Iowa Association of Realtors partners with Moby for safety program

Moby launches iPhone app

In response to safety issues in their state like the murder of 27 year old Iowa Realtor Ashley Okland which remains unsolved, the Iowa Association of Realtors has partnered with safety app company and AG partner Moby to beef up their state’s safety program.

In the wake of Okland’s death, our sources tell us that agents are still nervous in the area because no answers have been found as to why she was murdered. Not only the topic of conversation over the water cooler, the pattern of practice has changed and many agents won’t show alone anymore and some brokers have begun requiring agents to check in frequently which is where an app like Moby which is now available on iTunes, Blackberry and soon Android comes in.

“We want our members to have every advantage possible when out of the office doing their best to serve their clients and communities,” says Dave Bert, CEO, Iowa Association of REALTORS®. “We have launched new safety programs, kicking off a state-wide safety tour with the National Association of REALTORS® safety guru, Andrew Wooten, and encouraging members to look at new tools such as smartphone apps like Moby to enhance their existing safety plans.”

How the app works

The app is slick and super easy to use- Moby has several functions that answer to agent fears ranging from alerting a user’s chosen contacts over email and text when assistance is needed and offers interactive mapping of the user’s location which makes it easy for a broker or office manager to see where all agents on the clock are at a glance. There’s also a panic button and what we like about the app that other apps don’t have is a national security monitoring center with integration of emergency services.

“Moby subscribers are always in control of their location information,” says Conal Campbell, Director of Alliances for Moby. “Whether you are a REALTOR® at an open house, in an unfamiliar neighborhood, or just a smartphone user that wants to enhance existing safety practices while at work or play, you decide who should see your location to help you resolve your safety concerns.”

Several real estate associations, MLS providers and brokerages (like Keller Williams) have partnered with Moby which is available on most smart phones.

Download the free app