When I was in college in Akron, Ohio, I thought I’d found the perfect off-campus house. It looked like something out of a storybook: gingerbread trim, flower boxes, a front porch, and walking distance to both campus and my favorite sub shop, Blimpie’s (RIP to the warm turkey subs with Swiss on the softest bread).

It even had a garage out back—gold in an Ohio winter. My car was a total clunker, but at least I wasn’t standing in the snow trying to jump it. It was everything a college student could want… until I realized my next-door neighbor was a drug dealer.

Cars pulled into his driveway at all hours. People walked up, stayed a few minutes, and left. At the time, I didn’t fully process those patterns as red flags. Looking back now, I can see exactly what I was living next to—and how easily it could have gone bad.

If I’d known more back then—or if my REALTOR® had been trained to spot those signs—we might have made different decisions. I could have driven the neighborhood at different times of day, watched who came and went, noticed whether kids were playing outside, or paid more attention to the overall feel of the area.

That experience is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about this upcoming session: Real Estate Professional’s Guide to Property Safety Vulnerabilities, hosted by STAR (Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS®).

This class helps REALTORS® become the most knowledgeable professionals in their market when it comes to identifying and communicating safety risks—in both homes and neighborhoods. It’s about giving clients more than a transaction. It’s about giving them confidence.

The course is led by Brian Anderson-Needham, a U.S. Marine veteran, sniper, and former hostage negotiator who has trained over 50,000 officers nationwide. He’ll show you how to look at properties through the eyes of a safety professional and translate that into practical, client-friendly guidance.

What you’ll learn

• Spot vulnerabilities like a pro: According to FBI data, 79% of burglars enter through front doors, back doors, or first-floor windows. You’ll learn how to quickly identify weak points and recommend low-cost reinforcements that actually matter.
• Evaluate neighborhoods, not just homes: What’s happening on the street before and after a showing? How’s the lighting, traffic, and general activity? You’ll practice reading the environment, not just the property.
• Security upgrades that sell: Simple changes—3-inch strike plate screws, bar stops, motion-activated lights—can increase both safety and perceived value. You’ll know what to suggest and why.
• Communicate confidently: We’ll cover how to talk about risk without sounding alarmist, so you stay professional while still protecting your clients.
• The home defense mindset: Brian shares the five fundamentals of home defense—Evade, Barricade, Arm, Communicate, Respond— and how to translate them into practical advice for buyers and sellers.

This isn’t about selling fear. It’s about selling peace of mind. When your clients see that you’re thinking about their real-world safety—not just square footage and finishes—they see you as more than their REALTOR®. They see you as someone they can truly trust.

Class details

Date: November 4, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 PM (Zoom)
Hosted by: STAR – Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS®
Investment: $5

Registration link:
calendar.tamparealtors.org/events/9797534

If you’re ready to be the person your clients rely on not just for deals, but for smarter, safer decisions, this class is for you.