The real estate industry changed after an agent was killed on the job — but safety threats remain
The real estate industry changed after an agent was killed on the job — but safety threats remain
Ashley Okland’s death sparks safety reforms
In 2011, the murder of 27-year-old real estate agent Ashley Okland during an Iowa open house sent ripples through the real estate sector. The incident prompted a range of safety measures designed to shield professionals from similar dangers. Yet, recent interviews with NBC News reveal that many in the field still face unaddressed risks, with some agents arguing that the industry hasn’t fully adapted to the threats.
Industry response and evolving practices
Gavin Blair, CEO of the Iowa Association of Realtors, called Okland’s killing a “worst case scenario” that forced the profession to acknowledge its perilous realities. A “safety pledge” of best practices emerged as a result, reshaping the job in ways that might feel unfamiliar to earlier generations of agents. Today, many carry weapons or use other protective methods, according to a 2022 survey by the National Association of Realtors.
Survey highlights persistent risks
Data from the National Association of Realtors’ 2024 survey reveals that nearly a quarter of 1,423 respondents still experience situations causing fear for their safety or personal information. The number has remained unchanged since 2023. Over half of the participants reported showing vacant properties in areas with poor cell coverage, while almost half said they met clients alone in secluded locations. Despite these findings, the association claims progress has been made, citing the value of ongoing education and resources.
Agents adopt personal precautions
Some real estate professionals have taken safety into their own hands. Beth Andress, a trainer in violence prevention and self-defense, emphasized that real estate is unique in its exposure to strangers in private, enclosed spaces without standardized screening. “The entire industry has normalized that risk,” she said, “so many people don’t even recognize it anymore.”
Industry pressure and safety trade-offs
Katy Caldwell, a Louisiana agent and co-host of the podcast “Hustle Humbly,” noted that safety recommendations remain optional, leading to inconsistent adoption. “Agents are barely making a living wage,” she explained, “and they don’t want to lose potential business by requiring extra steps like ID checks or background screenings.”
Protective measures in practice
Alex Harper, a Texas agent, exemplifies the blend of caution and professionalism. She maintains a rigorous safety checklist, often carrying a firearm and using apps to verify unknown phone numbers. When meeting a male client, she insists on having a companion present and avoids parking in driveways to prevent being trapped. “We’re told to do our best to stay safe,” she said, “but we also have a duty to secure deals for our clients.”
“We need to really understand that real estate is one of the only professions where you meet strangers alone in private, enclosed spaces, with no standardized screening process.”
“There’s no drastic change to the behavior of agents, because it’s such a cutthroat industry.”
“We’re given the safety pledge of, hey, do your best to be safe.”