Hello, I'm Juan Mestre, your Forever Realtor. I wanted to write about my experiences in safety in
my busy life as a real estate professional, safety isn't always my first concern. But given the
diverse situations I face daily - driving to showings, meeting new clients, touring properties, and
working late - staying vigilant is crucial to prevent getting into dangerous situations.
As a realtor, I've learned firsthand how taking preventative measures can make a considerable
difference in keeping yourself and others protected. Whether you work in real estate, finance,
management, taking care of your family or simply want to enhance your daily safety, I've
compiled this guide of 18 tips that have helped me.
My goal is to share insights from my own experiences to help others lead more secure lives. The
recommendations in this essay range from maintaining awareness of your surroundings to
keeping emergency contacts handy. While you can never completely remove risk, implementing
these precautions can go a long way in minimizing hazards.
By being proactive, staying alert, and planning ahead, you can better safeguard your daily routine.
It is my hope this guide empowers people to feel safer as they go about their lives, whether at
home, work, or on the go. Please reach out if you ever need any other advice!
1. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: In the property market, often, Juan must visit unfamiliar
neighborhoods. It's essential to always stay aware of the surroundings, noting any unusual
activity or potential hazards.
Problem: Failing to be observant can lead to theft or personal harm.
Solution: Make it a habit to assess your environment when stepping out of the car or entering a
new area.
2. Use Verified Client Information: Before meeting a new client, ensure they have provided
verifiable contact information.
Problem: Meeting strangers without prior verification can be risky.
Solution: Always conduct a preliminary phone or video chat before the first face-to-face meeting.
3. Share Your Itinerary: Juan makes it a point to share his daily itinerary with a trusted colleague
or family member.
Problem: If something were to happen, no one would know where to start looking.
Solution: Use apps that share your real-time location with trusted individuals.
4. Maintain Regular Communication: Regularly check-in with your office or family, especially if
you're running late.
Problem: Unpredictable situations can arise, and without communication, they might worsen.
Solution: Set reminders to check-in, especially if you're at an unfamiliar location.
5. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Juan has learned to trust his gut
feeling.
Problem: Ignoring your instincts can lead to compromising situations.
Solution: Prioritize your safety; it's okay to cancel or reschedule if something feels amiss.
6. Limit Night Showings: Try to schedule property viewings during daylight hours.
Problem: Low visibility and desolate areas can make nighttime showings dangerous.
Solution: If night showings are essential, bring a colleague and ensure the property is well-lit.
7. Prioritize Vehicle Safety: Regular vehicle maintenance ensures that Juan's car doesn't break
down in potentially unsafe areas.
Problem: A broken-down car can leave you vulnerable.
Solution: Regularly service your vehicle and always have an emergency kit.
8. Protect Personal Information: Juan never shares personal details like his home address with
clients.
Problem: Sharing too much can make you a target.
Solution: Use a business address or PO Box for all communications.
9. Choose Safe Meeting Points: Opt for public places like coffee shops for client meetings.
Problem: Secluded areas can increase the risk of harm.
Solution: Always pick well-lit, populated areas for meetings.
10. Dress Appropriately: Dressing to fit the area you're visiting can prevent unwanted attention.
Problem: Standing out can make you a target.
Solution: Do some research and dress to blend in.
11. Keep Personal Safety Tools: Items like pepper spray or a personal alarm can be helpful.
Problem: Unexpected threats can emerge.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with safety tools and keep them within reach.
12. Learn Basic Self-Defense: Juan took a basic self-defense course, equipping him with
necessary skills.
Problem: Physical confrontations can be unpredictable.
Solution: Knowing self-defense can help deter potential threats.
13. Use Technology: Security apps or panic button features on smartphones can be lifesavers.
Problem: Immediate assistance might be required in emergencies.
Solution: Install and familiarize yourself with safety apps.
14. Secure Your Office: Ensure your office has adequate security measures, like cameras and
alarm systems.
Problem: Offices can be targets for theft or threats.
Solution: Regularly review and update office security measures.
15. Maintain Digital Safety: Cybersecurity is crucial. Juan ensures his devices are protected
against malware and phishing.
Problem: Digital threats can compromise personal and client information.
Solution: Regularly update software and be cautious with email attachments and links.
16. Avoid Carrying Large Amounts of Cash: Real estate transactions involve significant amounts,
but carrying cash can be risky.
Problem: Having cash can make you a target for theft.
Solution: Use digital transaction methods whenever possible.
17. Stay Updated on Local News: Being aware of local crime trends or events can guide your
daily routine.
Problem: Ignorance can lead you into hazardous situations.
Solution: Tune in to local news and be aware of areas to avoid.
18. Create an Emergency Plan: Always have a plan for emergencies, whether it's a quick exit
strategy or a safe place to retreat.
Problem: Crisis situations can escalate without a plan.
Solution: Regularly review and rehearse emergency plans.
My final thoughts
Through my experiences as a realtor, I've learned that true safety goes far beyond just reacting to
imminent danger. True protection requires proactivity, awareness, and planning.
In my daily work, I encounter varied risks - from unsafe neighborhoods to unvetted clients to
online scams. But implementing preventative steps has helped me minimize these hazards
enormously. Measures like keeping emergency contacts handy, varying my routines, maintaining
online privacy, and trusting my instincts have allowed me to conduct business more safely.
The tips I've shared throughout this guide can empower anyone to take control of their safety
across all areas of life minimizing stress. Whether at home, in the office, or out in the world, we
all face potential threats. But by making prevention an ongoing mindset, not just a reaction, we
can greatly reduce our vulnerability.
I hope these 18 recommendations provide a useful roadmap to a more secure routine for your
family, friends and you. We can't control everything, but we can control many factors that
improve safety. This proactive approach has served me well in my profession. I believe it can
help others navigate daily life with greater peace of mind too.
Juan Mestre, Realtor Associate PSA, RSPS, SFR, AHWD, & C2EX®
RAISING THE BAR FOR REAL ESTATE SERVICES
The information provided is intended for general guidance and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax
advice. Before making any decisions or taking any action, I encourage you to consult with qualified
professionals regarding your specific situation.
As your neighbor real estate advisor, I am happy to be a resource for your real estate needs. However, I
am not an attorney or financial advisor. Please reach out to licensed experts for legal and financial
counsel tailored to you.
I look forward to partnering with you on your real estate journey ahead! Feel free to contact me at
305-776-5677, visit www.juanmestre.com , or email Mestre.j@ewm.com or mestre@yahoo.com to get
started.
The insights shared here are sourced by my professional experience as well as reputable sources like
RisMedia, BHHS, NAR, and EWM Realty. However, this does not constitute personalized advice.
Please speak to qualified professionals for guidance specific to your circumstances.