How Local, State and National Associations Support Members
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name= "paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true" data-pm-slice= "1 1 []">The <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/membership" data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name= "link"><u data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="underline">REALTOR® organization’s strength</u></a> lies in how the local, state and national levels work together to amplify advocacy, streamline ethics enforcement and enhance member resources. In this episode, recorded live at the AE Institute, Drive with NAR podcast host <strong data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Marki Lemons Ryhal</strong> speaks with NAR President <strong data-prosemirror-content-type= "mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Kevin Sears</strong>, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations <strong data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Jarrod Grasso</strong> and Denver Metro Association of REALTORS® CEO <strong data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Brendan Bailey.</strong> Learn how this collaborative structure ensures a unified REALTOR® voice, protects consumers and can help your business succeed. </p> <p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name= "paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true"> <strong data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Meet the Guests...</strong> </p> <p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name= "paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true"> <strong data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Kevin Sears</strong>, a 30-year real estate veteran from Springfield, Massachusetts, is the <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/kevin-sears" data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name= "link"><u data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="underline">2025 President of the National Association of REALTORS®</u></a>. He is a Broker-Associate with Lamacchia Realty. </p> <p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name= "paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true"> <strong data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Jarrod Grasso</strong> is the Senior Vice President of Industry Relations at the National Association of REALTORS®. Before his current role, Jarrod served as Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey REALTORS® for nearly 17 years. </p> <p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name= "paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true"> <strong data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Brendan Bailey</strong> is the CEO of the <a href="https://www.dmarealtors.com/" data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name= "link"><u data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="underline">Denver Metro Association of REALTORS®</u></a>, with nearly a decade of public affairs, advocacy and real estate industry experience. He was named Vice Chair of NAR's Association Executives Institute Advisory Board in 2023. </p>
How to Navigate the Real Estate Appraisal Process
<p data-renderer-start-pos="518">What happens when <a class= "css-1rn59kg" title= "https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/sales-and-marketing/how-can-two-appraisers-value-the-same-property-differently" href= "https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/sales-and-marketing/how-can-two-appraisers-value-the-same-property-differently" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark= "true"><u data-renderer-mark="true">two real estate appraisers give different values for the same property</u></a>? In this episode, broker <strong data-renderer-mark="true">Lutalo McGee</strong> and appraiser <strong data-renderer-mark="true">Maureen Sweeney</strong> join host <strong data-renderer-mark="true">Marki Lemons Ryhal</strong> to explain the real estate appraisal process, why home appraisals can vary, and how real estate agents can effectively communicate with appraisers to help ensure accurate home valuations. </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="895">Learn tips for preparing for a home appraisal, how to handle a low appraisal, and when to request a reconsideration of value. Plus, hear why appraisal contingency risks matter in today’s market. </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1094"><strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Meet the Guests...</strong> </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1115"><strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Lutalo McGee</strong>, ABR, GRI, is the owner and managing broker of Ani Real Estate in Chicago. He currently serves as the president-elect of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and is a member of NAR’s Real Property Valuation Committee. </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1348"><strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Maureen Sweeney</strong>, RAA, is a Chicago-based real estate appraiser who specializes in residential and small income-producing properties. She is the 2025 chair of the Real Property Valuation Committee and serves as member of the Illinois Real Estate Appraisal Administration and Disciplinary Board. </p>
Protecting Your Client’s Negotiation Leverage: Real Estate Safety Tips
<p data-renderer-start-pos="504">Host <strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Tracey Hawkins</strong> delves into the critical role of negotiation leverage in real estate transactions, focusing on how to protect your client’s interests at the negotiating table. Joined by experts <strong data-renderer-mark="true">Matthew Rathbun</strong> and <strong data-renderer-mark="true">Amy Steele</strong>, discover key strategies to avoid common pitfalls, safeguard your client's bargaining power and enhance your negotiation skills. Learn about the impact of digital security, social media and AI on real estate transactions, and gain practical tips to ensure both safety and success. </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1018"> <strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Meet the Guests</strong> </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1037"><strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Matthew Rathbun</strong>, ABR, CRS, is a broker with Coldwell Banker Elite in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He serves as the 2025 president-elect of the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® and the 2025 president of the <a class="css-1rn59kg" title="https://www.rebinstitute.com/" href= "https://www.rebinstitute.com/" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark="true"><u data-renderer-mark="true">Real Estate Business Institute</u></a> (REBI), an NAR affiliate organization. Rathbun is an instructor of NAR’s <a class="css-1rn59kg" title= "https://www.nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications/real-estate-negotiation-expert-rene" href= "https://www.nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications/real-estate-negotiation-expert-rene" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark= "true"><u data-renderer-mark="true">Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification course</u></a>. </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1418"><strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Amy Steele</strong>, ABR, SRS, is an agent with JPAR Real Estate in Grapevine, Texas, who also is licensed in California. The owner of a short-term rental property, Steele focuses her real estate expertise on investment properties and vacation homes. She has a personal library of more than 3,000 books. </p>
Preparing for Unexpected Surges, Dips in Your Business
<p data-renderer-start-pos="513">The real estate cycle doesn’t always follow typical patterns. You may experience a surge or a dip in business at the times you least expect. It’s unclear whether the upcoming spring homebuying season will be busy or a bust. Are you prepared for whatever comes? Host Marki Lemons Ryhal talks to Chicago real estate leaders Kat Barry and Lateefa Neal about managing the unpredictability of the market and sticking to your individual formula for success.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="967">Meet the Guests...</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="988">Kat Barry, CIPS, is a broker and leader of the Modern Living team at Compass in Chicago. She specializes in residential and mixed-use real estate, and she has been featured on multiple HGTV shows, including “House Hunters.” Barry was named one of REALTOR® Magazine’s “30 Under 30” in 2009.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1282">Lateefa Neal is the founder and managing broker of NTS Realty Group in Chicago. She appeared in the fourth season of NAR’s docuseries, “First-Time Buyer,” which follows agents who are REALTORS® as they help consumers navigate complex transactions to purchase their first home.</p>
Using REALTOR® Safety Knowledge to Show Your Value
<p data-renderer-start-pos="457">Being a safety conscious real estate professional is essential for protecting yourself, your clients, and your transactions. It’s also a powerful way to show your expertise, build trust, and win more business.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="670">In this episode of the Safety Series, host Tracey Hawkins talks with Chris Atwell and Chris Garrett about strategies to incorporate buyer and seller safety into every interaction. Learn how to vet buyers, prevent wire fraud, safeguard vacant homes and approach FSBOs (For Sale by Owner) with a safety-first mindset that shows your professionalism and enhances your reputation. Leading with safety can help you stand out and build your pipeline, whether you’re working with buyers, sellers or FSBOs.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1171"><strong>Meet the Guests</strong></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1191">Chris Atwell is a real estate agent at Empire Network Realty in Orlando, Florida. He serves as the 2025 vice chair of NAR’s REALTOR Safety Advisory Committee.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1352">Chris Garrett is a Broker/Co-Owner at Weichert REALTORS®--The Andrews Group in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is the 2025 chair of NAR’s REALTOR Safety Advisory Committee and is the 2025 president-elect for Tennessee REALTORS.</p>
Use Your NAR Membership as a Selling Point to Clients
<p data-renderer-start-pos="515">As an NAR member, you have exclusive access to world-class business resources, education, tools and real estate data that aren’t available to nonmembers. How do you leverage these benefits in a way that demonstrates your preparedness to work with clients in any transaction?</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="793">Host Marki Lemons Ryhal talks with industry leaders Matt Difanis and Christina Pappas about the value of emphasizing your status as a member of the National Association of REALTORS® to buyers and sellers. They will explain how to communicate the advantages to consumers when they work with an agent who is a REALTOR® and how to use your NAR membership to help you up your game and grow your real estate business.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1208">Meet the Guests...</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1229">Matt Difanis is the broker-owner of RE/MAX Realty Associates in Champaign, Illinois. He is a former president of the Illinois REALTORS® and served as the 2024 NAR Association Leadership Committee Liaison.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1436">Christina Pappas is a third-generation real estate broker and president of The Keyes Company in Miami, Florida. She is the NAR 2025 Regional Vice President for Region 5 and served as the 2024 Chair of the REALTOR® Party Trustees for Campaign Services Committee.</p>
Creating and Maintaining Real Estate Agent Safety Plans
<p data-renderer-start-pos="499">Creating a sound REALTOR® Safety plan is as crucial as crafting a business plan for success. Join host Tracey Hawkins as she talks to real estate professionals Miguel Carreno and Susan Mertz about how to develop and maintain effective real estate agent safety plans. Learn strategies, tools, and resources for personal safety and agent emergency preparedness to ensure your real estate business thrives securely without reinventing the wheel.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="945">Meet the Guests</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="965">Miguel Carreno is a broker with Allen Tate, REALTORS® in High Point, North Carolina, and serves on the NAR® Safety Advisory Committee.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1102">Susan Mertz is an award-winning agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties in Washington, D.C., now working in St. Petersburg, Florida.</p>
Setting Boundaries Around How You Spend Your Time
<p data-renderer-start-pos="524">You’ve heard the saying, “Fail to plan—plan to fail.” Because so much of your success depends on how you spend your time, you need a plan for managing it wisely. But how do you craft a time management plan, including both your professional and personal time, in a way that works for you? Host Marki Lemons Ryhal learns from real estate pros Vanessa Franz Barnes and Natalie Davis how they took control of their schedules. </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="964"><strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Meet the Guests...</strong> </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="988"><strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Vanessa Franz Barnes</strong>, CIPS, SRES, is a broker-associate with Keller Williams Realty in Celebration, Fla. With more than two decades in the business, Vanessa, along with her husband and business partner Jaime, has sold over $375 million in real estate, building a thriving multimillion-dollar business. </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1293"><strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Natalie Davis</strong>, ABR, CRS, is a real estate agent from Denver who serves as NAR’s 2025 REALTOR® Party fundraising liaison. She was named the 2023 REALTOR® of the Year by the South Metro Denver REALTORS® Association, among many other industry awards.</p>
Mastering Emotions: De-escalation Strategies for Heated Moments
<p>Recorded live at NAR NXT in Boston, host Tracey Hawkins and an insightful panel of real estate professionals discuss how to effectively manage emotions and de-escalate tense situations with clients and colleagues. Gain practical strategies and tools to maintain professionalism, ensure safety and foster positive client relationships, even in the most difficult interactions when emotions run high.</p>
Dos and Don’ts When Working With Buyers and Sellers
<p>NAR Senior Counsel Deanne Rymarowicz highlights the essential dos and don’ts for working with buyers and sellers. From transparency in buyer agreements to ethical practices and state law compliance, this episode will help you navigate the practice changes resulting from NAR’s proposed settlement agreement. Stay informed with guidance and resources at <a class="css-1rn59kg" title="https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts" href= "https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark="true">facts.realtor</a>.</p>
Safety Tips for Property Management Professionals
<p>Property managers rely on many skills to succeed—from savvy financial management to great customer service. But one of the most potentially dangerous tasks that property managers face is delivering eviction notices. Also, a strong rental market can present opportunities for bad actors, from scams to difficult tenants. Host Tracey Hawkins talks to two experts from the “Show-Me” state of Missouri to hear their experiences and share actionable tips to use stellar skills to manage tough situations in the real estate industry. </p>
HUD’s David Berenbaum on Housing Counselors and Equal Access
<p><span dir="ltr" role="presentation">David Berenbaum, deputy assistant secretary for housing counseling at U.S.</span> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">Department of Housing and Urban Development, shares insights on how housing counselors can</span> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">help close deals and offers advice on ensuring fair housing for all Americans.</span></p>
Global Real Estate Lessons and Liability Mitigation With eXp’s Leo Pareja
<p><span dir="ltr" role="presentation">Leo Pareja talks about managing liability risks at eXp, the benefits of the U.S. MLS</span><br role="presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">system compared to international markets, and the challenges he faced selling his mom's house</span><br role="presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">in Belize—revealing the importance of efficient real estate practices.</span></p>
Navigating an Evolving Industry Through Education
<p><span dir="ltr" role="presentation">Robert Morris, broker and renowned real estate trainer, talks about the changing</span> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">industry, how brokers can lead through transition, the value of designations and certifications,</span> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">and the one course every agent should take to elevate their business.</span></p>
Advocating for Change: Closing the Homeownership Gap
<p><span dir="ltr" role="presentation">Bryan Greene, vice president of policy advocacy for the National Association of</span><br role= "presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">REALTORS®, reflects on NAR’s advocacy successes and challenges from the 2024 elections,</span><br role="presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">shares key policy discussions for 2025, and explores what’s needed to close the growing racial homeownership gap.</span></p>
Gearing Up for 2026 With Kevin Brown
<p><span dir="ltr" role="presentation">Industry veteran Kevin Brown reflects on his 44-year career, discusses the</span> <span dir= "ltr" role="presentation">challenges ahead as he prepares to lead NAR in 2026, and shares a message of resilience for real</span> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">estate professionals navigating uncertain times.</span></p>
What Buyers and Sellers Are Telling Us
<p><span dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dr. Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the</span><br role="presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">National Association of REALTORS®, breaks down NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers and</span><br role="presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sellers, discusses buyer resilience and shifting market power for sellers, and offers advice on</span><br role="presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">what real estate professionals should look for when interpreting market data.</span></p>
Industry Insights and Leadership Lessons With Kevin Sears
<p><span dir="ltr" role="presentation">NAR President Kevin Sears dives into the energy at NAR NXT and shares candid</span><br role= "presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">reflections on the state of the real estate industry, personal leadership lessons and the</span><br role="presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">conversations shaping the future.</span></p>
Election Aftermath, Affordability and Market Trends
<p><span dir="ltr" role="presentation">NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares his predictions on economic policy</span><br role= "presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">under the newly elected president, discusses the affordability crisis, weighs in on potential Fed</span><br role="presentation" /> <span dir="ltr" role="presentation">rate cuts and assesses the housing inventory landscape going into 2025 and beyond.</span></p>
Protecting Smart Homes from Cyber Threats
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Smart homes can offer a wealth of conveniences and customized experiences for your clients. However, smart home devices also can serve as an entry point for cyber criminals to access your clients’ sensitive data. Host Tracey Hawkins discusses with two real estate pros in the smart home market how to highlight the conveniences while mitigating the potential risks. </p>
Staying Safe in the Commercial Real Estate Space
<p data-renderer-start-pos="85">Safety in the real estate profession is often framed around the perspective of residential agents. But commercial agents also need to think about their well-being in the field. Commercial agents deal with different kinds of clients, properties and transactions, so they have distinct safety considerations. Host Tracey Hawkins discusses the nuances between residential and commercial safety with two commercial agents who discuss the precautions they take. </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="544">This episode is sponsored by FOREWARN.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="584">Link: <a class= "css-1rn59kg" title= "https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/staying-safe-in-the-commercial-real-estate-space" href= "https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/staying-safe-in-the-commercial-real-estate-space" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark= "true"><u data-renderer-mark= "true">https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/staying-safe-in-the-commercial-real-estate-space</u></a></p>
How to Educate Clients About Real Estate Scams
<p data-renderer-start-pos="178">Cybercrime, including phishing scams, fake online property schemes and wire fraud, is a major threat to the real estate industry. Yet most consumers say real estate professionals are <a class="css-1rn59kg" title= "https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/technology/consumers-agents-arent-warning-us-enough-about-scams" href= "https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/technology/consumers-agents-arent-warning-us-enough-about-scams" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark="true">not educating them enough</a> about the risks, according to recent data. You need to have conversations with your clients about <a class="css-1rn59kg" title= "https://www.nar.realtor/data-privacy-security" href= "https://www.nar.realtor/data-privacy-security" data-testid= "link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark="true">cybersecurity</a>, set expectations for how you will operate and create a plan of action in case you encounter something suspicious, like a potentially fake email. What’s the best way to approach these conversations, and what should your talking points be? Host Tracey Hawkins explores the safety practices that can help you and your clients with two real estate pros who have dealt with cyber threats in their transactions. And don’t miss the REALTORS® Land Institute webinar hosted by Hawkins, “Artificial Intelligence & Fraud Prevention,” on Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. CT. This episode is sponsored by <a class="css-1rn59kg" title= "https://www.forewarn.com/product/?utm_campaign=2024%20NAR%20Safety%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=NAR&utm_medium=display" href= "https://www.forewarn.com/product/?utm_campaign=2024%20NAR%20Safety%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=NAR&utm_medium=display" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark= "true">Forewarn</a>.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1089">Link: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/drive/are-safety-apps-effective-in-an-emergency</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="1099"><strong data-renderer-mark= "true">Get more tips about cybersecurity at https://www.nar.realtor/data-privacy-security</strong></p>
Are Safety Apps Effective in an Emergency?
<p data-renderer-start-pos="189">Safety apps, such as Forewarn and Life 360, can be helpful when trying to reach emergency contacts during a dangerous situation. But they alone will not save a real estate professional’s life if he or she is attacked on the job. You must pair your use of safety apps with strong, common-sense practices to protect yourself and your business. So, what does that look like? Host Tracey Hawkins speaks with two practitioners who delve into the promises and shortcomings of safety apps. This episode is sponsored by <a class="css-1rn59kg" title= "https://www.forewarn.com/product/?utm_campaign=2024%20NAR%20Safety%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=NAR&utm_medium=display" href= "https://www.forewarn.com/product/?utm_campaign=2024%20NAR%20Safety%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=NAR&utm_medium=display" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark= "true"><u data-renderer-mark="true">Forewarn</u></a>. </p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="713">Link: <a class="css-1rn59kg" title="https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/drive/are-safety-apps-effective-in-an-emergency" href= "https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/drive/are-safety-apps-effective-in-an-emergency" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark= "true"><u data-renderer-mark= "true">https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/drive/are-safety-apps-effective-in-an-emergency</u></a> </p>
How MLS Safety Fields Support Broker Cooperation
<p data-renderer-start-pos="305">Many real estate professionals may start noticing new safety fields in their MLS. How MLSs gather information on property safety conditions can be important. But don’t misunderstand what these safety fields are for because inaccuracies can cause a ripple of issues. Host Tracey Hawkins discusses the purpose of MLS safety fields, as well as best practices for using them, with two practitioners who have been intimately involved in bringing these fields to fruition. This episode is sponsored by <a class="css-1rn59kg" title= "https://www.offerpad.com/pbo?utm_source=nar&utm_medium=email&utm_%20campaign=podcasts" href= "https://www.offerpad.com/pbo?utm_source=nar&utm_medium=email&utm_%20campaign=podcasts" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark= "true"><u data-renderer-mark="true">Offerpad</u></a>.</p>
‘Is This a Safe Neighborhood?’ Don’t Answer That
<p>Let’s say you have a buyer who heard about a car break-in a block away from the home you’re touring, and that buyer asks whether she “needs to worry about that kind of thing around here.” Pause and use your situational awareness skills. What kind of neighborhood are you in? Depending on the circumstances, the client’s question could be a loaded one. And if you’re not thoughtful and careful about how you respond, you could easily introduce a fair housing problem. Listen as host Tracey Hawkins helps two real estate pros role play the scenario to come to the right answer.</p>
Be Aware of Physical Hazards Inside Aging Homes
<p>Older homes and fixer-uppers, which buyers are turning to for greater affordability, are often in disrepair and can present hazardous safety conditions during a showing or inspection. One Florida real estate broker recalls a home inspector falling through the floor of an attic, landing on the agent in the garage below and crashing into the property owner’s Porsche. You’ll be shocked to hear what happens next. Host Tracey Hawkins talks with the broker and a home inspector (who was not involved in this incident) about measures to take when working with properties that may be physically unsafe. This episode is sponsored by <a class= "css-tgpl01" title="https://www.forewarn.com/" href= "https://www.forewarn.com/" data-testid="link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark="true">Forewarn</a>.</p>
Coping With the Loneliness of Entrepreneurship
<p>Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely experience. You are solely responsible for everything that happens with your business, and that kind of pressure can feel heavy at times. Real estate professionals, who are small business owners, need a safe space to express themselves and find camaraderie around common challenges and goals. Taking care of your mental wellness is part of practicing safety. Host Tracey Hawkins speaks with two experts who are creating these spaces for real estate professionals.</p>
Use Safety as a Marketing Tool and a Value Proposition
<p>When you’re explain to clients and prospects what you do and why your services are worth it, don’t leave safety out of the conversation. You can use your knowledge of how to protect customers, properties and transactions from physical and cyber harm as a point of differentiation and value. Help buyers and sellers understand why they’re safer in the hands of a well-trained real estate professional, and they could become clients for life. Host Tracey Hawkins talks to two practitioners who have different ways of infusing safety best practices into client consultations.</p>
What You Should Never Post on Social Media
<p>Many real estate professionals strive to be authentic on social media, but where is the line in the sand? What you say about your clients, your listings and yourself could reveal valuable information to bad actors who may be looking online for an easy target. Host Tracey Hawkins speaks with two social media superstars in the real estate profession about the online boundaries they set to protect themselves and their clients' privacy. One of them says she knows of a sale contract that was canceled over a social media post.</p>
Safety Basics New, Seasoned Agents Should Remember
<p>When real estate professionals develop a comfortable work routine, it's easy to fall into patterns of practice that potentially could put you at greater risk. An agent with more than 20 years of experience and one who's been in the business just under a year talk about their impressions of safety in the industry.</p>
Your Information Is Probably on the Dark Web
<p>Even if your personal data, like passwords, credit card numbers or transaction details, are in the hands of cybercriminals, there are steps you can take to minimize the potential damage. Of course, it would be more advantageous for real estate professionals to make a habit of following these best practices before their data is at risk. Host Tracey Hawkins speaks with IT expert Burton Kelso and Marki Lemons Ryhal, host of sister podcast “Drive With NAR: The REALTOR® to REALTOR® Series,” who tells an alarming story about what happened once when she posted her location on social media.</p>
How Does Your Real Estate Business Survive a Disaster?
<div>When preparing for a natural disaster, real estate professionals need to think about</div> <div>safety in terms of not only their physical workplace—whether at their home, office or elsewhere—but also their access to critical business and client data. Take it from REALTOR® Rocky DeVon, whose community in Washington state was burning in a wildfire at the time this episode was recorded in August. Host Tracey Hawkins talks to DeVon about how his real estate business is powering through the 20th blaze in his lifetime, as well as how the REALTORS® Relief</div> <div>Foundation saved his neighbors. Former FEMA inspector and trainer Coni Meyers, who faced a</div> <div>tropical storm in Las Vegas, where she lives, also joins the conversation with disaster</div> <div>preparedness and insurance tips.</div>
Are Brokers Responsible for Their Agents’ Safety?
<p>Though <span class="fabric-text-color-mark" data-renderer-mark= "true" data-text-custom-color="#bf2600">real estate</span> agents are independent contractors, brokers are wise to offer safety training and other resources to help agents protect themselves on the job—partially to avoid possible liability. Brokers who have built safety programs for <span class="fabric-text-color-mark" data-renderer-mark="true" data-text-custom-color= "#bf2600">REALTORS®</span> at their companies discuss how they did it and how it’s helping.</p>
What Should Workplace Safety Look Like in Real Estate?
<div>An Indiana real estate agent tells her harrowing story of being attacked at a vacant</div> <div>property. Thought leaders assess the real estate industry’s effectiveness at highlighting workplace safety issues and discuss how real estate agents and brokers can consistently avoid becoming a victim of crime. Plus, an honest take on the threat level for women versus men.</div>