Why More Female Realtors Are Carrying Concealed Weapons

I’ve been hearing this more and more in brokerage kitchens and on social platforms across the country:

“Recently, I have been carrying when I’m showing homes by myself, especially at night.”

The addition of a concealed firearm to your everyday list of necessities is no longer a fringe safety move for realtors. Increasingly, female realtors are opting to carry concealed firearms on the job for self-defense, and the reasons are as varied as the neighborhoods they serve.

So, let’s break down what’s driving this shift and some of the changes we’re seeing as a result.

1. It Starts with a Gut Feeling, and Maybe a Bad Experience

Take this scenario:

A solo appointment at a vacant house in an unfamiliar part of town, right at the end of the work day. Doors open, lights off, and suddenly, what seemed like a routine showing starts feeling off.

The #1 rule among real estate agents is trusting your instincts. Locking doors, asking clients to meet in-office first, and using buddy systems are all in place so that if your instincts are telling you there is something wrong, you can act.

These precautions have been around for years!

But sometimes, extra measures feel necessary, and that’s where the option to concealed carry enters the conversation.

2. Women Are Getting More Permits, and More Intentional About Carrying

Recent stats show a dramatic rise in female concealed-carry permits, with some regions seeing as much as 30% in just a few weeks, with many registrants saying they’re in real estate.

A lot of training classes now even tailor lessons to solo female agents, where they are covering situational awareness, legal do’s and don’ts for showings, and hands-on firearm practice.

These changes aren’t just out of fear, but rather practical self-protection.

3. Empowerment, Not Panic

Many women I’ve spoken with don’t say “I’m scared”, but rather, “I refuse to be helpless.”

Bearing a concealed weapon isn’t about confronting clients. It’s about a mindset, being ready, able, and in control to protect yourself, as well as the client. It’s the same principle behind CPR training or learning self-defense.

Think of it as professional insurance, something you hope never to use but feel more secure having.

4. Firearms Are Just One Piece of a Bigger Puzzle

There are so many other layers that play into safety for female realtors, and smart agents pair concealed carry with some of those other safety strategies.

Client screening

Verifying IDs, office meetings first, and code words to alert fellow agents

Digital safety net

Using check-in apps, sending schedules to colleagues or family, and setting geofence alerts are all strategies we’ve seen realtors recommend on our platform.

Visual deterrents

Keeping lights on and locking backdoors are basic safety practices, and even if unseen by clients, they’re a signal that the property isn’t wide-open

In other words, a firearm isn’t the only safety tool; it’s just the last one that you know will keep you safe if all else fails.

5. Laws Are Opening the Door

Since the 2022 Bruen decision, a wave of states has moved to “shall issue” permits, or even permitless carry.

This makes it far easier for agents to legally carry concealed weapons without that excessive red tape.

Training is also available through many NRA programs and real estate associations, and more agents are earning certifications every day that include:

• Situational training for real estate environments
• Understanding legal limits and liabilities
• Understanding different types of weapons
• Securing a weapon in transportation while traveling between properties

6. The Other Side of the Coin: Risks to Consider

Of course, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution:

• Real-world defensive use is rare and often chaotic, which is why practice is so important. A weapon can do more harm than good if the realtor is now adequately trained.
• Client perception matters. Even concealed, a permit might feel unnerving to some and could affect professional rapport or branding

As one seasoned real estate agent put it: “You don’t want to scare them … but remember your safety is important.”

7. So, Should You Carry?

Here’s a quick checklist to run through everything we covered that you need to keep in mind:

1. Know your market: Are solo, off-hours showings common in your area?
2. Check your state’s permit laws and broker policies.
3. Get quality training, ideally with real estate-specific scenarios.
4. Build a safety routine: client vetting, check-ins, visibility strategies.
5. Talk it through with mentors or your brokerage, and consider discussing protocols openly in office meetings.

It’s also extremely important to consider the type of firearm that fits your needs. There is a wide variety of options on the market, with more female-oriented products coming out each year.

There are also endless options for just how and where you carry. A lot of realtors report that women’s bellyband holsters are the easiest way to daily carry, while others live and die by an ankle holster with a small revolver.

It all just comes down to your body type, preferences, and your daily activities.

It’s Not Fear, It’s Preparation

More female realtors are choosing concealed carry options year in and year out, not only because they expect violence, but because they more so take the responsibility for their safety into their own hands.

In a profession built on independence, that makes perfect sense.

But firearms aren’t a standalone solution, as they must be part of a layered safety shield, one that includes smart habits, community, and training. And for some realtors, just knowing a weapon is an option (kept safely outside client interactions) is the peace of mind they need to focus on what they do best:

Selling homes and building trust.