Should a male or female Realtor be packing heat???

I won't carry a gun, but I do have a tazer and pepper spray... my tazer actually looks like a flash light, I am not afraid to use it if necessary.  Where I show property, there are many remote homes that are not occupied most of the time, vacation area, so you could be in a bad position very easily.

Yes if you know how to handle a gun and shoot one, if not then no. I think both males and females should use precautions to not put themselves in bad situations.

I am comfortable with my hand gun skills and judgment. Does he or doesn't he? Only a perpetrator will know.... Have a happy and safe New Year!

Steve, First may I say controversy is not a bad thing!  I feel that everyone should carry a gun...we'd treat each other with a lot more respect.  I have handled guns quite a bit during my lifetime and can't say that I have ever been completely comfortable with them, I have great respect for guns.  My concern is more that even though I possess a gun I'd better be super skillful in using it so that it couldn't be wrestled away from me and used against me.

My main thing is that I go by my gut, I trust God to protect me and I inform others of where I am.  As I tell my customers who ask "Is this a safe area?"  I reply "There is only one place that's safe and that's heaven!"  Danger lurks but use all the resources that you feel safe with.

I think both females and males should as well use precautions to be safe. If they have the proper training and permit, that is their perogative. As long as they also are prepared and have the correct frame of mind  for what it truly means carrying one. It is NOT something to be used as a scare tactic and if they do not use proper judgement, skill and the correct frame of mind they will end up in more danger if it is taken from them.

I do not believe any agent should "be packing heat" under any circumstances, whether licensed to carry or not. It is important to practice safety tips, such as never leaving the office to meet someone you don't know, getting copies of driver's license, etc.

There are a number of agents who do just this -- it's an interesting situation.

Interesting blog! I don't need a gun to practice real estate but if an agent has the proper license to carry then I don't see a problem if the agent feels the need. There are many other personal safety methods available to show property if that is the main concern.  Is it that bad in your area that you need a gun?

I have not been in as many precarious situations in Manhattan, NYC or heard of them then I did when I sold real estate in Seattle, WA.  Sort of strange that you'd think the big city would be more dangerous but with the doorman everywhere it has been a safe place.

I think that if you are that uncomfortable with the people you are meeting that you need to bring a gun with you to feel more safe, you shouldn't be working with those people in the first place.  If you make sure they are pre-approved by a lender you know and trust BEFORE meeting with them and/or meet them at your office first during a time when others are around, I think you can avoid the whole weapon thing altogether.

I have considered getting one.  The main reason is because of a news report of a female agent being killed by a buyer she was showing houses to.  It happened in another state.  I am mainly in good areas, but you just never know.  We have to meet total strangers off the internet when they call.  Some of them want to see vacant houses.  It's part of the job.  I do let someone know where I am, but they wont be in the room with me if something goes wrong.  I had a conversation about this with a police offer client.  He said I should get a gun.  He said the pepper spray that is legal for the public wont help.  I have not made a decision yet one way or another. 

Getting my CDL this year.  Hate to be the only one in TX not carrying. 
Its not who you are showing but where sometimes.  As an investment Realtor much of my sales happen in areas you might not feel safe.  I have never been scared to look at a house (well there was that one time in the late evening with a bat flying out of an eve but that was for another reason)  I see nothing wrong with legally carrying a fire arm.  I am against the illegal carrying of fire arms.