Industry ‘needs to stand up’ on real estate agent safety

Real Estate News speaks with founder Niall Phelan about why agent safety is still under-discussed, and what can change.

Real Estate News covers Agent Buddi founder Niall Phelan’s call for the industry to take agent safety seriously, noting that agents are frequently alone when they meet new clients for the first time.

The piece highlights figures from NAR’s member safety research on attacks against agents each year, and the moments of heightened risk agents face: working alone at an open house, meeting a new buyer or seller, dealing with a persistent “client” who is not a genuine lead, and time spent driving between appointments.

Phelan also pushes back on the assumption that safe neighborhoods mean safe showings, and shares simple precautions every agent can take: telling someone where you’re going, sharing your live location, and screening a client before you meet.