Are you breaking the law? Have ever driven around seen a home you thought may be for sale, that caught your interest, parked the car, hopped out and taken a peek through the window? If so... you are guilty of trespassing.
A vacant home, still belongs to someone or something (like a bank for instance). Just because it appears to be vacant does NOT mean it is OK to wonder around unescorted.
It is one thing to do a drive by and get a feel for a particular neighborhood you may want to purchase a home in. It is even OK to talk to some of the neighbors if they are willing to do that.
But when you are stomping through the yard, and peeking into the windows, without being accompanied..you are indeed trespassing.
According to the encyclopedia of everyday law "Trespassing is a legal term that can refer to a wide variety of offenses against a person or against property. Trespassing as it relates to real estate law means entering onto land without consent of the landowner. There are both criminal and civil TRESPASS laws. Criminal trespass law is enforced by police, sheriffs, or park rangers.
Most of us are all about helping people. I know I am. But I find more often these days, potential buyers wanting less help while are acting more independently without even being aware that their actions are unlawful. 
Do you know Mr. & Mrs. Goit Alone? They are the independent home buyers who want to investigate a property without "bothering" their Realtor® or committing to one.
Low and behold, about the third time they rushed to see a property from a listing I had sent to review- the neighbors called the police. And sure enough they did not even have my card with them-
I did get a call from the local PD and had to vouch for them...as it turns out there had been a rash of break ins and a neighbor saw them there more than once..figured they were "Casing the joint" and called the police.
Another wonderful reason you may want to utilize the services of a Real Estate professional.
Play it safe- Contact a local Realtor and let us do what we do best...
Help you find the right home!
Bullets are getting expensive.
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