Real Estate Professional’s Guide to Property Safety Vulnerabilities
When I was in college in Akron, Ohio, I thought I’d found the perfect house. It looked like something straight out of a storybook — a little gingerbread-style home with a porch, shutters, and flower boxes. It was walking distance to campus and my favorite sub shop, Blimpie’s (RIP — they made the best warm turkey subs with Swiss cheese on the softest bread). It was also close to the freeway, which made weekend trips home easy — mostly for “free” laundry at my parents.
The house even had a garage in the back — a big deal in Ohio winters. My car at the time was a clunker that barely started, 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.
At first, I just noticed a lot of cars pulling in and out of his driveway — which butted right up against my tiny front yard — at all hours of the day and night. People would walk up, stay a few minutes, and leave. I didn’t think much of it then, but now? Those were red flags.
If I’d been smarter — or if my REALTOR® had been trained to recognize those kinds of patterns — I might’ve known better. Looking back, there are so many simple things I could have done: driven by the house at different times of day, sat parked on the street to see who came and went, noticed whether kids were playing outside, or looked for other signs of a neighborhood’s overall safety and stability.
That experience is one of the reasons I’m 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 just a transaction; it’s about giving them confidence.
Led by Brian Anderson-Needham, a U.S. Marine veteran, sniper, and former hostage negotiator who has trained over 50,000 officers nationwide, this course teaches you to view properties through the eyes of a safety professional. Brian will share practical, evidence-based insights from decades in law enforcement and tactical training — the kind of real-world knowledge that helps you stand out from other REALTORS®.
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. Learn how to identify and recommend low-cost reinforcements that make a real difference.
Evaluate neighborhoods, not just homes: Discover what to observe before and after showings — from lighting and traffic patterns to how people interact in the area.
Security upgrades that sell: Simple fixes like 3-inch strike plate screws, bar stops, and motion-activated lights can increase both safety and property value.
Communicate confidently: Learn how to discuss safety with buyers and sellers without sounding alarmist — giving you a professional edge while protecting your clients.
The home defense mindset: Brian also shares the five fundamentals of home defense: Evade, Barricade, Arm, Communicate, Respond — principles you can adapt into client-friendly advice.
This isn’t about selling fear. It’s about selling peace of mind. When clients know you’re thinking about their safety, they see you as more than just their REALTOR® — they see you as someone they can truly trust.
November 4, 2025 | 2:00 – 3:30 PM (Zoom)
Hosted by STAR – Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS®
Registration link: calendar.tamparealtors.org/events/9797534
Investment: $5
