As a real estate agent, your safety should always be a top priority. According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2020 Member Safety Report, many agents have reported feeling fearful during open houses and showings. To address this concern, a growing number of agents are turning to smartphone safety apps to enhance their personal security.
With so many real estate safety apps available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. That's why we've compiled a list of the top nine real estate safety and security apps that every agent should know about. Whether you're looking for real-time monitoring, screening potential clients, or ensuring community safety, this article has you covered.
Best App for Real Estate Agents Who Want Real-time Monitoring: AgentSafeWalk
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Price: $2.00 per agent, per month; must be provided by company or association (no individual sign-ups) Available on: iOS and Android
AgentSafeWalk offers real-time monitoring and acts as a virtual safety partner for agents. With live video and two-way talk-back features, this app provides increased visibility and deters potential criminals. Agents can also upload client IDs for record-keeping purposes. Furthermore, the app allows for mass broadcast messages, ensuring effective communication during emergencies.
According to Steve Dinerman, AgentSafeWalk co-founder, "We developed the features needed in the real estate industry because we saw a need that wasn't being met with the video and live features."
Best App for Showing Safety: SafeShowings
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Price: $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (group pricing also available) Available on: iOS and Android
SafeShowings is a verification app that enhances agent safety during showings. By requiring prospects to provide their ID, agents can ensure their own security. This app stores the information securely, sending a clear message to potential wrongdoers. SafeShowings also features a distress alert function, instantly notifying emergency contacts or 9-1-1 in case of trouble.
SafeShowings was created by Helen Hudson, a real estate agent who experienced a close call during a showing. Her motivation to prioritize agent safety led to the development of this app.
"We tell people before we walk through the door that we need a copy of their ID. If they are not a criminal, they should not be offended," says Helen Hudson.
Best App for Community Safety Alerts: Kinetic Global
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Price: $500 per year (enterprise pricing also available) Available on: iOS and Android
Kinetic Global provides threat intelligence on a global scale. This app keeps real estate professionals informed about various issues that may impact their safety, including climate, transportation, terror, crime data, and even COVID-19. It offers personal safety alerts and, in case of emergencies, will call to confirm your safety and alert the necessary parties.
One standout feature of Kinetic Global is its geo-tagged threat and danger alerts, offering timely notifications to real estate agents in potentially risky situations.
Best Location App for Real Estate Agents: Google Maps
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Price: Free Available on: iOS and Android
Google Maps, a widely known GPS app, can also serve as a powerful safety tool for real estate agents. By enabling location sharing with chosen contacts, you can allow them to track your whereabouts in real time. In case of any danger, you can send a special notification with your current location to your emergency contacts.
One notable feature is Google Street View, which provides a visual image of your location with a full 360-degree view. Additionally, Google Maps can help locate lost or stolen phones and offers accurate mapping services.
Best Screening App for Real Estate Agents: Forewarn
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Price: $20 per month (enterprise pricing also available) Available on: iOS and Android
Forewarn is a comprehensive background check app that allows real estate agents to quickly gather information about potential clients using just their phone number. With Forewarn, you can access criminal histories, verify vehicle and property ownership statuses, identify financial risks like bankruptcy, and obtain a complete residential address history.
By using Forewarn, you can meet new people with confidence and make informed decisions that prioritize your personal safety.
Best Lockbox App for Real Estate Agents: SentriLock
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Price: Free with purchase of SentriLock lockbox Available on: iOS and Android
SentriLock offers a smart lockbox solution that ensures secure property entry. By syncing with their smartphone app, access is granted only to authorized individuals, eliminating concerns about unauthorized access. The Agent Safety App by SentriLock provides added security during showings. The app periodically checks in with you to verify your safety, and in case of danger, it alerts your designated emergency contacts.
By combining a high-functioning lockbox with a personal safety app, SentriLock provides excellent on-site safety for real estate agents.
Best Auto Safety App for Real Estate Agents: CarLock
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Price: $9.60 per month Available on: iOS and Android
CarLock offers a comprehensive solution to protect your vehicle, which is essential for your work as a real estate agent. This app acts as a car locator and movement tracker, alerting you if someone tampers with or moves your car without authorization. If you work in an area prone to auto theft, CarLock is a must-have app to safeguard your vehicle.
With 24/7 monitoring, GPS positioning, and advanced notification options, CarLock provides peace of mind and security for real estate agents on the move.
Best Home or Apartment Security App for Real Estate Agents: Brivo
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Price: $10 to $15 per month + hardware and installation Available on: iOS and Android
Brivo is an excellent property security app that allows real estate agents with property management duties to enhance security and access control. With Brivo, you can manage keyless entry into units through smartphones and monitor on-premise security feeds. This app provides real-time visibility of individuals entering and exiting properties, ensuring the safety of both clients and property.
Additionally, Brivo offers a lockdown feature that secures premises during emergencies and alerts the authorities. Many agents who use Brivo also adopt the system for their personal homes.
Best App for Real Estate Agents Working Virtually: Zoom
Zoom: Image Source
Price: Free Available on: iOS and Android
Though primarily known as a video conferencing app, Zoom can also be a valuable tool for real estate agents. Meeting virtually before an in-person meeting is an excellent way to start conversations with prospects and establish rapport. Additionally, Zoom's mobile app allows agents to conduct virtual showings and complete transactions remotely.
According to Tomas Satas, founder and CEO of Windy City Homebuyer, "Zoom provides safety by enabling us to conduct home tours without face-to-face interaction and (helps us to) avoid the chances of being exposed to COVID."
Zoom offers easy-to-use features, a free option, and accessibility for clients who may not be tech-savvy.
Your Turn
These are some of the top real estate agent safety apps available, each offering unique features to enhance your personal security. Have you used any of these apps before? Do you have any favorite safety apps that we haven't mentioned? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your insights may help other agents prioritize their safety and make informed choices.
