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Heard about this story on last night's news.

In a nutshell, a woman visited several open houses, accompanied by children. As the children distracted the agent, the woman toured the house and helped herself to any of the owners' items she wanted.

When she had finished her shopping, she and the children left.

The thefts were discovered when the owners looked for specific items but found them missing.

Check it out

Have you had any similar experiences?

What do you do to prevent thefts in open houses?

 

 

 
Posted by Larry Easto on 06/03/2009 05:07 AM   Comments (13)   Open House in the ActiveRain Channel   open houses  
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13 Comments on Open-house thefts like a tale out of Dickens

JUN
03
2009

First off I insist that the owner put all items of assumed value in a lockbox or their dressers - out of sight!  I also escort any visitors throughout the property leaving no one behind; should a new person come in, I "invite" them to join the tour! 
5:40am • #1
1,544,582 Points 416 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Show the house.  If folks try to distract, rein the in. 

Take control and show the house.  If more than one visitor is in the house at a time, invite them to sit, have a glass of cool water or eat a cookie and you'll be right with them. 

If it's a high traffic area, have more than one agent on duty. 

You're in charge.  Take charge.

 
5:41am • #2
1,016,403 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

There is always the chance that you maybe targeted by these criminals. .you have to take control and if you need to close the open house temporarily . .it should be done. I know "junkies" want to raid the medicine cabinets and they ask you if they can  use the restroom.
5:45am • #3
1,036,229 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I always tell sellers to keep valuables and prescription medicines hidden.
6:02am • #4
111,792 Points 4 Featured Posts Hit Router

Obviously, if someone is intent on ripping off the vendor, it will be difficult to stop if you are doing an open house with even two parties viewing the home.  Open houses are the problem.  We (the industry) should just get rid of them unless the house is vacant. 

If people are serious about house hunting they will make an appointment.  How many open houses are a waste of time for Realtors?  I avoid them and will do them if my vendor really wants one but I discourage them.  If someone wants a viewing I ask prospective buyers to make an appointment.  That has been working just fine.  Most of the time Realtors end up being professional visitors on Sunday afternoons.
6:03am • #5
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I've heard of people wanting to use the bathroom in homes so they can check out or clean out the medicine cabinet.  Even prescriptions should be kept under key while homes are on the market!
6:04am • #6
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I think I have found the answer. I stay home on Sundays with my family. The only thing they ever steal is my heart.
6:21am • #7
773,440 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Thanks for sharing your post with us this morning. I found it very informative and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Keep blogging
6:25am • #8
220,023 Points

I always suggest they put away anything of value and I also take one of my team members with me and we work well together---- Great post!
6:35am • #9
170,043 Points

Wow-this was an excellent post. I love reading your posts. Keep up the great job on blogging.
6:39am • #10
441,625 Points 20 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I am with Lenn,  I try to keep control of the flow of visitors.  I prefer to show/chaparone them through the home.
6:45am • #11
336,575 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I only let one party in at a time.  Keep them all together and tell the owners to put away any valuables.   If I get a lot of calls before the open house, I'll have someone else with me to act as receptionist/hostess.
7:26am • #12
JUN
04
2009

Larry,

I saw a similar post from Peggy and Sue; is this an epidemic?
1:03am • #13

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Larry Easto

Toronto, ON

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