A smartphone isn't just for making phone calls. Learn about new mobile apps that can help keep you safe on the job
A range of mobile apps are available — some even designed specifically for real estate professionals — that can do everything from instantly alerting others when you’re feeling threatened to even automatically accessing your GPS coordinates to request help when you need it most. The apps offer discreet ways to call for help when faced in uncomfortable situations, whether encountering squatters in vacant residences, meeting with strangers in empty homes, or even open houses where you never know who will walk through that door next.
Real estate pro Michelle Jones, ABR, GRI, with Realty Austin in Austin, Texas, recently worked with a developer to create Real Alert, a safety mobile app for the iPhone and Android for real estate professionals. She created it after facing some uncomfortable client situations herself that made her begin to question her own safety more. Following recent news of an Iowa real estate agent who was killed at a model home and a San Antonio agent brutally attacked during a showing, Jones’ husband also became fearful of his wife going to showings alone at empty houses with clients she barely knew, and so they came up with the idea for a safety mobile app that would give them both more peace of mind.
“We’re meeting strangers on our job and often we’re alone,” says Jones. “This app can make people feel more secure and it makes you more aware of your surroundings. I’ve been in situations where I’ve been uncomfortable, but I wanted to call for help without alarming the other person. By carrying things that protect ourselves and becoming more aware of the dangers, we’ll be less prey and maybe even prevent more attacks from happening.”
Click here for more information on the 4 safety mobile apps you need to know about: Moby, Real Alert, Safe TREC, and IcePics.
Story written by Melissa Dittman Tracey at Realtor.org.
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