E
very September, the real‑estate community observes National Realtor Safety Month, a tribute to Mike Emert, a Windermere agent who was fatally stabbed in 2001 while showing a Woodinville home. His widow, Mary Beth Emert, now campaigns for stricter safety standards, arguing that protecting agents is more vital than any commission.
Industry data show that in 2023, over 56,000 realtors were victims of crime on the job, yet only 46 % report having formal safety procedures. Brandi Chambers, a broker, shares how she now locks doors behind her, screens buyers beforehand, and follows a personal checklist to identify escape routes and phone reception.
The month reminds agents that meeting strangers in homes can be unpredictable. Safety training covers situational awareness, secure entry points, and emergency communication. Mary Beth stresses that safety should trump profit, urging agents to keep themselves safe and return home to their families.
