Shannon,  I don't have a concealed weapon permit but I really need to get one.  If I did, I would carry.  You just never know these days.

I do have a concealed permit, but I do not typically carry while at work, or ever for that matter. I have had two break ins on listings that were vacant. I had to go check out the properties and lock them back up, in those cases I carried my hand gun. I think it should be the agents right to do so if they wish.

Hi Shannon,

I was in AR when this happened to Beverly! I was so mad! I don't currently carry but my husband does. We do property management, list REO's and show to buyers we don't know. He can't always make it so I text him license plates when I arrive at a property to show someone I don't know.  So yes I think it is perfectly fine to carry a concealed handgun.

The day I have to strap on a gun for business is the day I quit that business.  I take other precautions including, but not limited to, always showing property with a team member.

We need to figure something out. I have wondered about a taser, a gun or just self defense class. Not sure, but it's coming. 

Shannon, I would never show off that I am carrying. That is just plain stupid in most situations. However, I totally believe that many people who are comfortable with carrying should have their concealed permits and should carry, REALTORS® or not. After what I have been through as a young girl - I learned that the only way ( after being kidnapped more than one time) to protect myself was to be a black belt which I am but also to protect myself with lazer, guns and sprays. I will NEVER allow anything like that to happen to me again or to my daughters or my granddaughters or my sons or their sons. Sometimes people tell me that I am going about this wrong- but we each need to resolve these situations on our own terms. I will never understand why anyone who has NOT walked in my shoes feels they can tell me that I should not have a gun. The only time I was safe was when I did pull out a gun on a molester. That empowered me to never be molested again. 

As for real estate showings- I refused to EVER meet anyone at a vacant property alone even with a concealed weapon. I would not even go to a vacant property even if the person met me at the office. There are people who could care less that you just sent a photo of their drivers license to your husband, friends, broker, etc. If someone wants to harm you- if they are psycho they are not going to care!! They will hurt you anyways. Some of them even want to get caught. 

Shannon, I do not carry a gun on my body. However because I am a hunter I often have a long gun in my truck.

In my circumstances, I meet the person at the office.  Occasionally, my husband, a broker in my office, accompanies me.  If the day comes, where my husband is unable come along with me, I have a concealed weapons permit, and if intimidated would give serious consideration to carrying or perhaps even canceling, it depends on the situation. Mace is a good alternative.

It's a good idea to be observant and cautious.  Being trained to use a handgun is one option, and some may feel that having a concealed carry permit helps.  How many of us already carry around a can of pepper spray?  Some effective options exist in martial arts for protection without requiring a permit.

Debbie - first of all put all the necessary safeguards in place such as meeting in the office, validation of credentials, and other protocols. 

I have absolutely no problem with a conceals weapons permit as well.

 Shannon, There is one very important thing to remember if you have a gun of any kind. If you point it at someone you better be prepared to pull the trigger. It takes some doing to kill another person and not everyone can do it. Anyone who doubts they can pull the trigger is better off with no gun. If you can't shoot your attacker will probably get the weapon and you will be even worse off.

I will give the same response. Yes I wish it was a safe and secure world. Most times it is. BUT!!! The real question is how you would react if threatened?

I am a cyber violence specialist.

The link below is an informational video to new, proactive technology that has just been released for Realtor protection. This is the first crime prevention protocol ever developed for the Realtor community, and not only is it much more convenient for both the Realtor and the client than the procedures being used today, it absolutely works. Also, the emergency response plan in this system is state-of-the-art and far superior to any response plan that exists.  

Experts like myself are totally baffled that the Realtor community continues to resort to failed measures like weapons and fighting techniques for Realtor protection. There have been almost 200 Realtors murdered since 2008 and there is not one instance on record where any Realtor has stopped a criminal attack by using force. These attackers are hardened criminals and some of the most dangerous people in our society. They strike without any warning and instantly render their victim completely helpless, and usually semi-conscious with the first blow. The opportunity for a Realtor, especially a female, to overpower, escape or draw a weapon on these criminals does not exist in the real world when these attacks occur; this is normally the cold reality of this life threatening situation. I am also including this link to a news article where a Realtor testifies about an attack she endured. With the first blow the criminal knocked her across the room and completely out of her shoes.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/criminal/former-st-petersburg-realtor-testifies-against-man-accused-of-attacking/1210171

The time is now for the Realtor community to take advantage of intelligence and modern technology that stops these attacks before they happen. This is the only real method of defeating these criminals, and it absolutely works. Please help us establish REAL safety in your community by implementing this protocol and providing Realtors with the level of protection they deserve. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at your convenience.

http://realtor.safemeet.me/page/intro-video

Mack Galphin

803-479-2241