The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors (GCAR), a regional nonprofit organization with more than 1,600 members, understands the importance of safety when it comes to potential threats and dangers faced by many realtors every day. That’s why the organization will be advocating for realtor safety throughout the month of September, respectively known as National Realtor Safety Month.
To recognize National Realtor Safety Month, GCAR is hosting two safety classes. A self-defense class is scheduled for Sept. 23, from 12–4 p.m., and a “Safe Business = Smart Business” seminar is set for Sept. 28, from 1–4 p.m. Both classes are being offered free to members of the association, and non-members are also invited to attend for a small fee.
“GCAR exists in order to provide products, programs and services to meet the evolving needs of the real estate industry, and Realtor safety has become a substantial concern in the real estate business over the last few years,” said Nathan Walldorf, GCAR president. “In order to equip as many Realtors in the community as possible with the skills they need to stay safe, the association will offer two free safety classes in honor of National Realtor Safety Month.”
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) commissioned the 2015 Member Safety Report, which found that while 96 percent of Realtors have never been the victim of crime, 40 percent have found themselves in situations where they have feared for their safety or the safety of their personal information.
Because of the recent threats to realtors across the country, GCAR this year formed a Realtor Safety Task Force, which works to identify and implement ways to promote member safety within the real estate industry. Soon, the association hopes to take the information that the task force compiles in order to coordinate a GCAR Safety Certified Office program.
For more information about the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors and this month’s classes, visit www.GCAR.net or visit GCAR on Facebook and Twitter.