Thoughts on real estate agents carrying firearms...

Buying & Selling Real Estate
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Thoughts on real estate agents carrying firearms...

Account Closed
Statesboro, GA · Member since 2015 · 99 posts · 24 votes

Hello, all. I tried to look through the forums for a related topic to this, but couldn't find one. With all the news of mass shootings, more and more people are buying weapons for their own protection. This isn't to start a debate on thoughts of gun control, just to simply ask the question: Is it okay for a real estate agent to carry an unconcealed firearm (on the hip or somewhere noticeable) for their own safety?

I live in south Georgia, so guns are very common. To me, having an agent show me a home with a gun holstered on his hip wouldn't make me uncomfortable, and I would actually consider doing so myself with showing homes. What are your thoughts?

Side note: I did some research on the topic myself before posting this. I found an article that took a poll on whether or not local real estate agencies should offer gun safety training. 55% said yes, it could be helpful. 32.86% said no, that it should be left to other agencies. And 12.14% said maybe, that it depends on the local laws. The same article quoted, "...in the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2015 Member Safety Report, 12 percent of REALTORS® say they carry a gun in the field."

What are your thoughts?

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Chris Jurgens
Rental Property Investor · Dayton, OH · Member since 2015 · 25 posts · 16 votes
10y

I will always carry! Done right, with the right training no would ever know. I carry if im going to million dollar houses or 5k dollar house. The neighborhood is not a determination if I carry or not. I want to be in control of my life in every aspect, I carry insurance for my finances and a gun for my life.

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  • Jeremy Tillotson
    Investor · Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 515 votes
    10y

    @Account ClosedI have a concealed weapons permit. Having it on your hip presents a new set of issues. I carry and people never know so they don't have to worry about being uncomfortable. I think most people who have studied this will agree carrying a gun brings a set of responsibility. You better practice and be prepared to use it or why have it. Just MHO.

    8Reply
  • Jeff B.
    Buy & Hold Owner · Redlands, CA · Member since 2015 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    hmm; As a buyer or tenant, the sight of a weapon on the person showing the property tells me - - I'M IN THE WRONG PART OF TOWN - - bye.

    10Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Statesboro, GA · Member since 2015 · 99 posts · 24 votes
    10y

    @Jeremy Tillotson, I would actually prefer for it to be concealed as well. I have an old neighbor I grew up with who shows homes with his always being visible. I do understand it carries a bunch of responsibilites. Do you carry yours at all showings you attend?

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Statesboro, GA · Member since 2015 · 99 posts · 24 votes
    10y

    @Jeff B., good point. I was kind of only looking from my POV, not a good move. How do you feel about carrying concealed?

    0Reply
  • Jacqueline Carrington
    Investor · Corona, CA · Member since 2014 · 746 posts · 372 votes
    10y

    Concealed carry would be best for agents. I think the showing of the weapon gives the wrong impression of the house, neighborhood and/or even the client thinking their presence poses a threat to the agent.

    Concealed carry for protection I agree with.

    10Reply
  • Jeff B.
    Buy & Hold Owner · Redlands, CA · Member since 2015 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    Discussions re 2nd Amendment is not real estate - - no comment on the question 

    2Reply
  • Jeremy Tillotson
    Investor · Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 515 votes
    10y

    @Account ClosedI agree with people saying if they see gun they think they are in wrong part of town. Depending what part of town I will be in I will choose one of several options for that day, but I always have one within reach, whether out with the family or doing business. I also practice frequently at the range.  

    2Reply
  • Chris Jurgens
    Rental Property Investor · Dayton, OH · Member since 2015 · 25 posts · 16 votes
    10y

    I will always carry! Done right, with the right training no would ever know. I carry if im going to million dollar houses or 5k dollar house. The neighborhood is not a determination if I carry or not. I want to be in control of my life in every aspect, I carry insurance for my finances and a gun for my life.

    12Reply
  • Kadeem Wells
    Real Estate Agent · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 72 posts · 35 votes
    10y

    Considering alot of female agents have been attacked in georgia. I do believe every agent should carry concealed. Maybe the company should advertise that their agents are armed.

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Statesboro, GA · Member since 2015 · 99 posts · 24 votes
    10y

    @Jeff B., I meant carrying as an agent, not solely in general. Thank you for your response, though. I respect the no comment, thanks for the insight!

    0Reply
  • Jacqueline Carrington
    Investor · Corona, CA · Member since 2014 · 746 posts · 372 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Jeff B.:

    Discussions re 2nd Amendment is not real estate - - no comment on the question 

     The discussion relates to agents and whether or not they choose to carry when conducting business. I believe this is a legitimate question for those who it concerns.

    7Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Statesboro, GA · Member since 2015 · 99 posts · 24 votes
    10y

    @Jeremy Tillotson, can't argue with that. I've heard of some agents getting in bad situations and it makes me want to be extra cautious when selling to someone I don't know in a vacant home. Hoping you've never been in one of those bad situations!

    0Reply
  • Joseph Chiavatti
    Commercial Real Estate Broker · Tustin, CA · Member since 2015 · 28 posts · 5 votes
    10y

    Absolutely protect yourself! I would probably lean on the concealed option myself- you're still running a business, after all! However, your clientele might actually prefer it if guns on everyone's hip is the norm in that area. Also, does NAR, or any other state have laws regarding agents and brokers carrying? Haven't heard of any, but the thought just popped into my mind!

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Statesboro, GA · Member since 2015 · 99 posts · 24 votes
    10y

    @Chris Jurgens, I agree. I actually don't have much experience with guns, so I would definitely take the right training. I just didn't know about how well guns and being an agent would correspond. I could see it causing issues, but as long as it's concealed, I think it would be appropriate.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Statesboro, GA · Member since 2015 · 99 posts · 24 votes
    10y

    @Kadeem Wells, I've heard plenty as well! I was just thinking having it on the hip may make the buyer uncomfortable. I think I still will for safety, but have it out of sight.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Statesboro, GA · Member since 2015 · 99 posts · 24 votes
    10y

    @Joseph Chiavatti, although guns are pretty common, I don't really think the norm is carrying on the hip here. I was also wondering about the broker having limitations, which is the main reason to make me wonder about carrying myself.

    0Reply
  • Jeff B.
    Buy & Hold Owner · Redlands, CA · Member since 2015 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Account Closed:

    @Jeff B., I meant carrying as an agent, not solely in general. Thank you for your response, though. I respect the no comment, thanks for the insight!

     Fine, but my comment was as general as possible - - regardless who has possession.

    I would run from the property as well as the agent, and begin looking somewhere else.

    Consider: No one will honestly answer these kinds of question:

    • when were the police last seen on this block?
    • how many nights have you heard shots fired?

    To me, seeing a weapon raises all kinds of questions and I don't even want to hang around to hear any explanations.

    What class property is this class-D?

    1Reply
  • Ryan Dossey
    Real Estate Broker · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    Do not open carry... Ever. If a bad guy walks into an area who do you think his first target is? 

    That being said I carry almost everywhere. I CCW and am licensed to in two states. The statistics on violence against Realtors is pretty high. As an investor I'm often in rougher parts of town at less than ideal times.

    3Reply
  • John Thedford
    Real Estate Broker · Naples, FL · Member since 2013 · 9k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    10y

    I don't think open carry is appropriate even if allowed. Some people will get the wrong impression, etc. I have been an FFL/SOT for 20+ years. No debate for me on the 2nd, but operating in a respectful and business like manner is demanded. I went to look at a couple of houses offered to me a couple weeks back. I chose not to leave the vehicle:). If you feel you NEED one when showing a house, fine. I can pick and choose where I work and invest!

    0Reply
  • Karen M.
    Hales Corners, WI · Member since 2013 · 229 posts · 80 votes
    10y

    Very interesting question.  I think that concealed carry is much better than open carry.  People might feel tense around you if you are carrying a gun openly.  It's just an emotional thing.  The other day I went into our village hall after a Cub Scout meeting (later at night) and the police were practicing going up and down a stairwell and managing corners with firearms.  It's not something you expect to walk in on.  It was all fine, of course, I know our police officers are perfectly safe, but seeing a gun out in the open is attention getting and you want your clients' attention on the houses.

    If you carry, you have to be well trained and very very attentive.  A lady left her loaded gun in the restroom of a church up here a couple years ago.  Idiot!  I'm not saying any of you are that dumb but you have to be 100% committed to ake the guns very seriously, 100% of the time. 

    For safety, I would suggest some self defense classes in addition to / in lieu of concealed carry.  Do you know how to fight?  Are you in shape enough to run?  Do you know what to be aware of when touring homes?  Some things like that are also helpful preventative measures.  I think that the realtor community should have education for their agents on prevention and protective measures and this is always a good thing.   Defense is serious and there are other options to guns. I think everyone should have some safety practices in place. 

    1Reply
  • John Thedford
    Real Estate Broker · Naples, FL · Member since 2013 · 9k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    10y

    Our local association has classes on agent safety. No matter your occupation, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Did you know that the majority of carjackings occurs at self serve gas stations? How many of us ever think of having that problem when we stop to get gas?

    2Reply
  • Joel OwensBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    10y

    I have heard this on Bigger Pockets over and over weapons,weapons,weapons.

    The BIGGEST weapon people have that is unused is themselves.

    Guns give people a false belief that they are bad asses or something and it's all they need for protection. This just purely and simply isn't the case.

    Tons of people buy guns and they collect dust and are never used. There is no practice of gun take aways, gun control in an altercation, etc. If people are only firing at a range they are not getting full gun training. If you have a gun and do not know how to use it in a defense situation that is actually WORSE then not having a gun at all because the attacker can then use the weapon against you. This goes for knives and any number of things you can be attacked with.

    Carry permit or not there are some places guns are not allowed. In those cases you have the training with your body to increase your odds of defending yourself along with common items in your surroundings you can use as weapons. ( Belt, keys, mop handle, walls, stairs etc. )

    Unless people have been attacked in real life they have no clue what it is like. It is fast, unforgiving, and usually over in the blink of an eye.

    I have been attacked by a gang on the beach before in Panama City for Spring break back when I was 18 years old. That is what got me into the Martial arts and weapons training. Situational awareness is really key for your environment. 

    Weapons can have there place but you have to practice constantly. Where I live the police are fixing to do next year counter terrorist training free to the public.

    Not trying to be a downer but I believe many give false hope to themselves buying something. Real close quarters a knife can be way more deadly than a gun. A lot of it with weapons is what type is being used and the distance between yourself and the attacker and what surroundings exist for cover.       

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    8Reply
  • John Gagliano
    Real Estate Agent/Investor · Covington, LA · Member since 2015 · 12 posts · 7 votes
    10y

    Conceal carry with a license is the only way to go. I have my license and I am a full time conceal carry person. Most states require training to get the license but ongoing training is a must too. Going to the shooting range monthly is very important because having the gun is one thing, but knowing how to use it is another. Having a gun is accepting the responsiblity that comes with it. Hunter Groover and Chris Jurgens have it on the money. One other thing, if you are going to carry please look into Conceal Carry Liability Insurance. 

    3Reply
  • Marty Reardon
    Four Oaks, NC · Member since 2015 · 8 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    i have no issue with someone carrying. i do

    3Reply
  • Mike Blossom
    Real Estate Agent · Marietta, GA · Member since 2014 · 7 posts · 2 votes
    10y

    I have met many subs at job sites that were carrying. Unfortunately some of the best flipping areas are not the safest. If it helps an agent feel safe selling a property then by all means, carry if the law allows it.

    1Reply
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