Selling Safely: Agent Self-Defense in 3D!
The Real Estate business is a great business. We get to be our own boss, choose how and when we want to build our business (most times), etc.
Still… on the other side of lead generation, relationship building, and working with buyers and sellers, there is that ONE factor we don’t always consider—our safety. Statistics from the National Association of REALTORS® indicate that real estate agents face risk and often significant safety risks. In their study, a notable portion of agents reported fear for their safety while on the job, with a smaller percentage being victims of crime.
The presumption when it comes to agent safety is that meeting strangers alone in unfamiliar locations can create vulnerabilities that can open some risks to our safety.
That said, before we get into steps we can take and how to approach situations where we may not feel comfortable or safe, let’s focus on some ways we can proactively minimize some of the risks. For example:
1. Don’t just meet people you don’t know. Whether they called us, emailed, texted etc. it is prudent to ask questions, not only about real estate, but about them.
For example…
- Where do they live now?
- Why are they thinking about selling and/or buying? (Listen to the story)
- How did they hear about you?
- Would they be willing to meet you at the office? (better than a vacant house, etc.)
- How can you connect with them (Phone/Email, etc.)
2. Open Houses
- Know all the entrances and exits
- Always have your phone on you (don’t we anyway?)
- Minimize the time on an open house (2 hours max)
- Co-host with a co-worker or personal assistant
3. Watch the person and look for these behaviors:
- They are aggressive in language, body language, or movement (including intruding personal space)
- They tend to walk behind you when showing the property—possibly standing in front of a door in a room.
SAFETY TIPS
The most common recommendation is to take a self-defense class and learn how to defend yourself. Now, as a Black Belt in Karate, Former Amateur Boxer, and Blue Belt in Jujitsu… I am all for learning these skills. BUT they take time to learn. So, YES, take courses if you feel you would like to learn hands-on. If’s not on the agenda right now—Consider what I call Self Defense in 3D. (The 3D information was created and originated by one of my own instructors, Tony Blauer, who is not only a pioneer in Real Life Self Defense, but has been acknowledged internationally as one of the best in the world.) So, what are these 3D’s?
4. Detect Danger
Another way to put this is “Situational Awareness”. Know your surroundings. Entrances and exits. Lighting. Suspicious activity (as noted earlier). But wait, there’s more! Is this person showing up towards the end of the open house? When you arrive at the open house—or even when you are there—is there someone or some people parked on the street waiting in their car? For how long? Detecting danger doesn’t mean we have to worry, but simply means starting with being aware. It’s harder to be surprised when you remain apprised of your environment.
5. Diffuse
Diffuse relates to what is called “Choice Speech” when we are in a situation where their proximity is too close, or their language is aggressive, etc. Odd as it sounds, changing the subject can sometimes create a gap or a pause in the other person’s thinking. Sure. More effective, though, is asking a question. Why? (which is a question). Because people tend to pause their current thought process when asked questions—and that can temporarily change their emotional state, perhaps diffuse it. Their reactions are clues to their potential actions when we ask questions. Are they quiet? Do they seem anxious or nervous—or impatient?
6. Defend
Notice, this is the last resort. Yet, at the same time, the strategic beauty of the 3Ds is that once you have detected danger and attempted to diffuse danger verbally, things may have calmed down. BUT, if not, the detection and diffusion attempt likely prepared you mentally and emotionally. It may even make you feel empowered, which alone can be a deterrent. Attackers go after people they see as victims in waiting. They don’t like victors (those who have confident body language, show calmness and control, etc).
You may still have that lingering question at this point… “All this is useful, but what if I am attacked!? I am not a black belt… what can I do”? Fair questions. And the truth is, you don’t need a black belt or a blue belt, etc. You only need to know (from a defense perspective) how to create space, possibly strike if needed, and move to safety.
About the Author
Dennis Giannetti has been in the real estate business since 2000—as an agent, manager, VP of Training, Chief Training Officer, and a National Consultant with Ninja Selling, Go-Givers International, as well as a Certified Life and Business Strategies Coach with (Tony) Robbins-Madanes Coach Training Program. He is a Life, Business, and Sales Coach specializing in creating results for agents and partnering with them to “Create A Life They Don’t Need A Vacation From”. He is also a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate, Former Recreational Boxer, and Blue Belt in Jujitsu. He is also a Certified SPEAR (Self Defense) Instructor Through Tony Blauer — Founder of The SPEAR System and Blauer Tactical Systems. You can reach Dennis at dennis@progresspartners.pro.
Info & resources related to Coach Blauer’s Self Defense Material:
https://blauertactical.com/shtf
https://blauertactical.com/byob-learn-more
RE Magazine Fall 2025 Digital Issue
Articles
- Message From The President
- Market Statistics — Construction Costs & the Housing Market
- WASHINGTON REALTOR® Profile: Brooks Glenn
- Legal Hotline: WUCIOA — What Is It & Why Do I Care?
- Property Management Q&A — Lease Renewal Notice
- Selling Safely: Agent Self-Defense in 3D!
- We Give a &!#% About Your Success
- Designation Spotlight, MRP: Rich Jacobson