Real estate professionals need to consider their own safety when working through the winter. Icy driveways, freezing temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and winter driving, especially when showing more remote properties, all create risks for agents.

Professional but Winter-Ready Footwear

Real estate agents need footwear that combines functionality with a polished look. Waterproof leather or suede boots with non-slip soles offer a refined appearance while providing a strong grip for icy conditions. Opt for styles with rubber or lugged soles, which enhance traction without sacrificing a professional aesthetic. Be sure that footwear is warm enough, not just for getting you from the car to the door, but if you have car troubles or other factors that will keep you outside.

Low-profile, adhesive traction pads, professional, slip-resistant overshoes in the car, or other options help provide a safe grip outdoors while still allowing the look and feel of professional footwear.

Safety Kit

Real estate professionals spend a lot of time on the road; they need to be prepared for being on the road in the winter. Carry a winter safety kit in your vehicle, with items such as a high-quality flashlight, a small bag of sand or gravel for immediate traction, an emergency blanket, and a first-aid kit.

Plan Showings Around Weather and Daylight

To minimize risks, try to schedule showings during daylight hours whenever possible, and consider postponing during extreme weather. While delaying may not seem ideal, your safety and the safety of your clients need to be considered.

Before any showing, check the weather forecast. For properties in more remote areas where snow clearing may be inconsistent, reach out to sellers or their listing agents beforehand to ensure that pathways and driveways will be cleared. While real estate professionals aren’t expected to shovel driveways, confirming these details shows your dedication to a smooth, safe experience for clients.

Ensure Good Exterior and Interior Lighting

Poor lighting increases the risks of slips and trips, along with other accidents; the darker days of winter mean real estate professionals need to ensure adequate lighting.

Having a high-quality LED flashlight on hand helps ensure visibility around darker areas of a property. If you’re showing a home with limited outdoor lighting, a small battery-powered spotlight at the entryway can improve safety without altering the property.

Inside, keep lighting bright in all rooms, especially where there are steps or floor level or surface changes. Floor lamps and portable lighting options can be used to illuminate key areas, especially staircases, entryways, and basements.

Prep for Slippy Walkways

While you aren’t expected to manage extensive snow removal, carrying a small container of sand, gravel, or pet- and eco-friendly de-icing pellets in your car can be a practical solution for quick traction improvements on particularly icy stairs or walkways. Sand or gravel, applied to just a small patch at an entrance, can help prevent slips and falls without creating a mess inside.

If walkways appear particularly hazardous, notify the listing agent or owner so they can address them before future showings.

Communicate Clearly with Clients

If a property will involve walking around exterior areas beyond simple front paths to the door, or there are any other safety considerations, advise clients well in advance of the viewing. If a showing includes extensive outdoor areas or outbuildings, suggest that clients dress warmly and in layers. This allows them to explore all areas of the property comfortably without rushing back inside due to the cold. Remind clients to take their time, especially on stairs or uneven ground, and point out any potential hazards to avoid accidents.

By taking these practical winter safety precautions, you can help ensure smooth, safe showings for both yourself and your clients. Focusing on the details, including lighting, traction, and working around the weather, keeps everyone comfortable and helps clients stay focused on the home’s features rather than worrying about winter’s challenges.