is an agent safety app that lets you run an instant background check on a prospect using just their phone number. In seconds, you can access:
- Identity verification and address history
- Criminal history records, including felonies and sex offender status
- Bankruptcy, liens, and judgments
- Vehicle and property records
It takes less than a minute and is included at no additional cost through your MRMLS membership. If you have not downloaded the app or logged in recently, now is the time.
New From FOREWARN: Household Risk
FOREWARN has expanded its capabilities with a new feature called Household Risk, and it addresses something agents have not had visibility into before.
When you prepare to meet a client at a property, the risk does not always come solely from the person you have been communicating with. Others may be present in that home, and until now, those individuals have largely been invisible to safety tools.
Household Risk changes that. By searching a property address, you can gain insight into others who may be associated with the household and potentially present during your visit.
It also reinforces something every REALTOR® knows intuitively: strong communities build strong housing markets. When local organizations thrive, so do the neighborhoods we serve.
How to Use Household Risk
- Enter the property address to initiate a Household Risk search in the FOREWARN app
- View individuals possibly associated with the household, along with available risk indicators
- Select any individual to review additional criminal history records or sex offender status
This feature is available now, at no additional cost. It is a straightforward addition to your pre-showing routine and one more layer of awareness you can bring to every in-person meeting.
Additional Resources Worth Knowing
Beyond FOREWARN, there are other resources and habits that support a strong safety practice throughout the year.
NAR's REALTOR Safety Program
The National Association of REALTORS® offers a dedicated safety program at nar.realtor/safety, including videos, downloadable guides, and a personal safety course. The NAR REALTOR Safety Month each September is also a great time to revisit your practices with your team or office.
NMAR Professional Development
NMAR periodically offers safety classes and continuing education opportunities for local members. Keep an eye on NMAR Connect and your member communications for upcoming sessions. Attending even one safety-focused class can reinforce habits that protect you all year.
SentriLock Lockboxes
Your NMAR membership also gives you access to SentriLock electronic lockboxes, which keep a digital record of property access. This is a useful accountability tool that benefits both you and your clients.
Your Office and Broker Network
Do not underestimate the safety system you already have. A coworker who knows your schedule, a broker who encourages check-in protocols, or an office policy around new client meetings can be some of the most effective safety resources available.
40% of REALTORS® reported feeling unsafe during at least one client situation (NAR Safety Survey)
1 minute is all it takes to run a FOREWARN check before a showing. A small step with meaningful impact.
Make Safety Part of Your Routine, Not an Afterthought
The best time to build safety habits is before you need them. When your calendar is packed and you are rushing from showing to showing, there is not always time to think it through. If the habits are already in place, they happen automatically.
This spring, commit to a few simple practices. Download and use FOREWARN before new client meetings. Try the Household Risk feature when visiting occupied or semi-occupied properties. Tell someone where you are going. Keep your phone charged and accessible. These are small actions that add up to real protection.
We want every NMAR member to come home safely at the end of every day. Let us help you make that happen.
Questions or Resources?
Accessing FOREWARN: FOREWARN is a benefit provided through the Montana Regional MLS (MRMLS). If you need help getting set up, logging in, or using the app, please reach out directly to MRMLS. They are your point of contact for everything related to your FOREWARN access.
If you have general questions about agent safety resources, education opportunities, or other member benefits, the NMAR office is here to help.