As many local realtors will tell you, a career in real estate can be very fulfilling and rewarding. One of its most appealing aspects is the opportunity to meet and interact with many interesting and unique people.
However, this close interaction with random individuals is not without its downside, particularly with regard to one’s safety.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, violent crime against real estate professionals is alarmingly higher than in many other professions. In 2023, the National Association of Realtors stated that 41% of realtors indicated they feared for their safety during showings. They also reported that around 30,000 agents — 2% of 1.5 million members — were victims of attacks, assaults, robberies and even murders.
“Due to this ever-present risk of violence, many local realtors requested that the Park City Board [of Realtors] offer a class in gun safety and awareness,” said Maverick Bolger, president of the board. “We had a committee meeting last October and the proposal to provide a voluntary gun safety course was overwhelmingly approved.”
After the committee’s approval, the 2025 summer class agenda offered two gun training courses. The first — the defensive handgun introductory class — was designed for students with no previous firearms experience. The course discussed basic firearm safety rules and safe gun handling, then moved to different handgun options and calibers specific to defensive use.
“Many of our realtors have questions about how to address situations regarding homeowners and their guns, rules on proper storage and handling, and such,” explained Bolger.
The second class — defensive handgun training level one — built upon the introductory course and included shooting fundamentals, live instruction, and demonstrations. It requires students to bring their own firearms.
Of course, Bolger recognized that these courses are not for everyone and that by offering them, “in no way indicates an endorsement regarding gun ownership by the board.” He added that while many realtors have provided positive feedback regarding the courses, others have expressed their concerns.
“Most of the data shows that holding a gun for a few hours in a class doesn’t mean you will be effective using it for protection,” said local realtor Sara Skille. “It doesn’t make me feel any safer to know my fellow realtor may be carrying a gun. If anything, I feel less safe.”
Skille said Utah is a gun-friendly state with various courses an individual could take on their own. She was not in favor of the Park City Board of Realtors offering a class through its official course agenda.
Skille also explained that “local Realtors already take effective proactive steps to ensure their safety,” such as using location tracking apps, working in pairs and maintaining constant communication with a trusted person.
At the very least, she wanted the community to be aware of these courses and that some Realtors may be armed.
“After all, we spend a lot of time in their homes,” Skille said.