In this article, Avery Skipalis kicks off a new series called “Women Who Carry,” providing insights into incorporating personal protection on the job. In this first installment, she walks us through how she includes safety in her profession as a REALTOR®.
All professions have some level of risk associated with them. My profession as a REALTOR® faces unique safety challenges to perform my day-to-day duties and serve my clients. I must meet with strangers, show properties in unfamiliar or secluded areas and sometimes work alone. As a result, I, and many other real estate professionals, opt to carry self-defense tools for personal protection.
Carrying a firearm comes with significant responsibilities. Practicing proper personal protection is paramount to ensure my safety and the safety of my clients and bystanders. This article will outline how I integrate personal protection into my daily routines through training, attire and mindful practices.
The most crucial step for carrying a firearm or self-defense tool is to undergo comprehensive training. This training should include several key areas:
1. Self-Defense Training: Beyond basic firearm handling, I engage in self-defense training, focusing on scenarios I may encounter on the job. This training includes situational awareness, threat assessment and decision-making under pressure. Reviewing scenarios minimizes the probability that you may freeze when encountering a threat.
2. Regular Practice: Firearm skills are perishable. I practice regularly at a firing range to stay proficient and confident. I incorporate a dry fire regiment to improve my skills when I’m booked and busy.
Dressing for success and safety is non-negotiable; therefore, I select appropriate attire when heading to meet a client. The goal is to conceal the firearm or self-defense tool effectively while maintaining a professional appearance and ensuring quick access if needed. Here are some tips:
1. Comfort and Mobility: My clothing must be comfortable and allow easy movement and access to my firearm. Loose-fitting clothing can help with concealment, but it should not be so loose that it impedes movement.
2. Professional Appearance: Maintaining a professional appearance is vital. I select concealed carry options that blend seamlessly with attire. For instance, a high-quality concealed carry holster worn under a blazer or dress shirt can provide security and professionalism. Some people prefer specialized concealed carry clothing with built-in compartments that keep your firearm discreet while giving easy access to the firearm.
In addition to training and dressing appropriately, I adopt mindful practices to enhance their safety:
1. Client Screening & Communication: I conduct thorough background checks on potential clients. This can include verifying their identity before meeting and, if possible, meeting them in a public place before showing a property. Before the meeting, I inform a colleague, friend or family member about my schedule, including where I’m going and who I’m meeting.
I trust my instincts. If a situation feels off or a client appears suspicious, I err on the side of caution. A REALTOR® should feel empowered to cancel or reschedule a showing if she feels unsafe. Nothing is worth your life, including a paycheck or a potential paycheck.
2. Use Technology: I utilize safety applications designed for REALTORS® daily. Often, these applications may be included in a real estate professional’s subscription to their local board of REALTORS®. These applications can offer features such as performing background checks, receiving emergency alerts, GPS tracking and automated check-ins to enhance personal safety. My local board offers a free application called Forewarn. It’s a staple when dealing with potential clients.
3. Plan Escape Routes: When showing a property, real estate agents should be aware of all exits, including windows, and plan potential escape routes in case of an emergency. This knowledge can be crucial if a situation escalates. Consider how your vehicle is positioned in case you need to exit quickly. I am the queen of backing into a parking spot!
What I love most about being a REALTOR® is that I can meet and help new people daily; however, this aspect of my job holds potential risk to my safety. I perform my job confidently and securely by incorporating rigorous and consistent training, dressing appropriately for self-defense tools and adopting mindful safety practices.
Carrying a self-defense tool ensures I make my safety a priority. I highly encourage real estate agents to check out a REALTOR safety program. Safety will always be my top priority as a real estate professional.
Avery Skipalis is the owner of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, an organization that focuses on empowering women, men and children to make sure that no one else becomes a victim. She gained her firearms experience from the military where she’s been a military firearms instructor for 10.5 years. She’s also a certified NRA rifle and pistol instructor and Glock Advanced Armorer since 2015. She’s attended Sig Sauer Academy, FNH, Special Operations Command Armorers courses as well as multiple Advanced Shooting Schools across the United States. She resides in Florida with her husband and 2 kids. She’s currently serving in the United States Air Force and loves sharing her passion with others. She thinks it’s important that women also feel like they’re in control of their own safety. View all posts by Avery Skipalis
