Safety has always been a big concern for real estate agents. They meet new people every day, often in empty homes, and sometimes in unfamiliar areas. A new company called Tether RE is working to change that. After winning the National Association of REALTORS® 2024 iOi Pitch Battle, they are gaining national attention — and for good reason.
What Tether RE Does
Tether RE is a safety and productivity app built specifically for real estate agents. Instead of juggling several different apps, agents get everything in one place.
Here’s what the platform offers:
- 24/7 safety monitoring so agents are never alone while working
- Client verification to confirm who they’re meeting
- SOS alerts and fall detection in case something goes wrong
- Timers and check-in tools for showings and appointments
- Helpful extras, like turn-by-turn navigation, mileage tracking, and branded agent profiles
The idea is simple: keep agents safer while helping them stay organized.
Why Their Work Matters
During their pitch, Tether RE’s cofounder shared a surprising fact: tens of thousands of agents report facing threats or violence each year. This number shows how important safety tools are — not just for peace of mind, but for real protection.
Winning the pitch competition gave Tether RE funding, visibility, and support to grow faster. It signaled that the real estate industry is ready for better safety solutions.
Looking Ahead: What Tether RE Could Become by 2026
Tether RE is already making an impact, but the next two years could take them to another level. Here’s what may be coming by 2026:
1. More REALTOR® Associations Using the App
More real estate associations may partner with Tether RE to provide safety tools directly to their members. Some associations have already started doing this, and the trend is likely to continue nationwide.
2. New and Smarter Safety Features
By 2026, the platform could include even better tools, such as:
- More advanced alerts
- Smarter risk detection
- Safety suggestions based on location or time of day
Technology changes fast — and safety tech is improving right along with it.
3. Better Tools for Brokerages
Brokerages may get access to new dashboards that help them:
- Monitor agent safety
- Track check-ins
- Understand which areas or times carry higher risks
This could make safety planning more proactive instead of reactive.
4. Partnerships With Big Real Estate Brands
As Tether RE grows, they may form partnerships with national real estate companies. This would make their safety tools a standard part of an agent’s everyday workflow.
5. A Cultural Shift in Real Estate Safety
Perhaps the biggest change will be in mindset. By 2026, using a safety app may become as normal as using a lockbox or taking listing photos. New agents might enter the business expecting — and demanding — better protections.
Why This All Matters
Real estate is a rewarding career, but it can be risky. Tether RE is helping the industry move toward a safer future. If they continue growing at this pace, by 2026 their tools may become a regular part of how agents work every day.
Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“Safety Startup Tether RE Wins iOi Pitch Battle”
National Association of REALTORS®
