Ever run scared from a “vacant” home?  Early one morning I punched the codes into the lockbox of a go-show, unoccupied property to preview by request.  The huge house was void of furniture but the construction details kept me engaged as I moved from one big space to another.  The awful curb appeal made this property a sleeper but the interior was unexpectedly nice.

I was checking out the kitchen when I imagined hearing a creaky hinge at work.  I gripped my cell phone and listened.  Was I really alone?  I called out and no one answered.  Would I venture into the basement?  Not!  I quickened my pace around the rest of the house, trying not to get carried away.  On the upper level I opened the double doors into the master suite and saw an improvised, empty bed on the floor.  My fear was then a reality, and I wasted no time getting out of there.  Did I surprise a squatter?  I think so.  The out-of-area listing agent had no idea.

Has anyone run into any weird situations with all these vacant properties?